Customer Reviews

Create a Polymer Clay Impression

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
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2 star:		(1)
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I'm pretty sure I own every polymer clay book published save those dealing with sculpture, miniatures and doll making. I have read them cover to cover. For years,there were only a scant handful of books dealing with polymer clay,but the last couple of years has seen a near "boom" in new polymer clay books. I have preorder-ed all of them and eagerly awaited their publications.

I intended to write a review of Sarajane Helm's book, "Create a Polymer Clay Impression" when it was initially released and for various reasons didn't get it done. Since then, 6 or 7 new polymer clay books have been released and it seemed like a review in light of all of them would be timely.

I liked SaraJane Helm's book on first reading. It does not follow what has become sort of the formulaic approach of polymer clay books by beginning with a general discussion of polymer clay tools and techniques and following with step-by-step projects. It does indeed have very nice projects with instructions to complete them as well as the standard general information about working with polymer clay. What sets this book apart is that the text is loaded with specific information about materials and techniques polymer clay artists have experimented with, tried and tested since the late 80's or early 90's and have proven good.

The exploration of texturing clay and the use of rubber stamps with clay is especially worth mention - it virtually kicks open doors of creativity to a dimension of polymer clay that other books give scant mention. It switched on a little light bulb in my brain - aha! I can combine texture and other techniues and it doesn't have to be either - or.

There are three or four books in my "polymer clay library" that I find I go back to over and over for both specific information and creative inspiration and "Create a Polymer Clay Impression" is one of those well used books. I endorse it whole-heartedly.

Sarajane Helm's book was a wonderful jump start to my amateur polymer clay artistic creations. Not only is it well written with easy to follow examples, but the pictures are aesthetically pleasing. I hate books where the examples shown are simply not visually appealing enough for me to try. This is not the case with this book. Kudos to the photographer Bobby Grieser.

Each example is created in a way that inspires the reader to use the techniques and to change them to fit the reader's needs. Sarajane really inspires creativity with this book. Also, I found there are some fairly new techniques and methods to try that I have not seen in other polymer clay books.

Simply put, Creating a Polymer Clay Impression is a book that is inspiring for beginners and advanced artists alike. It is well thought out with visually inspiring examples and techniques. It also offers original ideas that I have not seen elsewhere. I recommend this book to anyone.

Isn't it exciting when a new idea comes along, when something different pops up?
Texture is an incredible aspect of art because it can be manipulated in so many different ways. It can add all the detail you need to an entire form or add interest to a single component or a piece.
I never really explored texture until I picked up this book. Sarajane Helm shows how any object can be incorporated into a work via an impression. The reader will learn how to create and use molds, different ways to use stamps, and see how texture can make for some truly unique pieces of art.
Other subjects covered are: your clay basics, caning, and using your textured pieces in various applications such as covering boxes and switchplates, assembling jewelry and mosaics (including polymer tile-covered musical instruments).
This is a great book for anyone interested in polymer clay and is looking for truly unique inspiration.

I spend a lot of time in my local book store trying to decide which book I am going to buy. I want to make sure that it isn't full of stuff that I already know of course, and that the instructions are easy to follow and all that too. I have to say, for me this book has it all! It is a perfect blend of written instructions and tips as well as a few projects to spark your creativity. This book is very well written and just FULL of great ideas! It will always have a prominent place on my bookshelf.

Excellent explanation of various polymer clay techniques. For beginner or advanced artist. This book will start the creative juices flowing. Instructions are clearly written, illustrations are excellent. Seems to answer most of the questions, from an explanation of various clays, to how to actually put together and finish your project. Author has filled in the gaps left in other polymer how to books. If I could only have one polymer clay book, this would be it.

The over-all impression is of a thinking, sharing, experienced artist, who uses the gift of flowing prose to create an "in class" experience for the reader.
This book,done in a conversational manner rather than in step-by-step directions, creates the impression of being in a class, rather than being alone with a book. Along with tons of information, you get a sense of the real-life Sarajane, complete with words of wisdom from her grandmother and others, some historical viewpoints, and informative, sequential photos that pull the book together through the use of gold-to-beige tones, and a soft, Victorian look applied to contemporary objects.
Use the information to begin or increase your understanding of stamping along with a review of the basics, or to modify the techniques you presently use.

I have many books on the subject and, although they all have added to my knowledge on the subject, this one goes far beyond! Not only did I learn many new things, but I never get tired of looking at the beautiful pictures of the magnificent work she and her husband have created!

This is a *MUST HAVE* book for any person that loves, appreciates and creates with polymer clay. Chocked full of pictures of Sarajanes beautiful and unique creations, this alone is worth adding *Create a Polymer Clay Impression* to your library. But the great thing is this book is so much MORE! Those just beginning to work with polymer clay will be able to !WOW! themselves following Sarajanes informative & easy-to-follow intructions in both techniques & projects. And for those with polymer clay creating experience, this book will open new doors for their creative juices! *Create a Polymer Clay Impression* is packed to the brim with information and inspiration! Truly a *MUST HAVE* for the polymer clay lover!

I am just a beginner with polymer clay and this book gave me some excellent information. It was easy to read and understand and not only did it give me good basic information, but it also gave me an idea of just how far you can go with polymer clay creatively.

I don't want to knock Sarajane Helm for creating a useful book for its time. I remember liking it when I first got it ... but with over 20 polymer clay craft books on my bookshelf a few months ago, it was time to cull and this was the first to go. The projects and samples are limited in style and extremely outdated. The photography is poor and the layout uninspired. Though published in 2001, it looks like it is out of the late 80's or early 90's.

There are now SO MANY wonderful polymer clay books on the market that provide better information and inspiration, not to mention step by step instructions illustrated with wonderful photos and diagrams. Look out for the more recent publications, particularly if you aspire to creating work considered contemporary.