Dough Books

Polymer Clay Creative Traditions: Techniques and Projects Inspired by the Fine and Decorative Arts

Judy Belcher

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 34 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Polymer Clay Creative Traditions: Techniques and Projects Inspired by the Fine and Decorative Arts 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

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.

Very Helpful Book about making Pretty Polymer Clay Stuff! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Very Helpful Book about making Pretty Polymer Clay Stuff! I really like this book alot. :0)

Editorial Review:

Thousands of crafters have discovered that polymer clay is versatile, easy to use, and just plain fun. Now, with "Polymer Clay Creative Traditions", all crafters can create beautiful and wondrous works of art that blend this exciting medium of today with the great design ideas of the past. "Polymer Clay Creative Traditions" lets both beginners and experienced artisans draw inspiration from painting and drawing, ethnic carving, quilting, ceramics, sculpture, glass, metalwork, and more. Through more than 300 stunning photographs, and fascinating text, author Judy Belcher reveals how these influences can be expressed through ordinary polymer clay. An introduction on the history and handling, plus tips and techniques throughout the book, make "Polymer Clay Creative Traditions" an invaluable sourcebook for all polymer clay crafters.

Welcome to the Jungle (Beyond Projects: The CF Sculpture Series, Book 2)

Christi Friesen

Amazon Price: $9.95 List Price: $9.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Don't Eat Any Bugs Productions Amazon Marketplace: 21 new & used starting at $5.66

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 16 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Imaginative projects, fantastic instruction! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This book is one of my favorite Polymer Clay books of all time! Finding Christi Friesen and her wonderful techniques has given me so much enjoyment in my art. Christi's explanations and pictures of step-by-step instruction are unmatched as far as I'm concerned. And she's a very funny lady! You will enjoy this...it's a must-have for the Polymer artist.

My second favorite book is Under the Sea
Under the Sea (Beyond Projects: The CF Sculpture Series, Book 3)

Christis is as funny as a barrel of sloths...Huh? Don't worry, I don't get it either! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Such a fun book! Christi is highly entertaining. Her lovely personality comes shining through Loud and Clear!!! I have a great time pulling out these books and following along with her step by step. I am always very satisfied with the results. And usually I am not a step by step kinda person. I am more of the no rules/color outside of the lines kinda gal but, Christi makes it fun to follow along! I can't wait for the rest of the series. So far I've made a few frogs, a dragon, a sea-horse, and some flowers, vines and foliage.

I recommend the entire series. Even my young nieces and my mother-in-law creating projects from these books!

Editorial Review:

Detailed photos, step-by-step instructions and a quirky sense of humor make this 2nd book in the "Beyond Projects" series a great way to explore sculpting with polymer clay, no matter what your skill level. You will enjoy making exotic leaves and flowers, furry creatures, bugs and frogs, and add embellishments to your creations, using pearls, semi-precious stones and beads.

Make Your Own Playdough, Paint, and Other Craft Materials: Easy Recipes to Use with Young Children

Patricia Caskey

Amazon Price: $10.92 List Price: $14.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Redleaf Press Amazon Marketplace: 29 new & used starting at $8.76

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Make Your Own Playdough, Paint, and Other Craft Materials contains more than one hundred recipes for making craft materials—dough, clay, paint, glitter, and other creative materials—with young children.

Parents, as well as childcare providers and teachers, will find recipes that use ingredients easily found in their kitchens. Many of the recipes have less than five ingredients and take just minutes to make. Besides saving money by not buying commercial craft materials, the process of making the materials can be just as fun and educational as the activities that can be done with the finished products. Included with the activities are some new ideas for materials that providers and teachers can use in discovery bottles and discovery tables in childcare settings.

In addition to common craft materials, there are recipes for:
• Dryer lint clay
• Edible candy clay
• Non-toxic scratch-and-sniff paint
• Waterproof glue
• Sidewalk chalk
• Clean mud
• Bubbles
• Soap crayons
• Bath salts
• Perfume
• Invisible ink
• Colored macaroni or rice

Children will be thrilled to discover the works of art they can create with their new craft materials as they enhance their senses of touch, taste, smell, and sight. All of these recipes have been tested for safety and outcomes if followed as directed.

Stamping Effects in Polymer Clay With Sandra McCall

Sandra Mccall

Amazon Price: $15.63 List Price: $22.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: North Light Books Amazon Marketplace: 48 new & used starting at $2.70

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Great projects, but organization of the book needs work 4 out of 5 stars.
26 of 26 people found this review helpful.

Sandra McCall is one of my favorite artists. Her projects are beautiful, and she has a way of explaining techniques that is clear and concise. This book is fully in line with her style of work, and is a wonderful book for gaining inspiration. She uses a variety of techniques to achieve her looks, and her personal style adds a special touch to each project.

The reason I gave her 4 stars instead of 5 is what the book is missing. First, she showcases different techniques as a sampler at the front of the book, but the techniques are buried within projects rather than taught then applied to projects. This can be confusing for some people. For instance, one of the initial projects uses an ivory malachite as a decorative element; however, the technique for making the ivory malachite is shown later in the book. There's a lot of jumping around here.

Second, many of the projects include elements that she made using techniques showcased in the book, but NOT the exact method she used to achieve that particular sample. Being an instructor myself, I have found that some people will want to make the exact same project as my sample while others will want to take the technique and branch out with their own style. Sandra's project-oriented approach should allow for this, but by incorporating elements which were not included in the instruction, she will frustrate some readers.

Overall, I did like this book a great deal, and it is a welcome addition to my polymer clay library.

Editorial Review:

In this book, popular artist Sandra McCall combines polymer clay and rubber stamping with her trademark style - and a healthy dose of innovation. Packed full of new ways for crafters to use their rubber stamps, "Stamping Effects in Polymer Clay with Sandra McCall" contains techniques and crafts with wide appeal - perfect for anyone interested in polymer clay, rubber stamping, jewelry making or home decorating. Crafters will make brooches, necklaces, coasters, framed art and much more. These two popular crafts have never looked so good together.

Gingerbread for All Seasons

Teresa Layman

List Price: $24.95 By: Harry N. Abrams Amazon Marketplace: 7 new & used starting at $60.10

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Absolutely wonderful! 5 out of 5 stars.
11 of 11 people found this review helpful.

I am again very impressed by Theresa Layman. The gingerbread houses are just magical, not only because of the easy to use designs, but also because of the attention that has been paid to the details, which make every project just about perfect.

A lot of ideas, not only for Christmas (although I LOVE the Santa sleigh) each and every one just lovely. The directions are extended and clear. I cannot wait to make them all!

DETAILS! 5 out of 5 stars.
10 of 10 people found this review helpful.

I love making gingerbread houses. I've made quite a few, so I was looking for something with unique ideas. This houses in this book are very detailed. But don't let that scare beginners. One of the best things about this book is how it not only gives great ideas, but tells you how to use them. It starts with the patterns (great to have them full sized already) and tells you how to build the house from structure to finish. The variety and detail are wonderful. You could adapt each project to your own level of artistry. I would definitely recommend this as a keeper for the project shelf.

Editorial Review:

Gingerbread is not just for Christmas. Patterns for 20 original gingerbread projects range from simple shapes like snowflakes to ambitious masterpieces such as a haunted house for Halloween and even a gingerbread carriage for a baby shower. Includes instructions, actual-size templates, and layout diagram for each project. 46 illus. 32 in full color.

Making Great Gingerbread Houses: Delicious Designs from Cabins to Castles, from Lighthouses to Tree Houses

Aaron Morgan, Paige Gilchrist

List Price: $24.95 By: Lark Books (NC) Amazon Marketplace: 15 new & used starting at $19.44

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Miniature houses have an undeniable appeal, especially when they're made out of food. But the architectural achievements in this guide are so charming and sometimes so elaborate that it's hard to imagine actually eating them; they're meant to be admired, not devoured. From rustic to royal, humble to ornate, this eclectic assortment ranges from cooking-school complex to child-simple. Some were even designed by kids and could certainly be constructed by them. (Just be sure to buy extra trimmings, since the budding architects are bound to do some nibbling!)

The authors lay solid groundwork in the introductory section, explaining the key points of gingerbread building, pattern making, and utilizing various types of trimmings, and offer basic recipes for gingerbread dough, royal icing, marzipan, pastillage, and fondant. Then it's on to the structures themselves, contributed by more than four dozen designers. Houses, cabins, inns, chapels, castles, lighthouses, even whole little villages drip with snowy icing, as candies, cookies, and other goodies mimic stone, brick, shingle, stucco, logs, and landscaping. This is not a step-by-step guide but rather a gallery of wonderful ideas, with photos of each creation and some very general suggestions about making them. The photography is not high quality but is adequate enough to show detail, and templates are included for many of the structures. One designer even found an ingenious solution to the edibility dilemma, turning the flat roof of her elaborate Victorian concoction into a serving surface for Christmas cookies. --Amy Handy

Imagine Your World in Clay

Maureen Carlson

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

dummy-proof 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

This book's steps make it impossible to fail. Even if you have trouble with detail and faces, you can do it. Kids will appreciate the step-by-step approach and won't feel overwhelmed.-Such cute results(and a great confidence builder)!-A great way to move kids from average-intermediate ability with clay.

Good typical clay stuff 3 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Maureen Carlson is one of my favorite polymer clay artists. This book is great.

Editorial Review:

Bestselling polymer clay artist Maureen Carlson has shown countless adults and children how to create charming works with this versatile material. Now, she brings more ideas to the children's audience, introducing new fun and creative projects. Children ages 6-12 will discover: Step-by-step projects including puppets, along with a wide variety of people and pets; Age-appropriate instruction from one of the most successful polymer clay artists working today; Ideas and inspiration for kids to make figures that look like friends and family; Children will love creating their own worlds with the engaging projects in this dynamic guide.

Liquid Polymer Clay: Fabulous New Techniques for Making Jewelry and Home Accents

Ann Mitchell, Karen Mitchell

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Valuable PC Resource Guide 5 out of 5 stars.
73 of 76 people found this review helpful.

If you've never used Liquid PC, get this book and get started! As a PC artist, I found the uses of liquid PC staggering. The world of the PC artist is a very sharing and caring environment. That's one of the reasons I enjoy the craft so much as the artists are all very generous with their techniques and knowledge. The authors of Liquid Polymer Clay are no exception and have a wealth of tips and tricks within the pages of their book. Novice and Advanced artists alike will benefit from the Mitchell sisters' wealth of knowledge. Kudos to you both!

Editorial Review:

Liquid Sculpey[registered] is a new medium with endless possibilities, and these two recognized experts have developed a considerable following for their handcrafted jewellery and accessories. Now they share their original sculpting techniques, so everyone can explore the exciting crafting opportunities offered by liquid polymer clay. Each chapter provides information on the development of the techniques and the medium or art application that inspired it. Twenty-two projects teach crafters how to combine polymer clay with beads, metal filigree and antique glass cabochons to create 11 unique jewellery and 11 home decoration items.

Celebrations With Polymer Clay: 25 Seasonal Projects

SaraJane Helm

Amazon Price: $19.79 List Price: $21.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Krause Publications Amazon Marketplace: 34 new & used starting at $1.99

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Great!! But not for beginners! 5 out of 5 stars.
18 of 19 people found this review helpful.

It is a beautiful book to look at and to admire. But if you are a beginner I suggest going with "New ways with Polymer clay" and or "The polymer clay techniques book". The Techniques book is very helpful!! I loved this book but for now all I can do is look and dream.

You need this book !!!! 5 out of 5 stars.
12 of 13 people found this review helpful.

I love this book and I know you will too if you are into clay or just thinking about trying it. The projects are all wonderful, with easy to follow instructions. Everything to keep a beginner or an advanced clayer busy. Sarajane Helm out did herself this time. Can wait to see what's up her other sleeve.

Editorial Review:

Celebrate a year's worth of holidays, festivities, and special occasions with polymer clay creations. The 25 projects include party favours, centrepieces, wreaths, arrangements, displays and decorations for weddings, birthdays and seasonal holidays. Beginner and advanced polymer clay artists will find helpful step-by-step photos and instructions to guide them to successfully complete ornaments, dolls, Easter bunnies, May baskets, Halloween decorations and much more. Techniques such as caning, stamping and transferring are shown and explained in easy to follow detail. As a bonus, readers will learn how to transform polymer clay into graphic applications such as cards, gift-wrap, journals, albums and books.

Polymer - The Chameleon Clay: ArtRanch Techniques for Re-creating the Look of Ivory, Jade, Turquoise, and Other Natural Materials

Victoria Hughes

List Price: $23.95 By: Krause Publications Amazon Marketplace: 15 new & used starting at $15.05

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

This Book Humbles Polymer into Natural Basics 5 out of 5 stars.
56 of 57 people found this review helpful.

I am new to polymer clay and have never taken classes, or even heard of this author prior to the purchase of this book. May be on my way to an addict. I have gotten a pasta maker. So provided you are into things that far, I think even beginners with a reasonable amount of intelligence can deal with this book. The author is very specific in explaining how to imitate different natural mediums with polymer clays (some premo, some fimo, some combinations of the 2). I don't have a great deal of inventory of clay, but was able to emulate most of the techniques, represented with what I had - even if the colors were off a bit. I have gotten a couple other books, and polymer can really get outrageous, complicated, time consuming,and just plain dissapointing when the end result is not perfect enough. This book seems to take things slow and specifically enough to follow and enjoy. And, the nice thing about simulating stones, and natural things is that they are inherently defective, cracked, uneven, and irregular. Even when you mess something up a bit, it can look like it was done on purpose. For the price, I considered this book a good buy for my money.

Editorial Review:

This book presents, in detail, how polymer clay can imitate various materials including ivory, jade, coral, shell, onyx, and turquoise through assorted finishing, shaping, baking, and moulding techniques. Eighteen unique and stunning projects, including an ivory pendant and an accordion-style jade book, are featured and illustrated by 250 beautiful, step-by-step photographs and detailed line drawings. A gallery of finished pieces by the author and more than 10 other skilled artists offers inspiration for readers to go beyond what is presented to make their own unique creations. Features: New, inventive, and amazing techniques to make polymer clay imitate more than ten different materials; Gorgeous photographs of completed pieces to inspire creativity; Complete information and step-by-step instructions for creating each look.