Average customer rating:
- Lives up to the hype
- Making Polymer Clay Beads
- Totally Awesome Book
- Just copies of real beads!!
- Making Polymer Clay Beads
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Making Polymer Clay Beads: Step-by-Step Techniques for Creating Beautiful Ornamental Beads
Carol Blackburn
Manufacturer: Interweave Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Beadwork
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General
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Jewelry
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Pottery & Ceramics
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ASIN: 1596680199 |
Book 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.
Customer Reviews:
Lives up to the hype.......2007-10-01
I love this book!!! I'm relatively new to polymer clay and have much to learn. I'd purchased three other books before this one, and while they had some great inspiration, I found them lacking in the how-to's. This book came highly recommended, and I'd say that if you can buy only one book on polymer clay, get this one. The author goes over all the basics, including tools and additional materials, with very clear pictures and instructions. Many other books seem to make it all seem very easy, but leave out some steps not always obvious to the beginner. This book really covers all the steps. While this book is all about making beads, the techniques covered can be applied to all kinds of projects. 5 big stars!!!
Making Polymer Clay Beads.......2007-09-28
This is one of the finest "how-to" books that I have ever owned and/or read. The instructions are clear and self explanatory. The scope is broad and illuminating. The illustrations are so good they could almost stand alone. I highly reccommend this book to anyone interested in learning to make their own polymer clay beads.
Totally Awesome Book.......2007-09-04
Finally a book dedicated to nothing but making beads from Polymer Clay. The step by step instructions are so easy to follow and the examples are incredible. This is a must have book to any serious bead maker and jewelry maker alike.
Just copies of real beads!!.......2007-08-21
I bought this book and am sending it back today. If I wanted to make copies of real beads, I would just buy the real beads. You don't save anything with the time you invest and all the supplies you need. It would actually be cheaper to buy the real beads. The shoe beads that were advertised "as in the book", are not in the book. And neither is anything else of interst. Make your own designs and get a life.
Making Polymer Clay Beads.......2007-08-15
I enjoyed this book very much. It was very helpful in generating new creative ideas and a vast range of techniques. Wll be very informative to those just starting out and those of us who have been doing this for a while.
Book Description
The first comprehensive how-to book on the topic! Contemporary ceramists have adapted traditional printmaking procedures to transfer images onto clay surfaces. And, with this thorough resource, anyone can take advantage of these techniques in their own home studio—even those with no printmaking background. The simple processes don’t require fancy equipment. Use silk-screen decals with light-sensitive emulsions to create a master image: then cover with glazes, and voilá! Use colored slips for unique monoprints. Work with stencils, relief blocks, or stamps, trying a variety of materials to mark the clay surface. Each method is carefully laid out in numerous photos, and shown on a finished piece. More than 100 images by leading contemporary artists showcase the techniques and provide a wealth of inspiration.
Customer Reviews:
Great handbook.......2007-08-09
I am a potter and I run a "paint your own pottery" studio. This book was just what I needed to ensure customer requests (as well as my own requirements) can be met as needed. Specifically I was interested in decal transfer to pottery, and the answer is complete in this book. I would recommend it to any potter or pyop studio owner. It's an invaluable resource.
good for beginners.......2007-07-31
This is a good book if your just starting to do image transfer with clay. It takes you trough step by step and has some great pictures If your like me any youve dont it for a while and are looking for something advanced dont bother with this book
Image Transfer on Clay by Paul Andrew Wandless.......2007-07-16
An excellent book, fun and exciting and easy to follow. A wonderful and enriching versatile process - with great photos and stimulating ideas.
Image Transfer on Clay.......2007-06-08
Looks like many processes will be fine to use on my clay but so far I haven't tried any specific ones.
Excellent reference on the subject.......2007-05-20
Very up-to-date information on a plethora of methods for image transfer on clay. Especially loved the section on laser printing on decals and can't wait to give it a try.
Book Description
Developed in Japan in the early 1990s, metal clay represents a dramatic development in the handling of precious metals for jewelrymaking. Metal clay consists of microscopic particles of silver or gold suspended in a pliable organic binder that can be worked with the hands and simple household tools, eliminating the need for difficult metalworking processes such as soldering, hammering, and cutting. When metal clay is fired, the binder burns away and the metal particles fuse into pure (99.9 percent) metal. The Art of Metal Clay is a comprehensive introduction to the medium designed specifically for crafters and jewelrymakers, detailing the essentials of working, firing, and finishing metal clay to create beautiful jewelry and decorative objects. Artist and instructor Sherri Haab demonstrates metal clay's remarkable versatility, showing how it can be textured, molded, carved, and sculpted to create gorgeous beads, bracelets, pendants, earrings, rings, and other jewelry settings, plus boxes and vessels. She also reveals how to combine metal clay with polymer clay, glass, and epoxy resin to create unique mixed-media pieces. An essential resource for anyone who wants the latest information on this up-and-coming crafts medium!
Customer Reviews:
Essential for the metal clay artist.......2007-09-25
Sherri divides her book into two parts; an excellent way to present metal clay to those who are not experienced with it. In the first part, "Metal Clay Essentials," she carefully explains how to work with metal clay, emphasizing the need to keep the clay moist because the tiny amount of binder in metal clay evaporates quickly. She recommends the use of Badger Balm® or olive oil on your hands to help in maintaining metal clay's moisture.
Her excellent firing chart shows temperatures and times required in the kiln for the two main metal clay brands, Precious Metal Clay® (PMC) and Art Clay®, the various types of clay they offer, and the amount of shrinkage to be expected. Another chart shows the strength of the clay after it is fired. Some artists may shy away from metal clay, worrying about its cost, but Sherri assures that every scrap and dust particle can be re-hydrated or be used to make slip.
The book's second part, "Metal Clay Techniques," has really fun projects to copy or to inspire. A beaded bracelet has metal clay charms shaped like peas-in-a-pod, a strawberry, a ladybug, a pumpkin, and a flower. Sherri shows how to use cork clay or a drinking straw over which to form beads. When fired, the cork clay or straw burns away, leaving only the precious metal. My favorite project is an artichoke bead made from metal clay formed over teardrop-shaped pieces of cork clay. The basic book is a handy reference tool after taking a class but if you can't take a class for some reason, for $3.00 more, an instructional DVD is included.
Art of Metal Clay.......2007-09-04
We are proud of the purchase. The magazine is full of techniques and examples for creaing jewelry.
Thanks
The Art of Metal Clay (with DVD): Techniques for Creating Jewelry and Decorative Objects.......2007-08-13
I enjoyed the DVD. It is well done. With no knowledge on doing metal clay you learn so much. I feel confident that I can do some nice and beautiful pieces of jewelry. Need a kiln. I recommend the book.
Fabulous book for anyone.......2007-08-09
I absolutely LOVE this book. The photos, instructions, etc. are A+. I am so glad I start reading reviews since I have bought so many books before that I THOUGHT were going to be instructional, but weren't.
GREAT BOOK.......2007-02-21
This is a really good book to get you started on the Art of Metal Clay. I'm very impressed with its contents and thank the artist for being so detailed and sharing so much information. Because of this I feel confident to proceed with this craft. Haab includes much text and good photos explaining the process to achieve numerous results. From product info, how to make molds, texturing,kiln time and alternatives,incorporating resins and polymer clay, she covers it all and does a good job. Also keeps in mind the beginning artist and the cost factor offering suggestions to curb the expense while still achieving great results. This is a book worth its weight and a good resource to work from.
Book Description
No other volume has ever presented such a diverse and captivating collection of contemporary animal-themed ceramics. Juried by distinguished artist and educator Joe Bova, this magnificent gallery includes pieces from an international group of artists; the beautifully crafted works range from the representational to the abstract, from artful realism to provocative surrealism (including animal-human hybrids). Ann Marais’ image of a waterfowl painted onto a porcelain dish has a restrained, Asian quality. Sharkus’ painted and smoke-fired stoneware turtle could easily be mistaken for the living creature. Bova provides astute and illuminating commentary overall, with selected artists’ notes.
Customer Reviews:
500 animals in clay.......2007-08-28
Without being able to review the book beforehand, I was disappointed that the figures were so very complex. I had hoped that judging from the cover bunny that they may match my elementary start at sculping simple clay figures.
Not zoology 101...........2007-08-26
I work in ceramic materials, and this book has to be right beside 500 figures as my 2 very favorite books from lark. I am not bothered by the lack of technical information, usually if one has been working in ceramics for a while, it is pretty easy to see what the artist used,and the book does provide descriptions in glazing methods and clay bodies!
Mostly, I found this book a hoot in seeing how other artist view critters, the artistic interpretation is amazing, and often very humorous! Again, I took my copy to the shared studio I work in, and everyone was spellbound at the variety of works...My copy is getting a bit dusy now...I might order a second one, and give my old one to the studio library...
Great inspirational book.......2007-05-20
As a potter, I love books like this just as much as those with more technical information. I turn to them over and over when the muse is taking a little siesta. Tons of great ideas here for everyone, no matter what your style.
500 Animals in Clay: Contemporary Expressions of the Animal Form.......2007-01-15
Like all the 500 Lark books this one has beautiful photographs and lots of inspiration. If you are an animal lover, and ceramist, like I am you will love it. I would like a little more information about how the pieces are created, but that is rarely the case with these books - still well worth the price.
Book Description
Hot New Jewelry Making Material
*Features innovative metal clay techniques not found in any other books *Perfect for every skill level--covering the basics through the cutting edge
Polymer clay and jewelry artists are experimenting with metal clay more than ever, but there are few books on the market to show them how to use this exciting new medium. Highlights include:
*19 fashionable step-by-step projects, including a variety of styles provided by both the author and talented contributing artists *An easy, skill-building approach that teaches readers a new technique with each project *A wide range of creative techniques--from carving and setting gems to making clasps and mixing found objects with metal clay
Customer Reviews:
Thorough overview .......2007-09-21
This book "makes the creation of fine silver and gold objects a possibility for non-metal craftsmen." Indeed, Louise gives very precise instructions how to work with metal clay for someone who has never taken a class -- but -- it's still better to take a class for safety considerations because firing requires using a torch or kiln. A class will also help you to plan your design before opening a package of metal clay; once exposed to air, metal clay dries very fast, so it's important to know what you will need to accomplish before firing.
Metal clay is a relatively new product. Invented by Japan's Mitsubishi Materials Corporation, it is 99.9% precious metal and .1% binder. Jewelers in the US learned about the product in the mid-1990s and embraced it as enthusiastically as versatile polymer clay had been earlier. Like polymer clay, metal clay can be molded, rolled, stamped, and folded. Gemstones and glass enamel can be a part of a design in metal clay.
Louise carefully describes the various forms of metal clay and provides an excellent chart of temperatures and times needed to fire different clays. Although there is no waste with metal clays because you can re-hydrate scraps, you must be careful not to mix two clays that require different firing temperatures.
Twenty projects are shown in detail, from simple to more difficult. Jewelers who have struggled with solid gold granulation will be shocked to see how easy it can be accomplished with metal paste. A metal clay class and this book will certainly inspire you.
Wonderful Book.......2007-08-09
This book has wonderful photos and projects! If you work with metal clay, you need to have this one in your library!!! AWESOME!
The Absolute Best Book I've read on metal clay.......2007-06-30
I recently started working with metal clay. As a result, I purchased a series of books in order to learn more. This book is by far the best I have ordered. I really enjoyed it because it is full of innovative, very creative techniques yet it also covers all the basics in detail. The directions are clear and don't make the beginner feel intimidated. This book guarantees that you won't be bored after you master the basics.
Metal Clay Jewelry.......2007-06-07
Excellant book with some great creative ideas in it.
Easy to understand and read.
Great for a beginner.
A most helpful book for both beginners and experienced artists.......2007-02-18
Great book! A must for those interested in working with metal clay. From the extremely clear explanations to the detailed step by step photos it is hard to imagine how one could go wrong with this "personal and private lessons" kind of illustrated text.
As someone who works with jewelry I found this book to be a most up to date source of both information and resources. I sincerely hope this is not the only book Ms. Duhamel writes, as I for one would be waiting for the next. If you are interested in technique as well as design, this is a must next to your bench.
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.
Customer Reviews:
Good information for the possible dabbler........2007-04-07
I'm still not sure we're going to invest in a ceramics kiln, but this was a very interesting book about the craft. Too much biography of famous contemporary ceramic artists (totally uninteresting - these are not names that mean anything to me, so, bleah), but otherwise interesting explanations of different types and techniques. A very worthwhile book - it will probably either galvanize you into investing in the kiln and materials, or turn you away from it, saving your money!
Excellent text.......2006-06-17
The images in this book are amazing! Every significant ceramic artists is represented. This is a must have for anyone who wants a complete guide to ceramic artists who use electric kilns. One of the best ceramic books available.
Outstanding info, but a tedious read.......2005-10-07
Contains a wealth of detailed info about electric kiln construction and usage, and about how to mix and use clays and glazes. The editor should have done a better job, because the wording is sometimes awkward and tedious, but it's still a good reference book containing very valuable information. Also has many excellent photos of finished work, as well as side essays about individual ceramists.
Good intro survey technique, CHECK THE EDITION DATE.......2005-06-05
*** Note ***
This review pertains to the 2004 all-color edition of this book. Because I don't think that Amazon has yet implemented time travel to future books for its customers, it is clear that the reviews dated 2000 and 2001 pertain to a much older edition of this book.
This book seems a very reasonable introductory survey of things you do in ceramics, so would be a reasonable self-teaching text for someone using an electric kiln (check the table of contents to see the topics). About half the book is technique (though not as detailed as many other books, such as Petersen or Warshaw). Technique discussion is illustrated by many fascinating photos. Then about half the book is simply "Gallery" with more fascinating and beautiful photos, but no text. So the quantity of text is not huge, but what is there seems quite useful.
In the discussion section, at various points it got quite interesting. E.g. with glazes, it goes through things that can occur in glazes (crawling, shivering, crazing, etc.), and then tells you how to accomplish it if you want, and then how to avoid it if you don't. To me this was one of the more fascinating because it explained how these effects came about and how to strive for them. This particular part was only a few pages, but quite worthwhile if these kinds of things interest you.
At time to time, as appropriate, there were discussions relevant to electric kilns, but the whole book wasn't just electric kilns. This book is more of an artistic text book with electric kiln pointers, than a highly technical electric kiln book.
very little for anyone here.......2001-12-21
This book does a very poor job of presenting what
little information it contains.
For the studio potter there is only one valuable piece of information:
in electric firing, slow firing is good and
long soaks are better for proper glaze development.
I've tried several of the cone 6 and cone 10 glaze recipes,
the results were mostly awful. The technical discussion
of materials and equipment is too brief to make this
a real resource in the studio. Most electric kilns now
come with computer controllers, and there's nothing on
how to use them - just a few graphs of what an ideal firing
cycle should look like.
As other reviewers have noted, the black and white photographs
don't do justice to the pieces. Furthermore, the choice of
examples is very biased towards the non-functional, sculptural,
and just plain academic ugly. The overall presentation -
choice of font, layout, and general lack of design also
contributes to ones overall disappointment with this book.
Book Description
A world of polymer clay magic, all in one book! Features 15 step-by-step projects for creating clay fairies, gnomes, trolls and other enchanting figures All materials are readily available at local craft stores The whimsical creatures of fantasy spring to life through polymer clay projects in this beautiful instructional book. Readers will learn to create an entire fantasy land, from the secret door to enter this fantastic realm to the trolls, gnomes, fairies and mermaids who inhabit it. Step-by-step photos allow for re-creating the characters exactly, and readers are inspired to make their own imaginary creatures through a gallery of the author's own figures.
Customer Reviews:
Fantastic Instructional Polymer Book! .......2007-09-22
Maureen Carlson has done a wonderful job with this book in teaching armature and sculpting of whimsical characters. The book is beautiful to look at with lots of little sidenotes and pleasing backgrounds. I think that Maureen explains and shows through photographs hot to sculpt so that nearly anyone can do it. It's a great alternative to taking a class if you can't attend one of hers.
Great for beginners..........2007-08-24
I ordered this book to get a feel for Ms. Carlson's technique...very detailed instructions, many projects to choose from, overall a lovely start for anyone interested in sculpting fantasy figures.
Wonderful Book.......2007-07-17
I'm trying to learn how to sculpt & this book is very very easy to follow. I learned how to do the body armature very easily. It's very well written & easy to follow.
Fairies Gnomes & Trolls, Oh My!.......2007-07-16
An excellent book. The pictures and instructions are clear and easy to understand. The projects are fun to do. I recommend this book for anyone interested in fantasy polymer clay creations.
A "Must-Have" when learning polymer clay techniques.......2007-06-15
I am new to sculpting and polymer clay. I bought this book as well as 3 others to help me learn techniques and basic "what do I do with this lump of clay?". I browsed thru all 4 when the books arrived and I still have NOT gone back to the other 3 books - after a week! This book is a joy to read. I've skipped around projects, browsed thru the beautiful pictures and checked out the "helpful hints" placed thru-out the book. Unlike many computer manuals and "Dummies" books, the hints in this book are REALLY useful. I can see myself referring back to this book for years to come - long after I feel I'm no longer a beginner. I am definitely going to purchase other books from Maureen Carlson. She's one of those people that is not only good at what she does, she's able to explain it without making it seem like she's a Mensa memeber OR that she is "talking down" to you. TEN stars!! If you want to hear any "cons" (to go with the above "pros") I'd say that I will not do most of the projects in the book. However I didn't buy it to learn other people's projects. I just want to learn how to do what I want to do. By reviewing her projects I'm learning what I need to do different aspects of mine.
Customer Reviews:
Old book, basic information.......2007-04-08
If you are curious about polymer and want in depth reading then you will enjoy this book. I like projects and applications. I have read parts of this book but it didn't tell me what I didn't all ready know or didn't much care about.
Sarah understands us--the judgement jumpers............2007-03-21
Sarah hit the nail on the head, so to speak. I made exactly that mistake (looking at the pictures when it arrived from Amazon) and since I wanted to make jewelry, boxed it up to send it back. It said "Jewelry Making" on the cover but had pictures of everything but jewelry. I was very disappointed.
But I procrasinated. I had waited too long to send it back so I sat down with it and began to read. Praise be!
Nan Roche completely explained her choice of photographs and just about everything else I need to know about polymer clay. She is clear, concise and has a way of commenting on her personal life that makes you think of her has a friend or well-loved teacher. This book was the first and best.
A Classic!.......2006-11-17
What a great how-to book! Perfect for beginners! Polymer clay can be quite addictive and you will want to make everything! Although this book was published in '92, do not let mislead you into thinking that there are newer better books now....this is a classic! Very clear instructions for the newbie! enjoy!
A WINNER.......2006-09-26
I bought three books on Polymer Clay, and this is the only one with all the techniques there that I want to learn.
Looks a little difficult for a beginner, but at least I know I have a true encyclopedia of knowledge here. I don't have to go out and buy a whole list of other products to make the items presented in the book.
Thank you , Nan Roche for making a true classic!
Polymer Clay Bible.......2006-07-15
Everyone starting out in polymer clay should have this book in their library. Many newer techniques have been developed since this book came out but this book contains everything you need in order to develop your own original work. If you're looking for a "projects" book skip this, but if you want the basics this is the book for you. I only wish Nan Roche would write another! I still find myself refering to it and I've been working in polymer clay for over 15 years.
Book Description
Nine master ceramic artists present their personal approaches to sculpting the human figure in a spectacular volume that's both technically illuminating and visually inspirational. The outstanding examples range from representational to abstract, diminutive to heroic. Nan Smith uses a range of mold-making techniques and precise slab construction, while Akio Takamori coil-builds a simplified figure inspired by a Velásquez painting and Christyl Boger creates a lavishly decorated, classically formal figurine. Each featured sculptor discusses the unique attractions and challenges of his or her method, and a series of detailed color photographs follows the artwork as it takes shape. In addition, there's a gallery of contemporary pieces selected by the major contributors. Glen R. Brown, a noted writer on ceramics, provides an insightful, thought-provoking introduction.
Customer Reviews:
The Figure in Clay: Contemporary Sculpting Techniques by Master Artists (A Lark Ceramics Book).......2007-08-16
A rich and exciting collection of wonderful artists and a never ending wealth of inspiration. My favorite book of contemporary ceramic art
terrific technique.......2007-07-20
I have always wanted to do large scale figurative sculpture. There are not many books specifically on this subject. I found this book and said, "Yes, this has exactly what I want to know". I find it a wonderful resource. Vicki Stone-artist
It seems easy!.......2007-05-15
Beatiful pages. It seems easy sculpting. It is not. If you can do it, this book does not really help you, but if you don't, you really feel sorry that you can't. It's good anyway to see how some artists work.
Wonderful book.......2007-05-07
This book is very inspirational to the figurative artist. Some of the work is truly spectacular, and all of it is interesting. I was wondering if I'd like this book before I purchased it, but I am certainly glad I did now. In particular, the works of Adrian Arleo, and my favorite, Christyl Boger, stand out prominently.
The parts on casting and molding are helpful as well. I have never seen such a book where proporton and detailing of the human figure at this scale are illustrated in a step by step fashion, and from rolled coil, slab, and pinched clay at that. Just the pictures of various works and styles would be inspiring enough, but here you have multiple how-tos. Some of the details are glossed over in places, but you are given enough information to where you'd be able to attempt this yourself with little problem. Stock up on clay though. :) There are plenty of smaller works, and abstract examples abound as well as realism.
This book is one of my art favorites now. I may buy another copy for a library use, and keep this one for studio abuse. While the end result of a lot of this art may be intimidating to the newbie, given the high level of finish and proportion, you do not want to pin your technique on books where the end result shown is not representative of the pinnacle you could achieve. This book allows you to set your sights high, along with telling you how to get there as well. You'll just need some practice (same as myself) Now if only I had a really large kiln. :) Firing the end result, which is an art itself, is not covered other than sculpture prep such as venting, etc.
In short, this book was a surprise find, one I've not found in my local bookstores, but one which should be among the main titles they carry.
A Very Worthwhile Addition.......2007-04-30
I like this book very much for what it is, and that is a showcase of work and methods that are out there. If you are a clay worker who has a little bit of handbuilding experience, here is a book that will expand your horizons. I've seen many of the contributers in magazines like Ceramics Monthly, and they all have unique working methods that are worth examining. Some of the methods are not described in exceptional detail; but they still make you say things like,"Oh, that's how it can be done!" or "Oh, I never thought of working in that manner." If you want specific detailed instructions on things like slip casting or what have you, get a book on it (The Clay Lover's Guide to Mold Making, another Lark book is a fine example). What these artists demonstrate is synthesis --bringing the techniques together to create the whole, a rare quality in instructional art books. Another thing I appreciate about this book is the photo galleries, which include a broad cross section of work. All in all, I feel this is a well rounded survey book.
Books:
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- Moments Together for Intimacy: Devotions for Drawing Near to God and One Another
- Nonfiction Matters: Reading, Writing, and Research in Grades 3-8
- Oil Pastel: Materials and Techniques for Today's Artist
- Open Sources: Voices from the Open Source Revolution (O'Reilly Open Source)
- Oracle9i PL/SQL Programming
- Planet Earth: As You've Never Seen It Before
- Portraits from Life in 29 Steps
- Real Food for Dogs: 50 Vet-Approved Recipes to Please the Canine Gastronome
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