Widely considered to be the most comprehensive introduction to ceramics available, this book contains numerous step-by-step illustrations of various ceramic techniques to guide the beginner as well as inspirational ceramic pieces from contemporary potters from around the world. For the more experienced ceramist, there is a wealth of technical detail on things like glaze formulas and temperature conversions which make the book an ideal reference. To quote one review: ...I am a studio potter and would not be without it. The fourth edition has been updated to include profiles of key ceramists who have influenced the field, new material on marketing ceramics including using the internet, more on the use of computers, added coverage of paperclays, using gold and alternative glazes.
Polymer clay is one of the most popular and versatile mediums available to crafters, lending itself to a variety of applications ranging from decorative boxes, mosaics and miniature models to beads, buttons and jewellery. This comprehensive book features step-by-step instruction in over 50 techniques, including exciting ways to work with new materials such as liquid and metal clays.
This is not your ordinary how-to book! Austin TX based authors and polymer clay artists Kim Schlinke and Randee M. Ketzel artfully mix a clever mystery with 20 how-to projects that show step-by step photographs and instructions to create your own "ancient artifacts." These polymer clay masterpieces are beautiful enough to grace a museum collection-or yours! At 206 pages, this lavishly photographed book is stuffed with a multitude of projects that can be done just as presented with highly detailed step-by-step instruction, or used as starting points to make faux gems for use in all sorts of designs. Priced retail at $30, the hefty book's how-to projects weigh in at the mere cost of $1.50 each. Animal lovers will be pleased to note that our authors also give us the secrets of making replicas of ivory and tiger claw that involve no cruelty towards elephants or wild cats whatsoever! Projects featured in this compendium include: Celtic Bronze Fibula, Navajo Silver Pendant, Art Nouveau Golden Gingko Brooch, Carnelian Choker of Ancient Rome, Amethyst Cabochons and Nugget Beads, Amethyst Silver Art Nouveau Pendant, Black Opal Cabochons, Barbarian Bracelet, Chrysoprase Cabochons (A and B Grade), Hammered Cuff Bracelet, Ancient Limestone Fossil Pebbles, Cycladic Goddess, Leopardskin Jasper, Primitive Pebble Bracelet, Faux Twigs, Fantastical Forgeries Bracelet, Blue Lace Agate Tile Bracelet, Copper & Rhodochrosite Tiered Necklace, Snowflake Jades, Qin Dynasty Bangles, Amber Caravan Necklace, Primeval Coral Rock Hound Necklace, Ammolite Cabochons, Gothic Revival Pendant, Victorian Mourning Brooch, Faux Tiger Claw, Victorian Raj Brooch, Faux Tiffany Glass Scarabs, Faux Ivory Cuff Bracelet Find out how it is all done-and "who done it"-along with our intrepid protagonists, Parker and Peele. "What is this stuff?" wondered Parker, and her companion pointed her umbrella to the drawings that plastered the walls. "The raw materials for the best forgeries ever seen" replied her friend. "This is where they were created." Together they examined the drawings, exclaiming softly as they recognized several objects from the Museum. Parker picked up one of the colorful lumps and frowned. "What is this, Peele? It's soft like clay, but I've never seen these colors before." "No," said her friend, "nor have I-at least in this form. I suspect it requires a catalyst of some type to render it into the false gems-ah, here!" Peele uncovered an array of electric ovens. "Heat-how charming. This must be some type of polymer, which, when brought to the proper temperature, then hardens. I have heard rumors. Could become just about anything, in skilled hands."
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.
Start making beautiful art with this step-by-step guide to making trinkets, animals, plants, and more using this fun, easy, and kiln-free craft. Polymer Clay for Beginners introduces artists, art hobbyists, and polymer clay enthusiasts to the versatile, accessible polymer clay medium. Because polymer clay does not require the use of a kiln and needs only baking in the oven, it is an easy, approachable art form for even the most inexperienced artist to learn, as well as kids, families, teachers, and anyone else looking for a fun, boredom-busting hobby or craft. Professional artist and owner of Cat Bear Express, Emily Chen, demonstrates how to make adorable animal figurines, flowers, cookies, cakes, beads, and more through easy step-by-step projects. Each project features colorful, styled photographs demonstrating how finished pieces can be used, displayed, and gifted. A comprehensive tools and materials section and detailed information on techniques, baking, and glazing guide artists in their quest to become polymer clay pros. A modern approach to sculpture art, polymer clay is the perfect choice for beginners and crafting enthusiasts. The Art Makers series is designed for beginning artists and arts-and-crafts enthusiasts who are interested in experiencing fun hands-on mediums, including embroidery and papier-mache.
Are you in search of innovative projects that you can try out to sharpen your artistic skills? Do you have a passion for handcrafts and are curious about how to make your own jewelry, doll, and basic sculpture from clay? If so, then your search is over! This book, Polymer Clay Book for Beginners, presents art in the most beautiful and enlightening form, opening your eyes to the splendor in art with its focus lens on polymer clay. Why polymer clay? Polymer clay is a long time admirable art, and though it is just gaining popularity and massive international recognition, it allows you to show a very high level of creativity. It can be described in just two words; creativity and fun. It is best for children who like to play with their hands while working out their imagination. Polymer clay will give you great hours of crafting joy as you work your hands through the mixture. Polymer clay is also inexpensive and very easy to find. You are certain to find some in your local craft store. This is a very flexible art that gives room for innovations and sharp creativity. With polymer clay, any idea is worth birthing forth and is a potential art edifice, just with your hands, and lumps of clay. And yes, you don’t need to be a master to get it right, your mess of an innovation or idea could be celebrated as the world’s number one most outstanding masterpiece. As Sir Ralph Waldo Emerson rightly said many years ago, “every artist was first an amateur.” In other words, if any artist can build sculptures, as an amateur you can do much more, that is if you start working towards it, now. Well, all you really need to get started is your imagination and enthusiasm. With your imagination, you can travel into the ancient time and create the most beautiful art piece of all time and with enthusiasm, you can make it happen. In this beginner book, you will; · Be more acquainted with what polymer clay entails, its historical timelines and how it works. · Get to know the different application areas of polymer clay. · Be familiar with the terms associated with polymer clay. · Be exposesd to the tips, tricks and techniques used in polymer clay art that will set you on your way to becoming an expert in the art. · Be enlightened on the tools and materials needed to get you started. · Educated on the safety measures to adhere to when working with polymer clay. · Get started with making beautiful polymer clay crafts with the aid of the 20 polymer clay project ideas discussed in this book with step-by-step instructions and graphical illustrations to guide you along the process. …And a whole lot more! What more are you waiting for? Hone your creative abilities, and build your crafting skills with this beginner's guide to polymer clay. To begin your journey, simply grab a copy of this book RIGHT NOW
