Making Polymer Clay Beads: Step-by-Step Techniques for Creating Beautiful Ornamental Beads

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 128 pages
• Published by: Interweave Press April 1, 2007
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 1596680199
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-1596680197
• Book Dimensions: 8.7 x 8.6 x 0.5 inches
• Weighs: 15.5 ounces

Product Review
"If you need a 'hit' of polymer clay inspiration, you'll want to take a look at this new book."  —Polymer Clay Daily

"A fantastic book! It's well written, concise, and gorgeous."  —Polymer Clay Central.com

"This is one of the best books I have seen on the subject of polymer beads."  —Upper Midwest Bead Society Newsletter

"A stunning gallery of handmade beads that might even cause a non-crafter to rush out and purchase blocks of polymer clay."  —Detroit News



"This book is a real gift to the polymer clay world."  —San Diego Polymer Clay Guild newsletter



"This stunning collection of bead possibilities is enough to make one fall in love with the versatility of polymer clay all over again."  —Monsters and Critics.com



"A concise yet comprehensive reference on this colorful medium."  —Art Jewelry magazine



Product Description
A comprehensive introduction to the materials, tools, equipment, and techniques used to make unique beads with a variety of shapes, colors, and finishes. The straightforward instructions discuss topics that include conditioning raw clay and making simple shapes; producing more complex shapes, such as rounds, canes, and spirals; decorating the beads with foils, powders, and milléfiori; and creating faux effects like ivory, bone, turquoise, marble, and silver. A gallery of beads by internationally renowned artists, hundreds of step-by-step photographs of new beads designed by the author, and a clay gauge that allows one to estimate how much clay is necessary to make a specific quantity of beads are included, making this a comprehensive guide that will provide inspiration, demonstrate the range of effects that can be achieved in polymer clay, and teach beaders how to incorporate these beads into jewelry designs.


Reader Reviews
IMPORTANT FOR INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS Before I do this review, International Customers need to check this book. It is also sold under a different ISBN - Title: How to Make Polymer Clay Beads, has a completely different cover and publisher. It also retails cheaper - in Australia for instance it's full retail in AUD19.95. I have BOTH copies and they are identical books. It also has a completely different cover in the UK - making it three "versions" - how to confuse customers.. Now to the review........ I am often asked by cash strapped students, if you had to pick one, what do you recommend....this is it. Carol Blackburn has set out to clearly show you how to make beads in every shape, form, style and faux technique that you could imagine, and she has succeeded. Commencing with an excellent intro, very handy for newcommers to PC, she covers all materials and techniques that you would want to know, Caning, Colour Mixing, Stacking, Applique, Inlay, Transfers, Rubber Stamping. Mokume Gane and Mica shift are just a few of those covered. She then moves onto Faux Techniques, absolute winners, each and every one, and with 16 of them you would be hard pressed to not find some you liked. In particular the coral, amber, Abalone and Veined Marble were brilliant. You are then taken to an area that many books fail to deliver - bringing it all together. Understanding tools, finishing techniques, jewellery findings and what works well with what. Finishing with a very nice gallery indeed. What makes the book extra special. Brilliant clear photographs that actually show you the technique, not leave you guessing. Logical sequence, clear written instructions and fabulous examples of completed work. All very wearable and contemporary - no glitzy or cutesy bits here. The final winning element came with loads of tips sprinkled through the pages. This book is a veritable one stop shop, sure it's title is beads and it does an excellent job of focusing on the diversity of beads, but this is also about technique, and you can use any of the techniques shown on any polymer creation. This is definitely one book that will be highly recommended to my students. Comment | | (Report this)