New Ways with Polymer Clay [Paperback]

Kris Richards (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1997

This is an exploration of the many possible ways of conditioning, shaping, curing and mixing colours of polymer clay. This book includes practical advice on choosing the brand of clay and the most suitable tools, a guide to appropriate glues and how to use them, and tips on storing polymer clay. Ten step-by-step projects are included, ranging from simple to advanced.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

With half of the text devoted to thorough coverage of the basics, this guide provides an excellent introduction to an increasingly popular medium. Polymer clay is readily available and easy to work with, but must first be prepared properly. New Ways explains everything from conditioning to adding texture to working with various tools to baking procedures. The second half offers 10 step-by-step projects, including boxes, picture frames, jar lids, and a variety of ornaments.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: kp books (February 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801988691
• ISBN-13: 978-0801988691
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #920,336 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars New Ways With Polymer Clay : The Next Generation of Projects, April 26, 2000

By 

"eclecticartist" - See all my reviews

This review is from: New Ways with Polymer Clay (Paperback)

If you are just starting out in polymer clay, the terminology and techniques can be daunting. Kris Richards' book is the perfect solution for the 'newbie' seeking more knowledge and better understanding of polymer clay. In a friendly conversational manner, this book covers a plethora of information. Kris Richards, one of the media's premier artists, has an understanding and empathy for people just beginning with this art media. And, while Part One of her book covers the "Basics", it is also an excellent technical 'manual' for the seasoned pc'er. I particularly have appreciated her thorough coverage of the types of clays and their tensile strength, her coverage on baking clay and on the section on which glues to use.

Better still, as a teacher of special education students, I find Part Two, Kris' polymer clay projects, filled with very well-written directions for projects that are fun for me as well as for my students.

I recommend this book to anyone, particularly new pc'ers and teaching artists who need reference info or project ideas.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New Ways With Polymer Clay, April 26, 2000

By 

Patty Barnes (Texas, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: New Ways with Polymer Clay (Paperback)

Kris Richard's book is an excellent book. In fact, I own two: one for my use and one for my school art students' use. In this well written and clearly illustrated book, there is accurate information on the comparable strengths and ease of workability of various clays. Also, basic use and techniques for working with the clay are covered to help both beginner and advanced clayers.

With this sound preparation, the reader is able to progress through a variety of projects from jewelry to home decor. In fact, the Internet Pen project was such a hit with my art students, I still refer to it when teaching them how to cover pens. It is wonderful to have projects that succeed time after time due to proper and concise directions.

I would highly recommend that this book be added to any clay enthusiast's library.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Everything You Need to Know to Get Started With Polymer Clay, April 27, 2000

By 

Marie Johannes (Birmingham, Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: New Ways with Polymer Clay (Paperback)

New Ways with Polymer Clay by Kris Richards is a great book for a beginner interested in learning as much as they can about polymer clay. Kris Richards has taken the mystery out of the different brands available. Her charts showing technical comparisons make it easy to understand when and why you would choose various products. ALL the important foundation knowledge is here.

Not only does Kris set the record straight on clays, tools, and basic techniques, she goes on to actual projects in the second half of the book. These projects offer beautiful, clear drawings showing exact hand placement that you can refer to over and over again. How many times have you paid for an expensive workshop and couldn't see the teacher's hands during the demonstration for various reasons? Kris gives it to you step by step. AND, the projects are original and innovative. All beginners want to see immediate results and Kris's book guarantees success!

Bravo to Kris and her wonderful book! I've taught polymer clay for six years and I highly recommend this book to my students.