Polymer Clay: Creating Functional and Decorative Objects [Paperback]

Jacqueline Gikow (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2001

October vessels, purses, clocks, pots, furniture...Polymer clay can be used for much more than beads and dolls! Now, artists and crafters can learn how to unleash polymer clay's functional side with this comprehensive guide. Besides covering the basics, like tools and supplies, author and artist Jacqueline Gikow teaches readers in-depth techniques for making pinch pots, bowls, coiled containers, and crocheted objects. Chapters on covering existing containers, mould-making for vessels, free-form vessels, and constructed containers each include projects that reinforce the principles explored. Features: More than 20 inspiring projects, including a book cover, puppet, and lamp; Covers a wide array of techniques and creative approaches; Includes pieces by some of the world's best-known polymer clay artists.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Known primarily as a medium for colorful novelty items and accessories, polymer clay is now getting serious attention from studio artists. Gikow (Graphic Illustration in Black and White), formerly a production studio potter, gives instructions for three-dimensional polymer clay objects using conventional pottery techniques. There are pinch pot bottles, slab-built boxes, and some delightful game boards. Photographs of work by other artists are interspersed throughout the text. This is a good addition to all general crafts collections.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Krause Publications (October 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873419529
• ISBN-13: 978-0873419529
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #917,673 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

50 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Awesome, February 7, 2002

By 

Heather (Steubenville, OH USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Polymer Clay: Creating Functional and Decorative Objects (Paperback)

I have just about every book published on polymer clay, but I have to say this one is the most unique. Most books cover the same things, using different projects to demonstrate techniques. Ms. Gikow presents many techniques and projects never covered before. Most, if not all, are 3D objects. She tackles subjects such as hinges and clasps and points out using a mold to form your object doesn't necessarily mean your object has to look like the mold. She encourages experimentation and creativity. I can assure you, this book will show plenty of wear and tear in the not too distant future.

48 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, October 2, 2001

By 

ArtWay (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Polymer Clay: Creating Functional and Decorative Objects (Paperback)

I'd thought this was going to be a book mostly about vessels, but this book is so much more! The author starts with some basic information about working with the polymer clays, and then digs right in to some of the most advanced ideas about what this clay can do. Top notch work by some of the best polymer artists. Vessels, yes, and bowls and boxes and vases and bottles. But also miniature books, ocarinas, flutes, clocks, a foot stool, lamps... incredible work and wonderful pictures. The instructions are clear and include measurements when necessary. The projects and pictures will give you tons of ideas for making your own functional and beautiful pieces. I'd recommend this one to any polymer clay fan - what a font of inspiration to keep in your clay room.

48 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most creative PC books I've seen!, October 11, 2001

By 

Carl M Johengen (Bath, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Polymer Clay: Creating Functional and Decorative Objects (Paperback)

As a polymer clay artist for three years now, I eagerly await every new book on the subject. Jacqueline Gikow's book was worth the wait. It is beautifully organized and sumptuously illustrated with lovely pictures and helpful drawings (the best I've ever seen in a craft book). The projects she suggests are wonderful, but in fact the book is far more helpful as inspiration than simply as a "how-to" book. I highly recommend this book for intermediate to advanced PC crafters and artists. Congrats, Jacqueline!!