Customer Reviews

New Ways with Polymer Clay

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I am relatively new to polymer clays and was feeling abit overwhelmed not knowing what to do next. This book caught my eye after having looked at several books that were just abit too 'newbie'. Kris Richads bridged that gap between 'newbie' and what the heck do I do now phase with this well written book:) The basics section in part one was more than just basics, which was exactly what I was looking for and the projects in part two are simple but could be modified to the intermediate/semi-advanced with ease:):) All around great book and worth every red-cent:)

As a Polymer Clay artist and a person who tries to help many other people in real life and on the internet learn more and more about Polymer Clay, Kris Richards Book "New Ways with Polymer Clay" is on my SHORT LIST, of must have books for the PC beginner! If you have a question, you will get an answer from this book! Kris Richards has been writing about Polymer Clay for many years and all of her books give you a wonderful basis to build your knowledge of this incredible medium!

I think this book is great for a number of reasons.

I'm a professional polymer clay artist but found this book immensely helpful because it contains a comprehensive collection of basic polymer clay information. The projects designed for beginners to intermmediate clay users can also appeal to artisans who do production work.

This book broke new ground by being the first serious publication to explain how to cover pens and light bulbs. Both techniques that have become very widely used in the polymer clay world.

I especially like the use of the illustrations done by the author. What a talented lady!

I teach polymer clay technique to hundreds of people every year and I recommend this book as the one to buy for people who are new to clay or have a limited knowledge of the medium. There are lots of great books on clay, but many are intimmidating to people at a beginning or intermediate skill level. The projects in this book are well thought out and beautifully finished.

Having projects that are easily followed and can reproduced as shown, is the best way I know for people to build their confidence in the medium, preparing them for more difficult technique. I would recommend this book to anyone!

I have every polymer clay book and phamplet that I know of. Let's just say that's quite an extensive library of at least 30 - 50 publications. Out of all of them, "New Ways With Polymer Clay," and Sue Heaser's "Polymer Clay Techniques" are my most loaned out copies.

"New Ways With Polymer Clay," has always been inspirational to me. The projects are ones that you just can't pass by without trying. My very first project using canes was Kris's Christmas ball ornaments. It's still a cherished object.

The pictures are beautiful. The book is well written. You'll LOVE "New Ways With Polymer Clay!"

This is a MUST have book for any "true polymer clay artist"

This is one of the "MOST" informative clay books available on today's market. Not only does the book contain technical information that novice artists need to understand, but also information for those of us who have been working with clay for several years.

I highly recommend this book to ANY and ALL polymer clay artists of ANY LEVEL. The section of projects are at all different levels of experience. In my opinion, they are a good foundation for those individuals who need to develop their own style and skills with this wonderful and relatively new medium.

The book is very comprehensive with an explanation of the different brands of clay and what makes them different. Type of tools that can be used with clay and suggestions of other items that can be incorporated into your clay projects.

Many tips & tricks are also included in the easy to read book, without having to dredge through a bunch of technical jargon to get to the point.

Additionally, this book has a very comprehensive list of companies that can be easily contacted to order clay and related materials. Which generally are not an easy thing to locate at any old craft store.

I have been working with clay for over six years and still refer to this book often. This book was worth well more than its purchase price, thats for sure!

If I had to pick only three clay books to own (out of the numerous amout that are available today), this would definately be one of those top three!

I Loved this book! It had the most comprehensive description of all of the different clays that are available on the market. Kris also included the physical properties of each brand as well..the only book to do this. I was impressed with the well defined work space because it explained what was needed to do any polymer project and how to embellish it. The basics which cover the first half of the book were the best I have read so far. Most books on this subject contain only a chapter or so.

I thought the photos were great. Nice bright colors, and the drawings were very clear and easy to understand with the step by step instructions for each project. This book would put anyone new to polymer clay at ease and help them produce beautiful quality items very easily.

New Ways with Polymer clay is a basic and practical book which gives the beginnner a good foundation for handling polymer clay. This instructions are clear, and help the novice avoid major pitfalls. Safety concerns are addressed. The projects are colorful and straightforward enough to turn out right on the first try. Several adapted easily to different themes or holidays. I think this book does a good job of getting a crafter started with polymer. Both my niece (10) and my sister-in-law, an enthusiastic amateur, enjoyed it.