Customer Reviews

Polymer Clay Inspirations

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

 

 

I've been working with polymer clay for a long time, and I've become pretty selective about the books I buy since there are so many of them now. This one is a keeper. Not only are the projects beautiful, but by showing where the inspiration for each one came from, the author encourages the reader to look around for their own inspiration and dare to be original. I think my favorite projects are the "turquoise" bracelet, leaf fossil pendant and box, the quilt cane pin, the "cloisonne enamel" pendant and earrings, the landscape clock, and both watercolor-inspired projects -- but there are about 20 projects to choose from. I'm very pleased with this book, and hope there is more to come from this polymer clay artist.

Truly an inspirational book of polymer clay possibilities. Patricia Kimle provides detailed instructions for 20 projects in the book. Each project is explained with text, and photos of each project in progress. The information is well written. The techniques lend themselves well for use in making other projects. Ms. Kimle also explains her inspiration for each project, and encourages the reader to take another look at the world around them for polymer clay inspiration.

The blurb on the back of the book states that this book is great for complete beginners or experienced polymer clay artists, but I do not recommend this book for complete beginners. I think the minimum experience level with polymer clay for the projects in this book is advanced beginner. A complete beginner would do better to start with the The Polymer Clay Techniques Book, by Sue Heaser.

I am frustrated by one omission in the book. There is no instruction for completing the inside of the Surprise Goose Egg Box. The instructions for the exterior of the egg box are detailed and complete. The finished box is then shown opened just a little, and might be lined (I can't really tell from the photo), but there is no explanation about lining the interior (use clay? fabric? paint?), or what the edges of the egg shell look like when the box is open (clay covered? fabric covered? painted?). Hopefully, there will be some sort of addendum, maybe on a web site, explaining how Ms. Kimle finished the interior of this project when she made it. Despite this omission, I do not regret purchasing this book, and I recommend it.

Here is one book that can answer the question " All you wanted to know in polymer, and didn't ask!"
Pat feeds not only the artist in us but the scientist as well.
From what finishes will work best, to seeing and making unique patterns from both fabric as well as from Mother Nature.
This book like a really good bottle of wine, improves with age. The more you savor it , the more fulfilling it is!

I've been working with polymer clay for several years and like most people, I purchased many books in the first few years. I had not added any to my library for over two years, when I saw this one in early 2006. It has many original ideas and techniques and is easy to follow. It does not repeat what is in other books that I have. It has a short beginner's section, which I appreciate, because, after getting past the beginner stage, I no longer purchase books that devote the first 25% to beginner techniques. Patti Kimle's art work is original and impressive and I am grateful she shares some of her techniques with us.

This book is a great inspiration to anyone intested in Poly clay! I was blown away by the pictures of the projects in this book.

This book is great for beginners and experts alike. Lots of great inspirational ideas with step by step instructions.