Making Polymer Clay Beads [Paperback]

Carol Blackburn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2007

A comprehensive introduction to the materials, tools, equipment, and techniques used to make unique beads with a variety of shapes, colors, and finishes. The straightforward instructions discuss topics that include conditioning raw clay and making simple shapes; producing more complex shapes, such as rounds, canes, and spirals; decorating the beads with foils, powders, and milléfiori; and creating faux effects like ivory, bone, turquoise, marble, and silver. A gallery of beads by internationally renowned artists, hundreds of step-by-step photographs of new beads designed by the author, and a clay gauge that allows one to estimate how much clay is necessary to make a specific quantity of beads are included, making this a comprehensive guide that will provide inspiration, demonstrate the range of effects that can be achieved in polymer clay, and teach beaders how to incorporate these beads into jewelry designs.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"If you need a 'hit' of polymer clay inspiration, you'll want to take a look at this new book."  —Polymer Clay Daily

"A fantastic book! It's well written, concise, and beautiful."  —Polymer Clay Central.com

"This is one of the best books I have seen on the subject of polymer beads."  —Upper Midwest Bead Society Newsletter

"A stunning gallery of handmade beads that might even cause a non-crafter to rush out and purchase blocks of polymer clay."  —Detroit News

"This book is a real gift to the polymer clay world."  —San Diego Polymer Clay Guild newsletter

"This stunning collection of bead possibilities is enough to make one fall in love with the versatility of polymer clay all over again."  —Monsters and Critics.com

"A concise yet comprehensive reference on this colorful medium."  —Art Jewelry magazine

"If you've ever thought about trying polymer clay but didn't know where to start, this book is perfect for you."  —South Jersey Bead Society

About the Author

Carol Blackburn is a designer who works with polymer clay, beads, and tassels. She is a member of the British and American Polymer Clay Guilds. 

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press (April 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596680199
• ISBN-13: 978-1596680197
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (77 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #81,637 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

94 of 96 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you buy just one polymer book then this is it !, March 26, 2007

By 

R. Eberhard "Eclectic Studio" (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Making Polymer Clay Beads (Paperback)

IMPORTANT FOR INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS

Before I do this review, International Customers need to check this book. It is also sold under a different ISBN - Title: How to Make Polymer Clay Beads, has a completely different cover and publisher. It also retails cheaper - in Australia for instance it's full retail in AUD19.95. I have BOTH copies and they are identical books. It also has a completely different cover in the UK - making it three "versions" - how to confuse customers.. Now to the review........


I am often asked by cash strapped students, if you had to pick one, what do you recommend....this is it. Carol Blackburn has set out to clearly show you how to make beads in every shape, form, style and faux technique that you could imagine, and she has succeeded. Commencing with an excellent intro, very handy for newcommers to PC, she covers all materials and techniques that you would want to know, Caning, Colour Mixing, Stacking, Applique, Inlay, Transfers, Rubber Stamping. Mokume Gane and Mica shift are just a few of those covered.

She then moves onto Faux Techniques, absolute winners, each and every one, and with 16 of them you would be hard pressed to not find some you liked. In particular the coral, amber, Abalone and Veined Marble were brilliant.

You are then taken to an area that many books fail to deliver - bringing it all together. Understanding tools, finishing techniques, jewellery findings and what works well with what. Finishing with a very nice gallery indeed.

What makes the book extra special. Brilliant clear photographs that actually show you the technique, not leave you guessing. Logical sequence, clear written instructions and fabulous examples of completed work. All very wearable and contemporary - no glitzy or cutesy bits here. The final winning element came with loads of tips sprinkled through the pages.

This book is a veritable one stop shop, sure it's title is beads and it does an excellent job of focusing on the diversity of beads, but this is also about technique, and you can use any of the techniques shown on any polymer creation. This is definitely one book that will be highly recommended to my students.

54 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Every technique under the rainbow interpreted for clay beads, February 28, 2007

By 

Joanna Daneman (Middletown, DE USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 10 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Making Polymer Clay Beads (Paperback)

This book is a compilation of MANY techniques I'd learned here and there over the years for making polymer clay, especially faux materials (wood, stone, leather, bone) and mokume-gane, which is a layered, irridescent technique that mimics layers of metal cut and polished. (Hard to describe, think cutting layers into the damascene metal like a Samurai sword's visible layers of steel to make a moire-patterned surface.)

Skinner blends, millefiori, mica, foil, inlay, stamping and surface impression are also covered. Nothing is handled in too much depth, but enough is given so that most of the techniques are accessible even to polymer clay beginners.

The examples of bead jewelry will take your breath away. I just wish there were more of them, as the artistry was exceptionally good.

If you want a one-stop shopping volume for making faux stone or materials, this book has a great sampling and very good tutorials. There were a number of techniques I hadn't seen before. In all, an exciting book for the polymer clay artist, and a great reference for faux materials, let alone the many shapes and styles of beads. A must-have for your beading library.

38 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional Book!, March 15, 2007

By 

J. S. Belcher - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Making Polymer Clay Beads (Paperback)

This book is far and away one of the best polymer clay books out there! The steps are clear and beautifully photographed. All the techniques, (and there are close to all of them in this book,) to make the beads can easily be applied to any other project. But the finished pieces, oh the finished pieces, are perfect for this book. Each one simple, beautifully finished, elegantly put together, thoughtfully arranged. If you are new to clay, BUY THIS BOOK!!! It will be an invaluable resource for you. If you have more experience, BUY THIS BOOK!!!! It will remind you how to hone your skills and give you beautiful work to be inspired by. Excellent job Carol Blackburn!