Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Book Review: Polymer Clay Jewelry

This book review is written by Cindi of ClayItAgain.artfire.com

Do you like ethnic jewelry? Well Debbie Jackson's book 'Polymer Clay Jewelry' may be just the book for you.



The book is divided into 5 different chapters with the first one being 'Getting Started' and as usual it's the polymer clay basics for beginners-which tools, supplies, and findings are recommended. A couple of skinner blends are demonstrated, one of which is the rainbow skinner blend. Also, there is a couple of pages about laminating with liquid polymer clay that is very informative.
Moving along to the next chapter, Additives and Embellishments, is for all of you that have a few seashells or feathers laying around....and you know you do :D...this chapter will show you how to put some of those treasures to good use. There is an African brooch, a beautiful feathered hatpin, and a hinged dragonfly pendant.
The next chapter is Textures, and it starts with an oriental fan pin. Then follows a pendant that makes use of the rainbow skinner blend and shows you how to carve a baked polymer clay. Lastly in this chapter is a mokume gane button that is sure to be noticed.
Liquid polymer clay is the next chapter and included is embedded bead earrings, eggshell mosaic brooch, a laminated collage pendant and a faux cloisonne enamel brooch.
Did I mention that each chapter is followed by a gallery of idea projects to get your creative juices flowing? And Debbie doesn't just show you alot of finished projects in these galleries; she also gives pointers and tips on how she achieved different variations of her projects.
The last chapter, and my personal favorite is titled Canes, and it starts with ginkgo leaf earrings. Among the others are a snakeskin bangle, a bengal tiger brooch, a mud cloth pendant that I have been wanting to make, and a sea turtle pendant.
All projects are described very well, have excellent pictures, and all are unique. You will not see these items in other books. I give this book 5 stars out of a possible 5, and will not be putting it back on the shelf until I make that ginkgo leaf cane.

Until next time happy claying :)

2 Smooshing Thoughts:

Em+Mad said...

I am going to put that on my Amazon wish list right now!! Than you for the review!

Creative Critters said...

I haven't seen this one yet- it looks really cool! Thanks for sharing! =)