For all of the crafters who love to work with polymer clay and for all of those who have considered it but have not jumped into the fray, there are a couple of must have books out on the market that add a whole new dimension to our regular, everyday projects that bring with it a new realm of ideas and direction we can explore with this medium.
The first book is called "The Art of Metal Clay: Techniques for creating jewelry and decorative objects" by Sherri Haab. This book is published by Watson -Guptill publications. This is information packed how-to for making clay and jewelry projects using metal clays. This version gives you even more. The best part is the visuals that are provided by a DVD that comes with each book. The DVD gives a step-by-step one-hour tutorial so you can have a private teacher right in your own home. This is not one of those books that show you fabulous products to make and the directions included are for watered down amateurish versions. Ms Haab gives you all of the information you will need for working with the clay from modeling to firing and finishing the projects. From start to finish this is one of the best clay books out there today
While we are on the subject of polymer clay, the other book you will want to have in your reference materials is called " The Art of Polymer Clay: Creative Surface Effects" written by Donna Kato and Published also by the Watson-Guptill publishers. In this book the author makes some of the most beautiful beads, art pieces and jewelry using techniques of stamping, stenciling, and transfers. When you pick up the book, your first impression is the photo on the front cover and wow. They give you a photo of some very detailed and ornate beads that you think initial are incredible but those are for someone with years of expertise. Ms. Kato actually brings the set of directions to such a basic design that anyone can create these beauties.
Working with clay is always a fun expression of who we are but being able to reproduce the masterpieces depicted here is even better.
And while you are exploring the different stamping and stenciling techniques, don’t forget to send in photos of your stenciling efforts. Even if they are as tiny as a bead you should still enter. Any avenue that gives you the potential to get more Pebble’s Inc. products is worth the effort.
Check out the Watson-Guptill Publications website. They are publishing quality materials for the crafter in all of us.
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