How to Make Clay Characters [Paperback]

Maureen Carlson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 15, 1997

With polymer clay and imagination, Maureen Carlson has brought a whole world of cheery little characters to life. You can do it, too! This book makes it fun and easy - no sculpting experience or fancy equipment required!

You'll find lots of full-color pictures and detailed, step-by-step projects to lead you all the way - starting with simple, neighborhood kids, and progressing to more complex characters like Grandma and Saint Nick. You'll learn how to make every detail just right, from hair to facial expressions to feet. When you get the hang of it, you can create lively little folks of your own imaginings?even personalize our clay characters for extra-special gifts.

No two will ever be exactly alike, but each one is guaranteed to make you smile!

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Polymer clay figures used as characters in cartoon films are familiar to us. Because the clay is so easily worked, it is not difficult to make one's own figures to use in doll houses or other miniature settings. Carlson's manual includes general information on supplies and techniques as well as step-by-step projects for a variety of representative figures from a wide range of age groups. The color illustrations showing work in progress as well as finished figures are excellent, and the often humorous clothed characters are portrayed doing many activities.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

For close to a decade now, crafters of many ages have been enjoying the fruits of polymer clays (aka Fimo, Sculpey, and by other brand names) as easy-to-fashion materials for jewelry. Self-taught artisan Carlson raises the bar and concocts 21 personable creatures few will be able to resist. Even better are the marvelously detailed instructions, from the formation of hands, feet, and faces, to solving 21 common problems, such as crumbly clay and (horrors!) breakage. Though needed amounts of material and finished sizes are not included in the directions, very little is omitted in transforming a once humble material into very realistic beings: included are color photographs, clothing templates, explicit instructions about equipment and basic techniques, and other tips (e.g., prebake the eyeballs). Something from the oven that shows a professional artist at work. Barbara Jacobs

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: North Light Books (March 15, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0891347216
• ISBN-13: 978-0891347217
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #86,359 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #42 in Books > Arts & Photography > Sculpture

More About the Author

Maureen Carlson has written for numerous craft magazines and has produced a series of instructional videotapes about polymer clay. Her moulds and figurines are found in craft and gift stores nationwide.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Polymer Clay Figures How to book, February 16, 2000

By 

A. Anderson "ann0314" (Youngstown, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How to Make Clay Characters (Paperback)

Since so many Clay books are dedicated to the jewelry aspect of clay, this is a refreshing change. The book has insight into the best clays to use, supplies needed, step by step instructions with pictures, and hints and tricks. The book statrs out with simple figures and then as you build confidence it steps you through more difficult and complex characters. The book is easy to read and follow and also includes a troubleshooting section...Definitely a book to have if you are interested in doing people or cartoon like characters out of clay.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Polymer Clay from start to finish, September 6, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: How to Make Clay Characters (Paperback)

This book is a must have for anyone who works with Polymer Clay and wants the inside information at their fingertips on how to make sculted polymer clay creations rather than canes. Even veteran clayers can brush up on their artistry with the carefully written techniques and detailed photographs in this book.

I have been making polymer clay figures for over ten years, and have used some of Maureen Carlson's techniques which formerly were only available in magazines which I just "happened" to read and buy. Now, with this book, I have all the information that I need to get the cute smiles and playful positions for my polymer clay characters. In addition, this book shares Maureen's time-tested methods of making clothing, armatures and adornments that give her characters their special and unique appeal.

I highly rate and recommend this book to anyone, novice or experienced, who has the desire to produce their own Santa Claus or Tooth Fairy, or favourite charachter. With this book, and a little creative ingenuity on your own, your are equipped to create the delightful little folk out of this expressive medium.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very easy..Very instructive, March 2, 2000

By 

Maleen Millmine (Pioche, Nevada USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Make Clay Characters (Paperback)

I have been using polymer clay for years. There were no books on how to make figures so I just jumped in and taught myself. When I got this book I had been making polymer clay figures but had never made the clothes with the clay...I had always used cloth. This book taught me the basics for making clothing with the clay and simple things I hadn't thought of such as crases, bends in joints, wrinkles....etc. If anyone is into making polymer clay figures this is a must for your library!