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.

New in Paper The colors, textures, and versatility of polymer clay make it a perfect medium for creating faux surfaces--and these 30 recipes for special finishing, shaping, baking, and molding techniques will transform polymer's appearance. Craft gorgeous faux gemstones; fool the eye with imitation metals, including Balinese silver and verdigris copper; and copy must-have naturals, from bone to leather. Or make simulated agate, slate, and marble. You'll find information on all the types of polymer clay, from translucent ones to some with mica powder, and see how to enhance their surface with paints, inks, wax compounds, and confetti. The unusual include a handsome makeup set, lapis lazuli drawer pulls, and Opal Earrings. "[A] well designed craft book...the end results dazzle."--Publishers Weekly Annex

A thousand and one ideas for making beautiful polymer clay millefiori. In Venetian glassmaking, slender rods of molten glass are shaped, then cut to reveal amazingly detailed patterns: flowers, geometric shapes, dancing colors. These slices are called millefiori, “thousand flowers,” because they form a carpet of flowers when placed side by side. Now celebrity author Donna Kato shows crafters exactly how to re-create these intricate, fascinating designs in polymer clay. The Art of Polymer Clay Millefiori Techniques reveals the entire process: how to work with the polymer clay, the basics of planning and creating a cane, and using color effectively. Dozens of canes, from simple to simply stunning, are included, and everything is clearly explained and illustrated with full-color photos, the Donna Kato way. Throughout the book, examples of stunning work by such millefiori artists as Kathy Amt, Pier Voulkos, and Kathleen Dustin provide inspiration. There must be a thousand ways to make beautiful millefiori . . . explore them all in The Art of Polymer Clay Millefiori Techniques.

Shows how to create jewelry and decorative art with polymer clay, teaching basic techniques and offering such projects as floral forms, moldmaking, figurines, and mosaic bowls, in an updated handbook that includes new information on tools, clays, supplies, conditioning, and safety. Original.

Renowned for their courses and workshops on color, the authors offer instruction and inspiration that focuses on polymer clay as a learning tool that crafters can use to explore their own color instincts and preferences. Each chapter investigates a color principle supported by a jewelry project.

If crafts are big, then clay is colossal. From pins and pendants to bracelets, buttons, and embellishments, crafters of all ages are embracing the creativity that polymer clay inspires. The Complete Book of Polymer Clay is an encyclopedic book by renowned expert Lisa Pavelka includes the latest techniques, handy tips, and trade secrets. Pavelka presents a sweeping overview of materials, how-to fundamentals, and construction techniques. She also introduces six original projects with complete instructions showing readers how to make pendants, curio boxes, a necklace, and a bracelet. Clear, concise, and comprehensive, this is an essential addition to any crafter's library, no matter his or her skill level. For even more inspiration, this indispensable reference features a gallery of 50 original projects by Pavelka and other talented polymer clay designers.

“Has the...advantage of tapping into the different expertise and styles of a variety of practitioners. Crafters can pick from among 31 projects, ranging from traditional (Chinese good-luck lantern) to extraordinarily modern (tiny jointed teddy bear)....A gallery of artists...adds insight and inspiration.”—Booklist.