Customer Reviews:
Great information........2006-12-09
For someone totally new to encaustic, this book is great! I am interested in encaustic painting and this book gave me tons of technical information regarding materials--wax, pigments, brushes, heat guns, etc. Additionally, it shows many different expressions in encaustic art: abstract paintings, representational paintings, sculptures....This book does not teach one HOW to paint, rather it highlights the materials and examples of encaustic works. This is a very informative, enjoyable book.
Great place to start exploring.......2006-06-15
This is a great introduction to the medium. I've painted with acrylics for a few years and wanted to experiment with encaustic. Mattera gives a simple but thorough overview of encaustic. After reading this book I felt I had the basic knowledge I needed to start and it has continued to guide and inspire my exploration. I definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in painting with wax.
The Art of Encaustic Painting.......2006-02-06
I think the book is really great. It's not one of those books that takes you steep by steep through the proces of Encaustic painting but gigves you just a enought to venture out on your own. It's a book that I go back to quite offen to get my creative juices going.
Outstanding Book for Fascinating Art Medium.......2006-01-16
Joanne Mattera has written a comprehensive volume about my favorite medium, encaustic painting. She details the history of the art, as well as current artists using the medium. Perfect for beginners in encaustic, as complete instructions on melting, mixing, fusing, tools, safety issues, as well as how to build substrates, are given.
The Art of Encaustic Painting.......2005-09-04
Very informative and inspirational.
As a novice artist it really put me into the perspective of
experimenting with encaustic in the near future.
Book Description
Polymer clay has grown and grown and grown in popularity since the publication of Donna Kato’s best-selling The Art of Polymer Clay in 1997. And there have been so many technical advances, too. Now poly-diva Donna Kato presents an all-new look at one of crafters’ all-time favorite mediums. Donna Kato’s Polymer Clay Innovations begins with the essentials of polymer clay, including its working properties, plus tools, curing, safety recommendations, and color blending (with full information on the now-indispensable Skinner Blend). Photo-packed chapters focus on exciting projects—beads, bracelets, pins, pendants, and boxes--and showcase new techniques, including image transfers, surface treatments such as stencils, stamps, paints, and inks, sculpting, inclusions, special effects, and finishing. Finished pieces by some of the biggest names in polymer clay, including Kathleen Dustin, Pier Voulkos, and Nan Roche, plus Donna Kato herself, offer ideas and inspiration.
Customer Reviews:
Nice book.......2007-09-03
You get to know how to, to all the things the title of this page says but most of the projects are to make pendants, if you looking to make a lot of beads projects get " Making Polymer Clay Beads: Step-by-Step Techniques for Creating Beautiful Ornamental Beads by Carol Blackburn " as complement to this book, I think you gonna learn a lot out of this two books to start making polymer clay jewelry or whatever.
Any library strong in clay crafts needs this........2007-09-03
Ten years ago clay artist Donna Kato's first book ART OF POLYMER CLAY established her as an early authority on the topic: she's become a teacher and product designer since then, and her latest title The Art of Polymer Clay: Creative Surface Effects: Techniques and Projects Featuring Transfers, Stamps, Stencils, Inks, Paints, Mediums, and More expands the topic to the next level, featuring dozens of techniques for exciting surface effects and art options. Chapters cover everything from inkjet transfers onto clay surfaces to texturing and toner transfers. Any library strong in clay crafts needs this.
Wouah!.......2007-08-31
Superb book, to be recommended to whom wants to make with polymer clay something really special. Clear explanations, beautiful projects. It requires some material; but the results are the reward.
A must for any craft library.......2007-08-26
I just started working with polymer clay a few weeks ago and wanted a book that logically explains techniques as well as offering good photography. Being a librarian and fiber artist, I HAVE to have my own library of art/craft books for reference and inspiration. Kato's is one of the best I have for any media. It's well written and organized and the photos are inspiring. I highly recommend this book for any polymer clay artist or library wanting to add a high quality book to a crafts collection.
High marks for Donna Kato's new book.......2007-08-26
This book is so well done with instructions that are easily followed. It opens the creative channels and encourages you to explore and take things to the next step. Donna Kato is so sharing and giving and an inspiring artist. This is a valuable addition to your library.
Book Description
A fascinating study of this amazing archaeological discovery.
Customer Reviews:
Modeling the Head in Clay, Bruno Lucchesi.......2007-07-16
A step by step tutorial showing how the artists creates the most life like head in clay. Another great sculpture technique book . Highly recommended.
modeling the head in clay.......2007-05-13
The artist hands block some of the view of the work that needs to done.
Faces of Clay.......2007-01-05
This book is the best instruction tool and reference for everyone wanting to learn to form a realistic bust in clay. I keep going back and further " seeing" forms I didnt recognise previously.Highly recommended for all sculptors.Thank goodness for Bruno!
Excellent!.......2006-12-28
I bought this book during some downtime after surgery and I was thoroughly impressed. My first project was a bust of my daughter and it turned out well enough that the neighborhood kids all wanted their own!
I've been sculpting ever since.
You won't believe how easy, how enjoyable and how little time it actually takes to create your own masterpiece!
Highly recommended.
IT COULD BE BETTER.......2006-09-10
Bruno Lucchesi's book is interesting though it could be better if it were in colored photos. I also wonder how he removes the newspaper inside after the sculpture is ready - he doesn't show. While making the hair, he doesn't claim the attention to the serious problems of the bubbles which can explode the piece... Despite all this, it's a good book.
Book Description
•A one-of-a-kind resource that shows polymer clay artists how to use historic design ideas in their work
• More than 30 exciting techniques and projects illustrated with clear step-by-step photos
• Features the work of today's biggest names in polymer clay, including Donna Kato, Pier Voulkos, Kathleen Dustin, Ford + Forlano, and KLEW
Thousands of crafters have discovered that polymer clay is versatile, easy to use, and just plain fun. Now they can use this exciting medium to create remarkable new work inspired by the decorative arts of the past. Polymer Clay Creative Traditions lets both beginners and experienced artisans draw inspiration form painting and drawing, ethnic carving, quilting, ceramics, sculpture, glass, metalwork, and more. Thorough 300 stunning photographs and fascinating text, author Judy Belcher reveals how these influences can be exptessed in polymer clay. Introduction on the history and handling, plus tips and techniques throughout the book, make Polymer Clay Creative Traditions an invaluable guide to creating works of art that blend a great material of today with the greatest design ideas of yesterday.
Customer Reviews:
Very Helpful Book about making Pretty Polymer Clay Stuff!.......2007-08-04
Very Helpful Book about making Pretty Polymer Clay Stuff! I really like this book alot. :0)
Polymer Clay Creative Traditions: Techniques and Projects Inspired by the Fine and Decorative Arts.......2007-08-03
This is the perfect and complete polymer clay book. Step by step are so clear and Judy Belcher is a talented and generous clay artist. Must buy.
Right Up There With the Best of Them!.......2007-06-13
This is a wonderfully inspirational polymer clay book, with a fresh approach and new ideas. The photos, diagrams, and written instructions are detailed enough to actually be useful and the projects are enticing enough to make readers want to actually try them, rather than just view the pictures. This is a fine addition to my polymer clay library and a book I'll refer to often.
A real inspiration!!.......2007-04-11
Polymer clay artists are frequently inspired by other art forms
-from fibre and metalwork to painting and sculpture.
Judy shows how to turn inspiration into reality and just how versatile
polymer clay is for this purpose.
Each chapter starts from a material-based art tradition, eg. glass, metal,
wood, and develops the techniques associated with these crafts in concise,
clearly explained projects. Each technique has a gallery of beautiful
examples of both the source artforms, such as exquisite pieces of
wood furniture, and several works in polymer clay inspired by the material
and sometimes combined with it in mixed media objects.
Judy has selected her gallery artists with care -the best work by the best artists-dazzling!
By illustrating high standards of design and execution, she places polymer clay
on an equal footing with older art material traditions and demands that we keep aiming higher.
For me this is the real inspirational effect of a great book.
Well done, Judy Belcher.
Carol Blackburn, author of 'Making Polymer Clay Beads'
Polymer Clay Traditions.......2007-02-13
This was one of my first clay books and one that gave me a good start.
Book Description
Whether you are experienced working with polymer clay or a novice, you'll love this new book from Dinko Tilov which takes you step by step through sculpting 10 all new projects, including a fairy tale cast of trolls, magicians, elves, knights, gnomes, wizards, a dragon and dragon baby, and a horse/giraffe, as well as fantasy holiday characters 'a glow in the dark skeleton, a Santa, an Easter bunny, and a silly guy holding a heart for Valentine's day.
Projects are designed for beginner, intermediate, and advanced clayers. As skill level and artistic ability increase, clayers can turn to the bonus tips the author provides that encourage creativity outside the basic project, such as how to transform a basic humanlike character into a magician or wizard by adding appropriate features and accessories.
Well-known polymer clay artist Dinko Tilov walks readers through each step and provides instructions for creating his renowned "Dinko" critters with their silly, cartoonish faces.
Customer Reviews:
A Polymer Clay Fantasy Figure Book.......2007-03-09
A cute book for anyone who likes to dabble in the fantasy world of polyamer clay.
Great step by step explanation.......2007-02-07
The characters in this book are somewhat goofy, however, the author provides excellent basics on armature building for creatures like horses and dragons. If you are looking for a lighter side to the fantasy world and would like to sculpt some fun creatures, this book is perfect. I think that kids will really love how achievable the sculptures in this book are for them.
One of the best art/craft technique books ever.......2006-12-04
Superb from start to finish. If you have any interest in sculpting fantastic creatures in polymer clay this is the best place to start bar none-- and it will take you far. I've done most of the projects in the book and am now very comfortable creating my own critters from scratch. The photos are fantastic with just the right amount of detail (no shots taken from halfway across the room!), the text is very clear (and funny!), and the book is simply a lot of fun overall. Can't recommend it highly enough for anyone interested in the subject.
Awsome Book.......2006-05-10
I love this book it is step by step. I made the first smiling chicken and he looked just like the pictures. Super book.
Gorgeous, but fantasy means trolls here.......2005-08-31
This book is gorgeous, with unique, detailed projects and explicit step-by-step directions. Just be forewaarned that it interprets fantasy to mean troll-like, so even Santa and the Easter bunny are trolls. I am therefore returning my copy, and just wanted to warn you what to expect. But it is an absolutely gorgeous, well-done book, and most people will love it.
Book Description
The immediate success of Lisa Pavelka's first book, Polymer Clay Extravaganza, demonstrates the unending enthusiasm crafters have for the beauty and versatility of polymer clay. In this new book, Lisa presents several new and exciting techniques for creating 20 simple gift items that are elegant works of art.
Inside, readers will find:
* Upscale gift items that are a both useful and attractive--including a miniature purse, a jewelry box, change caddy, clock, picture frame, wedding stemware, a beaded pendant and more.
* Polymer clay basics and step-by-step instructions for beginners, as well as new techniques and sophisticated designs that appeal to more experienced polymer clay artists.
* Detailed instructions for creating tortoise shell effects, rich enameled surfaces, the marbled look of mokume gane, foil resists, faux mother-of-pearl and the brilliant iridescence of dichroic glass.
* Further creative inspiration presented in an outstanding gallery of projects by other well-known polymer clay artists.
Customer Reviews:
interesting.......2007-06-13
I got this book from the library and I am not sure, if I am going to buy it. These project are not to my taste at all, but the author does show some interesting techniques that I was not familiar with. The faux tortoise shell pattern does not look like tortoise at all, but it is an interesting and attractive pattern that I would consider using for various projects. Her Mokume Gane construction is the simplest I have seen so far. The faux faberge pill box is one of her more attractive ideas and this is the first time I have seen embossing powder used as an enamel-like glaze. All in all, as with her other book "Polymer Clay Extravaganza", I was intrigued with the techniques, but not really interested in any of the the projects she presented. Some items were pretty good, just not my style - others were simply cheap and cheesy looking.
Great Book!!.......2005-12-04
If you're new to polymer clay, this book is a great way to begin learning more advanced techniques. The step-by-step instructions with pictures make "claying" easy. The photography is wonderful! I made presents for friends and they just LOVED them! Thanks, Lisa!! Keep 'em coming!!
Excellent Elegance.......2004-10-11
Lisa's new book is excellent, in my view. The instructions and photos for the upscale gifts are well laid out and easy to follow. She offers 20 projects from purses to watches to decorating ideas that are all new and fresh. It speaks to her diverse creativity which she so generously shares.
It is a book for both "newbies" and more experienced clayers. I highly recommend it.
New ways to use a great medium.......2004-10-05
Lisa shows how to take your clay to another level, using it on watches, clocks, purses and other items. Her instructions are clear, the photos show great detail and are very inspiring. I would definitely recommend this book for beginners and advanced clayers alike, as there are items for all levels.
Customer Reviews:
Lucchesi at his best........2006-12-19
How do you compliment a master? There is none except "thank you."
In a real sense Bruno is a man that should have been born in another time. His sensitivity to the human figure and his love for fired earth is the stuff of a true Renaissance man. He captures the imagination and brings life out of clay.
What is most inspiring aspect of this Italian born sculptor is love to teach and share his skills, tips and tricks with other aspiring sculptors around the world. Sculptors like me. No studio library is complete with out all of his books and tapes.
Bruno works with slabs of clay smashed on the floor and then quickly forms them into layers of mass that are shaped into the maquette. His attention to proportion makes him the artist that others have sought to imitate, and none can completely duplicate.
Terracotta.......2005-10-02
This is a super book, very informative and easy to follow. It answered many questions I had, and introduced many new (to me) ideas.
Inspirational. Witness a Master at work.......2003-03-07
The first time I browsed the book, I was blown away by the beauty of Bruno's work.
The second time, I was disappointed because of the limited explanation and technical descriptions.
But once I understood what this book was really about, I loved it.
It really is a documentary of Lucchesi at work. You can witness him working. The book is very visual.
You will not learn sculpturing, but you will get the chance to see an accomplished sculptor and his creation.
The book does not tell the why's, you can see the how's.
My copy is now really filthy, with stains of terracota all over it. I keep it by my working bench, and quite frequently, in the middle of my work, I open it to see how Bruno does it.
My recommendation is to buy this book in addition to "From Clay to Bronze " of Lagland.
Great Reference.......2001-10-27
I'm a student working in wax, but the most important concepts in this book are definitely cross media; it was a good buy. I mainly use the book as a reference tool and posing guide -- it is a great problem solver. There can't be many issues in posing or proportioning that a beginner won't find help for somewhere in this book. Ms. Malmstrom has such a talent for photographing sculpture that you almost feel like you have the actual piece in front of you. And Mr. Lucchesi's work... it's tough to imagine a day so bad that his sculpture can't make you feel more at peace.
Terracotta.......2000-06-09
I found this book to be a wonderful tool for the beginner or advanced sculptor. It leads you step by step and, as a 3rd-year sculptor, the techniques Lucchesi provides have greatly inspired and helped me improve my own techniques.
Customer Reviews:
How to make Clay Characters .......2007-07-14
How to make clay characters by Maureen Carlson is not available to buy in Australia. I had it on loan from my local library but only for limited periods and it was never long enough. I am happy to say that although it may have been printed initially a long time ago I am delighted to have obtained it as it has such excellent instructions and lots of handy hints for the polymer clay first timer onwards.To anyone reading this revue who wants another hobby to try (even in Australia) buy this book and you will be hooked.
The mere fact that it is still in print is a sign of how good it is for any age. Easy to follow and great fun all you need is polymer clay your imagination and this book.
Favorite.......2007-07-10
I have four of Maureen Carlson's books. They are all fantastic.
This one is my favorite. Very clear instruction. Gets you started and wanting to sculpt all the time. I love it!
a marvellous book!.......2007-06-20
Indeed a marvellous book you should have as one of your clay-book collections. Maureen has good eyes and different angles when seeing new things, and new thoughts to convert them into brilliant figurines. I love her ideas of how making the snakes and the dragons, and her tricks to get new color mixtures are awesome.
I almost bought her books entirely, and have no regrets so far. Thanks to Amazon for superb service, even though I must bear waiting for a month and so for my orders.
My advice, you always can give your book collections to your kids when you no longer need them.
Great book .......2007-06-17
Wonderful book with all sorts of tips and techniques. Being a novice, I found so much that I will rely on over and over again. Well written, with many pictures as well that are just beautiful. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to get into doll making.
Intriguing and Stimulating.......2007-03-31
I'm new to polyclay, but I'm really excited at the possibilities that have crossed my mind as I read this book. It was all new to me and the techniques seem simple and clear enough that I can take off into another world of "folk" with all the ideas spilling out onto my notebook paper. Thanks to the author for well-written and illustrated pages, ideas, and inspiration. For the "advanced clay-er" this may be too simple, but being a crafter from other mediums, I often go back to the basics when I'm stumped for ideas for something new to try. If you don't find this book to your liking, please, donate it to your local public library. It's a fantastic find for beginners and young children who naturally create. My copy stays right here in my collection availale for my family to use to inspire them to try new things. Thanks again Maureen.
From the Publisher
Here's a pop quiz: What single material can be modeled, molded, carved, woven, turned on a lathe and more, yet never chips, fades or shrinks? The answer can only be polymer clay. Artists rave about the endless possibilities of polymer clay, and the immediacy of spectacular results. Taking on appearances similar to ceramics, glass, beads, ivory, clay, plastic, wood, and even metal, it's like having dozens of materials in one package. The tools and training are minimal in this medium, leaving your imagination free to wander. Dozens of vibrant photos of works from myriad artists demonstrate some of the infinite possibilities. First, practice the special methods for creating basic shapes, transferring images, simulating natural materials, press molds, painting, and canework. Then combine these techniques and follow the instructions to make any of the 26 illustrated designs--or try your own. Create jewelry, baskets, buttons, mosaics, candlesticks, mirrors, Christmas tree ornaments, clocks, bowls, and much, much more. As the artists here will testify, you'll be treated to countless years of fun and wonder with this unique craft. Selected by
Book-of-the-Month Crafter's Choice Book Club.
Customer Reviews:
Filled with creative ideas.......2007-02-16
This is not so much a how-to book as it is an idea book. The gallery is full of wonderful polymer clay creations, jewelry, sculpture, vessels, etc. Once you are familiar with the basic how-to of polymer clay, it's time to move up to this book to take your work to the next level. It's like visiting an art museum full of polymer clay things. You will be inspired by the different things you can do with polymer clay. Although you probably won't copy most of the projects in this book, you can borrow snippets of techniques to apply to your own creations. The gallery is filled with such variety of ways the clay is used, you will keep coming back to this book as your expertise increases with polymer clay.
The quantities are VERY inaccurate.......2006-12-09
We are making two of the projects and have had to return to the store twice for more clay. In the backgammon project, the quantities he specifies are completely wrong. You need to AT LEAST double the quantities. For example, he specifies to use 1.25 ounces of white clay and 3 ounces of black, blend them together, and roll them into a sheet that measures 5"x15" and is 6mm thick. By rolling it to 5mm thick, we got a sheet 4"x10" - and had to stop our project midway through until we could get back to the store.
Also in the backgammon project they call for 4 oz each of orange and purple clay. Then they direct you to make a ball exactly 1/8" (yes 3mm) in diameter of each color and "tint" two portions of translucent clay with it. There is not another word as to what to do with the remaining 4 oz of each color. (However it took us almost the entire four ounces of each color to tint the clay.) Then the directions state "Chop each tinted portion separately and mix them into the pale green clay by twisting androlling the colors together." After we blended the purple and orange into the base green, we realized he meant us to divide the green in half and mix purple/green and orange/green - though nowhere does it say to divide the base green in half. He also directs us to cut a cardboard base but fails to give the dimensions for the cardboard. I suppose we'll get a big sheet of cardboard, assemble the set, and then use an exacto knife to trim the cardboard to size.
The projects are beatiful - it's disappointing to be given very precise quantities and then have them be nowhere near what you need to finish the project. And to be given incomplete and poorly written directions.
So just go ahead and by three times whatever quantity is specified for your project and maybe you'll have some left over to return.
A great book for intermediate or advanced artists.......2006-08-16
I own about 10 polymer clay books, and this one is definitely my favorite. It is geared more toward the intermediate or advanced polymer clay artist, with few pages dedicated to beginner technique . Instead it features several really unique and beautiful projects, and the gallery pages are filled with amazing pieces that have given me a ton of inspiration. My only problem with the book is that the lessons are sometimes lacking clear diagrams or instructions and I ended up being a little confused at times. I did figure everything out in the end though, and ended up with great results. Overall, this is a great book to add to your collection.
disappointing given author.......2006-05-15
Steven Ford is one of the best artists in polymer clay. This book was a disappointment. If it had only been a picture book of his work over 20 years it would have been a treasure. Not so.
Need A Little Inspiration? Then This Book Is For You!.......2000-12-22
The projects in this book are pure eye candy! Very innovative techniques and projects, my favorite being the polymer clay eggs, of which I have made four dozen for Christmas presents!
Directions are very clear and the gallery of beautiful artwork throughout will get your mind creating ideas for your own beautiful pieces.
Books:
- The Artist's Complete Guide to Figure Drawing: A Contemporary Perspective on the Classical Tradition
- The Book of Kells: An Illustrated Introduction to the Manuscript in Trinity College Dublin
- The Chinese Brush Painting Bible: Over 200 Motifs With Step-by-Step Illustrated Instructions
- The Chinese Brush Painting Bible: Over 200 Motifs With Step-by-Step Illustrated Instructions
- The Complete Guide to Coloured Pencil Techniques
- The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition
- The Graphic Standards Guide to Architectural Finishes: Using MASTERSPEC to Evaluate, Select, and Specify Materials
- The Literature of Music Bibliography
- The No Asshole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn't
- The Photoshop Anthology: 101 Web Design Tips, Tricks & Techniques
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- North American Indian Jewelry and Adornment
- History: Fiction or Science
- Catalytic Synthesis of Alkene-Carbon Monoxide Copolymers and Cooligomers
- El Husar
- Graffiti World: Street Art from Five Continents
- Galaxies in the Universe: An Introduction
- Does Your Doctor Charge Too Much
- On Not Being Able to Paint
- Beyond the Flower: The Autobiography of a Feminist Artist
- Pteridophytes of Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota, USA
General
| Instructional & How-To
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
The Encaustic Art Project Book
Digital Art Studio: Techniques for Combining Inkjet Printing with Traditional Art Materials
Arteffects (Practical Art Books)
Abstract Painting: Concepts and Techniques
Monotype: Mediums and Methods for Painterly Printmaking
