Book Description
Working with Precious Metal Clay is the first American book for artists and hobbyists who want to know more about this exciting new art material. Techniques are taught through 50 projects of increasing complexity, projects that range from earrings to rings to accessories like a thimble, spoon and tea strainer. A large section called Technical Tips offers practical information on working, firing and finishing PMC, and a final chapter on tools shows some studio aids you can make for yourself. "Working with PMC" features over 400 full color illustrations that lead artists systematically through the steps needed to make personal and exciting work.
Customer Reviews:
Working with Precious Metal Clay Review.......2007-08-31
Tim McCreight is the PMC guru and this book is almost a text book.
Exceptionally well laid out with the different sections, projects, techniques and tools. As a new user of PMC I have found the book to be a great guide as I work my way through the techniques of PMC.
Very well written and illustrated.
Start with this book .......2007-01-08
I confess straight up to being a McCreight fan so maybe I am biased. However I have found his book to be one of the best to give my students. It is incredibly clear and consice. It is perfect for the person starting out in silver clay. Sure the glossy photos are missing, rather hand drawn step by steps, but you can follow easily. With 50 projects, there is ample opportunity for the beginner to find something that appeals and to gain confidence with this medium. Part Two is fabulous, excellent technical tips on a host of items, rehydrating, extruding, carving, ring sizing, making bails, use of patinas, and loads more. Part Three gives you the added bonus of How to make your own tools - and therefore save a few dollars. Being spiral bound is a bonus, always stays open. I recommend three books to my clay students, this is one of them, ( the other two - CeCe Wire and Sherri Haab.)A must for your library.
Worthless.......2007-01-05
I have never been more dissappointed in a how-to book. All the instructions are drawings that look like they were done by children. There are few photos and they are mostly tiny black and white and fuzzy. This book is not helpful at all. I am sorry I purchased it and don't recommed it for any level of experience. Save your money.
This is probably the number one beginners book out there........2006-03-30
This book is of the style that McCreight has become associated with. For good or bad, Tim's books are either hated or loved. That is just the way it is. This book was published in what could be called the dark ages of the metal clay movement. It is truly a beginners book. In the sense it is for beginners and it was at the beginning of metal clay. It covers one brand of the two major players in the production of precious metal powders in a clay binder/carrier. The projects are simple, small and easy. As they should be for new people and a new medium. I can not judge the projects merit, because as with most things. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. When you open it up it will lay flat on a table. The projecct pictures should be larger. As the PMC title is not onlt a descriptive generic nomenclature along with a trademark. It does cover the basics of working with the clay of both types. The tips are as always good to know. the tools are of the type that can be constructed by anybody with little handywork skills or tools. It touches the surface of a new material and what the possiblities of it holds. I own it.
Very imformative.......2006-03-15
I love this book as a reference, it is written very clearly and easy to understand. Very well organized also. If you are in to PMC I would highly recommend this book.
Book Description
Susan Peterson, one of the world's foremost authorities and educators in the field of ceramics, and author of the classic master course, The Craft and Art of Clay, has thoroughly revised and updated her introductory course in ceramics, Working with Clay.
Beautifully illustrated with full-color photographs, Working with Clay guides readers step-by-step through the creation of an object in clay. Peterson offers advice informed by years of experience in the teaching and creating of ceramics. From hand-building to wheel-throwing, decorating to firing in a kiln, the author details the process, with beautiful, full-color photographs accompanying each step.
Customer Reviews:
Pretty decent.......2007-01-09
This book was in the excellent condition, as stated. However, it wasn't receveived in the time the seller said it would be.
Customer Reviews:
Finding One's Way.......2003-02-09
Finding One's Way With Clay is a fresh as it was over 25 years ago when it was first written. It is both an eloquent how-to book as well as a provacative and inspirational look at the relationship between clay and the human being.
It's a Classic.......2002-10-15
After 25 years working in clay, I finally read Paulus Berensohn's "Finding One's Way with Clay". He describes many techniques for pinching pots, and ways to experiment with clay to create new expressions. The steps in making simple or complex hand modeled pieces are clearly explained, and I found them useful in teaching elementary art classes. There's also a thorough chapter on building a simple sawdust kiln.
fabulous book.......2001-03-31
This artist is truly unique. He is the God of the pinch pots. Highly reccommended. There are neat excersizes to use in classes that beginners to experienced ceramists can enjoy.
Book Description
The nineteenth century was the golden age of the horse. In urban America, the indispensable horse provided the power for not only vehicles that moved freight, transported passengers, and fought fires but also equipment in breweries, mills, foundries, and machine shops.
Clay McShane and Joel A. Tarr, prominent scholars of urban life, here explore the critical role that the horse played in the growing nineteenth-century metropolis. Using such diverse sources as veterinary manuals, stable periodicals, teamster magazines, city newspapers, and agricultural yearbooks, they examine how the horses were housed and fed and how workers bred, trained, marketed, and employed their four-legged assets. Not omitting the problems of waste removal and corpse disposal, they touch on the municipal challenges of maintaining a safe and productive living environment for both horses and people and the rise of organizations like the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
In addition to providing an insightful account of life and work in nineteenth-century urban America, The Horse in the City brings us to a richer understanding of how the animal fared in this unnatural and presumably uncomfortable setting.
Customer Reviews:
the worst of what art should be.......2003-02-13
Heaven help us in the arts if anyone thinks this book is useful for creating works of art. One of the projects uses foil as an armiture and then covers it with pariscraft gauze. I found this to be a very poor guide for creating sculpture, and an inforcement of the worst of what sculpture can be. There was some useful information here and there for the beginner, but not enough to make it worth the price of the book.
Wonderful introductory book.......2000-10-06
Peck's book gives a great overall look at the basic forms of sculpture. As an art teacher, I found it invaluable. She covers the main types of sculpture and helps you to create your own work with a limited budget (a great bonus). There are a lot of pictures to go with her easy to follow directions. If you are just starting, this is a great book to help you on your way.
Customer Reviews:
Five Artists-Five Directions.......2007-01-12
Quite inspiring and each artist was unique. It is one of those books I will look back at over and over again to get the creativity going.
THE BEST ONE..........2004-01-03
... IF YOU WANT TO KNOW "WHO'S WHO" AMONG THE ARTISTS WHO WORKS WITH POLYMER CLAY, NOW YOU'VE GOT IT.
I JUST GOT CHARMED WITH THESE PROJECTS! I'VE NEVER SEEN SUCH BRILLIANT WORKS OF ARTS WITH POLYMER CLAY
THIS PIER VOUKLOS IS AWESOME!
AND OF COURSE, IF THEY ACHIEVED SUCH A GREAT LEVEL IN THEIR WORKS, THEY SHOULD SHARE A LITTLE BIT MORE WITH US; BUT I DON'T GIVE UP. I'M VERY GOOD WITH MY WORK THITH POLYMER AND MAYBE I'LL BE THE NUMBER 6 AMONG THESE SPECIAL PEOPLE.
Interesting for a clay enthuastic.......2001-08-07
This is a good book if you are into knowing clay history and seeing good retrospectieve off clay artists work. It has fairly good pictures, and you are able to see details clearly. However this is not a project book, and it does not have hints and tips. This is more "admire me" book than "learn from me". Good book, but now for you if you search for a book with projects.
PöRRö
Nice book.......2000-05-12
This is a beautifully illustrated book...a nice compendium of work by a diverse group of artists. Some of the criticism here seems a bit unfair. The book is explicitly biographical. To criticize it for NOT being something else, surprised me.
I found this book to be encouraging and motivating. If others can accomplish such beautiful results, maybe I can too.
Look at - don't read - this book!.......2000-01-06
A lovely compendium of pictures worth looking at, but don't read the commentary! While the artists may be doing noteworthy work, there was too much whining and self-congratulations to suit my taste. A book such as this is no forum for scolding others who are influenced by their techniques. After all, didn't the millefiori technique come from the Venetians? The writing, I thought, was amateurish and poorly written. As I said, if you buy it, look at the pictures, but avoid reading it.
Book Description
In this revealing study of a white working class neighborhood in Washington, D.C., Howell shows us that there is more than one kind of blue collar worker in America today. Hard Living on Clay Street is about two very different blue collar families, the Shackelfords and the Mosebys. They are fiercely independent southern migrants, preoccupied with the problems of day- to-day living, drinking heavily, and often involved in unstable family relationships. Howell moved to Clay Street for a year with his wife and son and became deeply involved with the people, recording their story. As readers, we too become participants in the life of Clay Street, and not just observers, learning what "living on Clay Street" is all about.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent.......2004-09-20
I ran across this book after it was misfiled at the library, and I picked it up because I wondered what a book with a title like that was doing in the section. I read the whole thing through in one sitting. I think it is one of the most incredible anthropological studies I have ever read. As others have commented, the methods that Howell uses are extremely effective - he quite literally moves across the street from his stubjects. I get the feeling that to write this book about "blue collar" people (although the first family at least is really quite destitute) Howell does not hesitate to drink a lot of cheap beer, go deer hunting, etc.
Obviously Mount Rainier.......2000-01-17
Al Gore might have grown up there had his father been a plumber who moved north for work. Not many St.Albans boys in that neighborhood though. As in none. Gotta wonder if Harrington and Gore don't hook up once in a while what with the wellheeled intellectual Nashville/DC connection. All in all not a bad intro to a forgotten people in a very interesting time and place. I was happy to have stumbled upon it.
Makes you appreciate all your blessings!.......1999-09-11
This book should be mandatory reading for all high school students in the United States. Poverty is indeed a virtual reality in this book. You cannot help but gain an appreciation for all you have, however little it may be.
Best Book For "would be" Cultural Anthropologists Ever.......1998-02-23
Howell utilizes a "hands on " approach to drive home the reality of a very large segment of our society by literally moving in with them and living the life - in spite of peril for one year. Through this approach, he gains the trust of two families, the Shacklefords and the Mosebys, and we are able to move into their homes, travel with them on their drunken runs, and thereby gain an insight from a perspective within that no "text" could ever offer us. I applaud this book and have used it yearly in classes since 1978 with raves from the students.
Great book both for content and method.......1998-02-13
While somewhat out of date, Hard Living on Clay Street is one of the best observations of poor white Southern working class folks ever done. Howell came to the research with some background, but more importantly with the ability to get these people to let him into their lives. He tells a compelling story. I have used the book for a Qualitative Methods class, and the students are impressed with both the writing and the characters. Anyone who wants to get a good look inside the lower middle class in this country should spend a little time on Clay Street.
Book Description
Learning to model with polymer clay can be a source of endless pleasure and satisfaction. This fine book teaches you how to get started and how to achieve excellent results. Suzann Thompson, an acknowledged polymer clay expert, has created a collection of more than 30 unique projects, grouped together in five of the books chapters, Miniature World, Jewelry, Gifts, Home Accessories, and Special Occasions.
A wide variety of designs and ideas are included, ranging from drapery finials, and customized cutlery for the home, to a grandfather clock and Victorian fireplace for a dollhouse. The step-by-step instructions are accompanied by full color photographs illustrating important techniques and details of the work, together with beautiful pictures of finished items. Templates are provided where appropriate.
Customer Reviews:
Good basic introduction to working with PC.......2002-06-09
Wide range and variety of projects for those wanting to begin working with PC. Something for just about any area of interest. Instructions are adequately detailed for easy duplication of the projects. Projects tend to be "homemade crafty" and simplistic in nature and lack any real creativity (probably a plus for those just starting out.)Good background information on manufacturing differences and available tools. For me the best part of the book was the technique for different canes although they too are pretty basic. Not a bad addition to your PC reference library.
Not for the serious crafter.......2001-05-22
I do not appreciate the craftmanship exhibited in this book. The projects are fine, but I did not find them particularly creative. Irene Semanchuck-Dean(sp?)'s book had better projects and more finesse.
Wonderful Projects, Lots of Varitey, Great instruction.......2001-03-18
This book is full of a wide variety of fresh projects for beginning to more advanced polymer clay artists. Each project includes step-by-step instructions accompanied by illustrations and finished project photos.
The book starts out by thoroughly covering the basics, including a discussion of several tools that will make working with polymer clay easier. Over 25 projects follow in 5 sections including miniatures, jewelry, gifts, home accents, and special occasions.
Miniature world is my favorite section. You learn to make impressive projects such as a grandfather clock, Victorian fireplace and Christmas tree. The jewelry section is also a treat. Along with a necklace, bracelet and earrings, it shows you how to make a bunch of different of beads and buttons.
My favorite project was the sun & sea clock. Though it is time consuming it is surprisingly easy to create. I have seen similar items in craft stores sell for over $50. The special occasion projects are little less sophisticated, but great for doing with kids during the holidays. I personally loved making the simple, but beautiful decorated eggs.
Conveniently, a list of suppliers is included in the back and templates are provided with instructions when needed. This makes a great gift for anyone wanting to learn all about polymer clay and try a medley of great projects.
Make beautiful things with Polymer clay.......2001-03-17
Polymer Clay for Everyone, 112 pages, over-size ppb.: If you enjoy the handmade beads and jewelry that surely only the most creative of people can make, take heart - Polymer Clay for Everyone will bring out the creativity in you. There are over 30 delightful, colorful projects to make including jewelry, buttons, beads, quirky magnets and miniatures, holiday decor and cards, gifts, household accouterments and more. This book is careful in detail, instruction, and provides dozens of photographs of completed works, works in progress, even photos of tools needed.
Standard equipment needed is easy to come by, some you'll have on hand, some you'll need to visit a hobby shop for. The cost of equipment is up to you. For instance, a pasta roller is suggested for achieving desired thicknesses quickly, however the author explains, the same results can be had by laying sheets of wood (available at hobby or model shops) of the thickness desired on your rolling surface and rolling the clay out to the thickness of the wood. There are options listed for many items called for, so whatever your budget, the book will help you stay within its bounds.
I've seen a couple other books with sections on using polymer clays. What they lack is here. For the first time I read that when you use anything with uncured polymer clay, you must never use it again for food prep. or serving. This book covers the bases.
Creating wonderful things with polymer clayl.......2001-03-17
Polymer Clay for Everyone, 112 pages, over-size ppb.: If you enjoy the handmade beads and jewelry that surely only the most creative of people can make, take heart - Polymer Clay for Everyone will bring out the creativity in you. There are over 30 delightful, colorful projects to make including jewelry, buttons, beads, quirky magnets and miniatures, holiday decor and cards, gifts, household accouterments and more. This book is careful in detail, instruction, and provides dozens of photographs of completed works, works in progress, even photos of tools needed.
Standard equipment needed is easy to come by, some you'll have on hand, some you'll need to visit a hobby shop for. The cost of equipment is up to you. For instance, a pasta roller is suggested for achieving desired thicknesses quickly, however the author explains, the same results can be had by laying sheets of wood (available at hobby or model shops) of the thickness desired on your rolling surface and rolling the clay out to the thickness of the wood. There are options listed for many items called for, so whatever your budget, the book will help you stay within its bounds.
I've seen a couple other books with sections on using polymer clays. What they lack is here. For the first time I read that when you use anything with uncured polymer clay, you must never use it again for food prep. or serving. This book covers the bases.
Books:
- Writing and Reading Across the Curriculum
- Agile Software Development, Principles, Patterns, and Practices
- Architectural Drafting and Design
- Art Past, Art Present, 5th Edition (Book & CD-ROM)
- Basic Blueprint Reading and Sketching (Delmar Learning Blueprint Reading)
- Basics of Legal Document Preparation
- Botanical Illustration Course: With the Eden Project
- Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture
- Cartoon Guide to Statistics
- Change Your Life in Seven Days: The World's Leading Hypnotist Shows You How
Books Index
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Decorative Arts
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The Art of Metal Clay (with DVD): Techniques for Creating Jewelry and Decorative Objects
Metal Clay Magic: Making Silver Jewelry the Easy Way
Creative Metal Clay Jewelry: Techniques, Projects, Inspiration
Introduction to Precious Metal Clay: Instructions for Creating Fine Silver or Gold Jewelry Using This Material
Art Clay Silver and Gold: 18 Unique Jewelry Pieces to Make in a Day
