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New Publications for August

Amulets and Talismans

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Dancik, Robert

Paperback Book (North Light Books, 2009)
144 pages
List Price: $24.99

This in-depth guide is almost like getting two books in one. Not only will you receive the guidance and insight to create jewelry that is embedded with personal meaning, but Amulets and Talismans also features extensive instruction on a wide variety of cold-connection techniques that can be applied to any style of jewelry making. Incorporate found objects, personal mementos and more into one-of-a-kind pieces of art.

While this is not specifically a polymer clay book, it is included here because Robert Dancik’s cold connection techniques are popular with clay artists.

Clay so Cute!

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Haab, Sherri

Softcover Book (Watson-Guptill, JUN 09)

112 pages
List Price: $14.95

Specifically designed with the tween (8–12-year-old) girl in mind, Clay So Cute! shows how one of the easiest mediums—polymer clay, which need only be baked in the oven—can be sculpted into quick, simple, totally fun jewelry and accessories.

Clay So Cute! features projects that are more sophisticated than “kid stuff,” but trendier and more age-appropriate than the pieces in adult clay books.

Using simple, step-by-step illustrated techniques, few tools, and updated colors to make tween-friendly projects like mini-cupcake charms, robot key chains, polka-dot ponytail holders, Japanese-style animals, and a wide assortment of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, Clay So Cute! is a sweet discovery for tween girls.

Handcrafted Jewelry 2009

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Miscellaneous Contributors
Magazine (Interweave Press, 2009)

96 pages
List Price: $7.99

Buy this Magazine

Get out your tools and ready your creativity! Handcrafted Jewelry, a brand-new special issue from the editors of Beadwork magazine, is a beginner’s guide to mixed-media jewelry projects, the hottest trend in jewelry-making. Inside you’ll find 22 inspiring projects. These combine crafting techniques you may have never associated with jewelry (think rubber stamping or collage) with traditional jewelry-making techniques, such as stringing, wireworking, and polymer clay, to create one-of-a-kind necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Detailed instructions plus step-by-step photographs make every one of these projects superdoable.

PolymerCAFE August 2009

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Uliczny, Christi and Herren, Michelle and Rufener, Shirley and
Topina, Eugena and Heller, Lisa and Josten, Jacqueline and

Schiller, Laura J.

Magazine (Scott Publications, 2009)

66 pages
List Price: $6.99

Buy this Magazine

PolymerCAFE is a full-color bimonthly print magazine dedicated to providing news, instruction, and events to hobbyists and enthusiasts in the world of polymer clay. The magazine contains columns that range from beginner’s instruction to professional level craft and business information. Other article types include how-to, profiles of polymer clay artists, hints and tips, children’s, and product reviews.

This issue’s projects include:

  • Random Layers Pendants – Christi Uliczny
  • Altered Jewelry Box – Michelle Herren
  • The “Touchy Feely” Challenge Winners
  • Fish Frenzy – Shirley Rufener
  • Steampunk Business Card Case – Eugena Topina
  • Steampunk: Just the Gears! – Lisa Heller
  • Mayan Necklace – Jacqueline Josten
  • Miniatures: Play-on-Words Pots – Laura J. Schiller

Plus many other features!


To be Published Soon

Artful Polymer Clay

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Ritchey, Gail

Softcover Book (Kalmbach Publishing, OCT 09)
96 pages
List Price: $19.95

Gail Ritchey is known for her innovative uses of polymer clay in home decor items, jewelry, and miniatures. She brings a wealth of experience to this collection of 23 fun and beautiful projects that require no special skills or classes. Chapters are divided by techniques such as molding, rolling, shaping, marbling, cutting, punching, stamping, chatoyant, extruding, and mokume gane. Beginner and intermediate artisans can quickly start making elegant cameos, vases, frames, containers, and other attractive and useful objects by following Ritchey’s simple, step-by-step techniques.

Clay Art for Special Occasions

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Miyai, Yukiko

Hardcover Book (Island Heritage, OCT 09)

74 pages
List Price: $19.95

Soft air-dry clay creations require no baking and allow for complex and beautiful effects based on surprisingly simple handwork. Clay Art for Special Occasion shows crafters how to create a wide range of gorgeous flowers from plumeria to hibiscus, floral arrangements, leis and decorations for gift boxes, even seasonal ornaments. Author Yukiko Miyai provides basic instructions, materials lists, strategies for mixing colors, techniques for shaping the clay and making leaves and stems, how to attach flowers to stems, and more. Step-by-step photographs assure spectacular results every time.

Polymer Clay Beaded Jewellery

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Cheramy-Debray, Isabelle

Book (Search Press, OCT 09)

48 pages
List Price: $13.95

The wonderful versatility of polymer clay is illustrated throughout this book, in which the author uses simple techniques to turn it into a stunning array of beads in all sorts of shapes, styles and colours. She then shows you how to use the beads to make gorgeous necklaces, earrings, bracelets, keyrings and brooches in a range of innovative styles, from fun and funky to elegant evening wear. Suitable for absolute beginners as well as more experienced jewellry and bead makers, the clear, step-by-step instructions are fully illustrated, and all of the materials and equipment you need are described in detail. This title features clear, step-by-step instructions on how to make beads from polymer clay, and how to use them to create beautiful jewellery. All the methods, techniques, materials and equipment are described in detail, making this book suitable for beginners and experienced crafters alike. It covers a broad range of contemporary and traditional styles.

Polymer Clay Color Inspirations

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Haunani, Lindly and Maggio, Maggie

Paperback Book (Watson-Guptill, AUG 2009)
144 pages
List Price: $21.95

Lindly Haunani and Maggie Maggio are renowned for their courses and workshops on color as well as for their outstanding polymer clay work. In this book, they offer instruction and inspiration that focuses on polymer clay as a learning tool that readers can use to explore their own color instincts and preferences and develop their own palettes.

Each chapter investigates a specific color principle, with the discussion supported by a related exercise, a “studio tool” assignment or demonstration, a polymer clay jewelry project, and a profile of a prominent polymer clay artist. Sample topics include:

  • The Complexity of Color
  • Three Properties of Color
  • Choosing Your Palette
  • Mixing Colors That Flow
  • Matching Colors with Precision
  • Games Colors Play
  • Orchestrating Color Combinations
  • Color Composition: Placement and Proportion
  • Playful Patterns
  • Tantalizing Textures

The Polymer Clay Cookbook

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Partain, Jessica and Partain, Susan

Paperback Book (Watson-Guptill, OCT 09)

160 pages
List Price: $16.99

Tiny Food Jewelry to Whip Up and Wear

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