Customer Reviews

Artful Ways with Polymer Clay

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I'm an experienced "clayer" and I loved this book. It was full of inspiration and really great ideas for me. However, if you're just starting in polymer clay art, it does use a lot of advanced techniques and assumes you already know what you're doing.

I bought this book yesterday at a local craft store after just glancing at it for a few quick moments. I am so happy that I bought it. It has lots of ideas and projects that I haven't seen before and some that I have seen but done in a different way. Everything is kept fairly simple so even novice clayers can enjoy and use the book. As to the review that states you can't find the items that are needed in the book, there is only one project that you would need to do some work to find the items needed and that is for a kaleidoscope pendant, which while interesting is not something that I will be making anytime soon. As for the cyanoacrylate glue, if you look at most super glues you will see that is what they are made from.

Dotty McMillan is an exceptionally talented artist, and this book is both inspirational and instructive. The projects range from very simple (clay handles for tools) to complex (dragon skin box)--but all are achievable. This may not be a book for the very beginning clayer, but it is very detailed and metciulous in its instruction. The projects are very beautiful as well--I particularly like her "dragon skin" vessel--beautiful, functional, and again, attainable by the average clayer.

Dotty not only showcases her own talents, but those of guest artists who have contributed projects to this book--including Michelle Ross, whose polymer clay frame adorns the cover.

The only thing I'd ask Dotty to do for future books is to put the details of her projects into "step-by-step" format with plenty of photos rather than in just descriptive paragraphs. For the average reader/clayer, it would be easier to follow.

I do agree that a resource guide would be nice, but the lack of one does not make the book "useless" as one reviewer has claimed. I thoroughly recommend this book!

What a disappointment! It calls for things like front surface mirrors, a 3/8" diameter clear acrylic ball, a copper tube and lamp check ring of specific dimensions, a plastic lens with a focal length of 2.625, cyanolacrylate glue, etc. - but gives NO hint of where to purchase anything. I never looked so hard for anything, but the info just isn't there - and, without it, the book is useless. Too bad; it would have been wonderful had it included at least a hint of where to buy things we've never even heard of before

This book covers many techniques including molds, stamping, image transfers, silk screening, skinner blends, mokume gane, various canes, antiquing, crackling, gilding, faux materials, punch cutters, inclusions, inks and paints and suface techniques. I especially liked the advice about how to make your own stamps and cutters. The projects were varied and interesting (very adaptable) including knobs, a sun catcher, egg, boxes, purse, photo book, clock and a mask. There were eight jewelry projects and one very interesting project where a mini-kaleidoscope was covered and made into a pendant. This book would satisfy beginners and experts alike.

This book is written by a lady who is very well known in the polymer clay community. She is extremely talented in many aspects of the clay world. This book is extremely wonderful to follow. It contains so many great ideas and inspirations for the seasoned clayer as well as the beginner. You definately will want to add this book to your clay library. I just love it. So glad I got it, but wish I would have purchased it a long time ago. Would definately been a big help when I was a newbie to claying.

This book, which I was waiting for, certainly is living up to its redommedation among clayers. My interest in clay was flagging and this wonderfully illustrated manual revived me.

Newbies to clay and the experienced will treasure it.

This is, by far, the best book on Polymer Clay I have read. I have read dozens and been disappointed many times. This book is so good about showing you exactly how to do beautiful, unexpected things with polymer clay. Thanks for such a great guide!

I recommend this to beginners and experienced alike.