Foundations in Polymer Clay Design [Paperback]

Barbara A. McGuire (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1999

This one-of-a-kind book defines traditional, fundamental design elements and illustrates their applications in beautiful, modern polymer clay. Straight forward design concepts such as color, pattern, shape, balance, and texture, which apply to all media, are explored. Includes more than 20 projects that reinforce key concepts.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The variety of colorful creations that can be made with polymer clay seems endless, and successful results can be had with any level of expertise. These two books explore advanced techniques and artistic design. Well illustrated with works by polymer clay artists, they include projects for intricately pieced and shaped jewelry and art objects. The Polymer Clay Technique Book, in particular, has detailed step-by-step instructions for many techniques such as marbling, cutting, and making millefiori canes. Both are good additions to arts and crafts collections.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Krause Publications (September 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 087341800X
• ISBN-13: 978-0873418003
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #904,931 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

58 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wide selection of projects teaching design basics, October 24, 1999

By 

Angel Lee "Liocorno Amethyst Moonstone" (Cleveland, OH United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Foundations in Polymer Clay Design (Paperback)

This is a great polymer clay book for beginners. It is in full color & packed with many unique & inspirational artwork examples. With a wide variety of easy projects & techniques, you are sure to find one that suits your taste.

One of the great things about this book is that beginning artists get a crash course in the elements of design while creating beautiful artwork. Projects teach basic principles such as color, shape, line, texture, pattern, movement, contrast, & unity.

Step-by-step examples with b/w illustrations guide you through each of 22 different projects. Some of my favorites include blended shell beads, barrettes, an egg with flower millefiori, & a stamped wall hanging.

The section on materials & supplies is very complete including many options for surface finishing. The resource & artist lists are a great bonus. This is a wonderful look at the detail, variety & creativity possible in polymer clay.

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Well-Rounded Approach to Design, July 29, 2001

By 

"renaultartgeek" (Kenilworth, NJ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Foundations in Polymer Clay Design (Paperback)

Barbara E.McGuire's 'Foundations in Polymer Clay Design' is a great addition to both a beginner's and a more advanced artist's library, however, note that it is not a project book. The technical aspects of the clay are briefly discussed in the first chapter. The rest of the book focuses on the aspects and elements of design. Invaluable discussions on color, line, form, movement, etc., are contained within its chapters; as well as a stunning array of polymer clay artwork captured in beautifully executed photograpy.

While you will find plenty of inspiration gazing at the gallery of work in 'Foundations', you'll find little if any discussion of the techniques used in making them. The information offered is to be used as a guideline for refining your own unique style.

Working in polymer clay is more rewarding now that I've read (and reread) this book; it has served as a muse and a mentor. My work is more professional, more diverse and visually pleasing; my practice far more organized. The absense of step-by-step instruction does not limit the reader but helps them to expand by calling upon them to apply what they have learned to their own ideas.

This title is a perfect complement to Donna Kato's 'The Art of Polymer Clay', which is overflowing with technical instruction made beginner-friendly. I highly recommend a newcomer to the medium purchase both titles.

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite polymer clay book..., August 8, 2001

By 

"eclecticartist" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Foundations in Polymer Clay Design (Paperback)

Barbara McGuire's Foundations in Polymer Clay Design is a must have for every polymer clay artist. It has exceptional information to enhance one's design knowledge and how to apply this knowledge to polymer clay artwork. The photos are stunning and best of all, show evidence of today's talented pc artists. Barbara's examples of each design concept and how they apply to working in polymer clay are valuable to the serious artist.

This book has several wonderful easy-to-try projects that demonstrate the chapter's concept. These lessons help to satisfy the reader who is looking for practice, but may not be 'enough' for the person who is simply looking for a book of how-to projects.

McGuire's book will remain an excellent reference for the artist and one where new lessons can be learned each time the book is taken off the shelf to reread. Five Stars!!!!