Customer Reviews

The New Clay: Techniques and Approaches to Jewelry Making

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book has been around a while, and for a good reason. It's one of the best books for learning polymer clay techniques like millefiori and bead making.

Even complex techniques are well explained here. The gallery of pictures is inspiring. If you have to get one book, this is definitely one that will start you off right and be worth keeping.

Warning: this is a very FUN craft and can be quite addictive. Fortunately, there are lots of uses for polymer clay, like beads, buttons, hair clips, decorated boxes and much more.

Nan Roche & Chris Roche have produced a how-to book that incorporates clear easy instructions on the background and use of polymer clay along with clear, exciting and creatively motivating photos of some of the most challanging clay pieces I have seen. Even if you do not knead clay, you need this book for the sheer joy of how those pictures open you mind to different ways of using materials. A must for every clay worker's library

This is a great book for both beginners and more advanced polymer clay enthusiasts. The illustrations are beautiful and the directions are simple and straightforward. Anyone interested in working with polymer clay needs to own this book!

It was the first book about PC. It was the only book available for quite some time. Many of the most renowned PC artists started with this book and you can see the influence in their work.

I have just about every PC book there is and this one has some of the best explanations of the underlying basic methods available. Sort of like the "alphabet" of PC. I reread it often. I consider it a reference book rather than a project book.

I have seen another very new PC enthusiast buy the book and dislike it (as a previous reviewer mentioned.) I think this comes from someone making a cursory review of the pictures in the book and deciding that is not what they want to make. I think they may have missed the trees for the forest. There is a lot of depth there. I highly recommend it for anyone serious about learning polymer clay.

Everyone starting out in polymer clay should have this book in their library. Many newer techniques have been developed since this book came out but this book contains everything you need in order to develop your own original work. If you're looking for a "projects" book skip this, but if you want the basics this is the book for you. I only wish Nan Roche would write another! I still find myself refering to it and I've been working in polymer clay for over 15 years.

If you want to learn to make canes this is your Bible. It is not limited to cane but its step by step guide to all the different types is terrific. I must look at it several times a week. Love it.

I bought three books on Polymer Clay, and this is the only one with all the techniques there that I want to learn.
Looks a little difficult for a beginner, but at least I know I have a true encyclopedia of knowledge here. I don't have to go out and buy a whole list of other products to make the items presented in the book.
Thank you , Nan Roche for making a true classic!

What a great how-to book! Perfect for beginners! Polymer clay can be quite addictive and you will want to make everything! Although this book was published in '92, do not let mislead you into thinking that there are newer better books now....this is a classic! Very clear instructions for the newbie! enjoy!

Sarah hit the nail on the head, so to speak. I made exactly that mistake (looking at the pictures when it arrived from Amazon) and since I wanted to make jewelry, boxed it up to send it back. It said "Jewelry Making" on the cover but had pictures of everything but jewelry. I was very disappointed.

But I procrasinated. I had waited too long to send it back so I sat down with it and began to read. Praise be!

Nan Roche completely explained her choice of photographs and just about everything else I need to know about polymer clay. She is clear, concise and has a way of commenting on her personal life that makes you think of her has a friend or well-loved teacher. This book was the first and best.

I haven't worked with polymer very long. Actually, this is my first go-around. This book has very good illustrations for manipulating the clay. It's easier to understand when it's illustrated rather than photographs of someone actually doing the work. This book is purely for learning. It is not a high quality book and the photographer was not well versed using light when taking his/her shots.