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Polymer Clay for Beginners: Inspiration, Techniques, and Simple Step-by-Step Projects for Making Art with Polymer Clay
Start making beautiful crafts from polymer clay! Art Makers: Polymer Clay for Beginners is your guide to this kiln-free craft.
Polymer Clay for Beginners introduces artists, art hobbyists, and polymer clay enthusiasts to this versatile, accessible 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.
Professional artist Emily Chen demonstrates how to make 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.
An inspirational gallery provides even more ideas for those who want to continue learning how to work with this easy-to-use medium. A modern approach to sculpture art, polymer clay is the perfect choice for beginners and crafting enthusiasts.
Polymer Clay for Beginners introduces artists, art hobbyists, and polymer clay enthusiasts to this versatile, accessible 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.
Professional artist Emily Chen demonstrates how to make 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.
An inspirational gallery provides even more ideas for those who want to continue learning how to work with this easy-to-use medium. A modern approach to sculpture art, polymer clay is the perfect choice for beginners and crafting enthusiasts.
123 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2019
155 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
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March 24, 2019
Art Makers: Polymer Clay for Beginners: Inspiration, techniques, and simple step-by-step projects for making art with polymer clay
by Emily Chen is a book I requested from NetGalley and the review is voluntary. This gives you a list of tools and tips the reader will need to make a lot of fun projects including food, little animals, and other things like unicorns! I fell in love with the cute little pig the size of the first section of my index finger! So cute and small!
Instructions on colors, mixing, making, baking, and coloring your project is included with corresponding pictures. Delightful! I had played with polymer clay before and this book made me want to get back into it! Loved how clear and simple the directions are and all the wonderful projects with pictures!
by Emily Chen is a book I requested from NetGalley and the review is voluntary. This gives you a list of tools and tips the reader will need to make a lot of fun projects including food, little animals, and other things like unicorns! I fell in love with the cute little pig the size of the first section of my index finger! So cute and small!
Instructions on colors, mixing, making, baking, and coloring your project is included with corresponding pictures. Delightful! I had played with polymer clay before and this book made me want to get back into it! Loved how clear and simple the directions are and all the wonderful projects with pictures!
March 22, 2019
Polymer Clay for Beginners is a perfect book for those who would love to try creating with clay as well as those who have experience with the medium. Emily Chen not only introduces the reader to the tools and materials needed, but she covers a variety of techniques over the course of 15 projects. Beyond the basics, such as the different clays available, baking times, finishes, and a troubleshooting section, Chen provides important tips throughout the book. For example, she recommends feeling the clay in the store before purchasing in order to get a soft, pliable brand or package. She also introduces different materials, such as liquid clay, acrylic paint and chalk pastels, which are ultimately used in some projects.
The finished products are adorable and Chen’s love of and enthusiasm for polymer clay is clearly evident. She guides the reader step by step through each project with text and large photos in which he details are easy to see. The 15 projects are divided into the following four sections — Food, Animals, Plants, and Beads.
One of my favorite projects was the Fruit Tart which involves making a strawberry cane (i.e., combining clay into a rod shape, then reducing it and slicing off pieces) which was just taught in the previous lesson by making orange slices. The Rainbow Cake looks delicious and Chen explains how to do different versions, such as Chocolate Layer Cake. She also shows how to make the miniature pieces into charms, which is applicable to many of the other projects in the book. Other food to create include Chocolate Chip Cookies, Macarons, and a Swiss Cheese charm.
I loved the animal projects. The Pug is precious and I appreciated Chen’s attention to detail — she shows you how to add paw prints to the Pug. The other animals — the Cat, Pig, and Cow — are all very cute and look do-able with Chen’s text and photos showing every step of the way. Chen even shows you how to make a ball of yarn for the little cat. The last animal is a little more of a challenge but it’s worth the extra effort because it’s an exquisite Unicorn. She even shows you how to paint the eyes just right.
The plant projects include a succulent, cactus, rose, and cherry blossom. She encourages you along the way and even tells you how to pot your newly created plants. Last, are two different kinds of clay beads to make and form into necklaces.
Polymer Clay for Beginners is a great book that provides a wealth of inspiration, instruction and delightful projects that will be fun to create and admire.
Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group - Walter Foster Publishers and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
The finished products are adorable and Chen’s love of and enthusiasm for polymer clay is clearly evident. She guides the reader step by step through each project with text and large photos in which he details are easy to see. The 15 projects are divided into the following four sections — Food, Animals, Plants, and Beads.
One of my favorite projects was the Fruit Tart which involves making a strawberry cane (i.e., combining clay into a rod shape, then reducing it and slicing off pieces) which was just taught in the previous lesson by making orange slices. The Rainbow Cake looks delicious and Chen explains how to do different versions, such as Chocolate Layer Cake. She also shows how to make the miniature pieces into charms, which is applicable to many of the other projects in the book. Other food to create include Chocolate Chip Cookies, Macarons, and a Swiss Cheese charm.
I loved the animal projects. The Pug is precious and I appreciated Chen’s attention to detail — she shows you how to add paw prints to the Pug. The other animals — the Cat, Pig, and Cow — are all very cute and look do-able with Chen’s text and photos showing every step of the way. Chen even shows you how to make a ball of yarn for the little cat. The last animal is a little more of a challenge but it’s worth the extra effort because it’s an exquisite Unicorn. She even shows you how to paint the eyes just right.
The plant projects include a succulent, cactus, rose, and cherry blossom. She encourages you along the way and even tells you how to pot your newly created plants. Last, are two different kinds of clay beads to make and form into necklaces.
Polymer Clay for Beginners is a great book that provides a wealth of inspiration, instruction and delightful projects that will be fun to create and admire.
Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group - Walter Foster Publishers and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 20, 2020
Love this! Having read a few how to books lately, this one is very clear and not overwhelming you with too much information. However, you still gain enough knowledge to learn and have the confidence to start with polymer clay. My only complaint is that it felt too short. I wanted more. XD
January 12, 2020
This is a lovely book with clear instructions for getting started in working with polymer clay.
The book has full color pictures and step-by-step instructions for several projects, including attractive food, animals, beads and plants. The little cacti were particularly interesting as it could be hard to tell them from real cacti at a glance, though I have to admit that it was the unicorn on the cover that really attracted me.
There is plenty of information on materials, techniques, tools for the job and methods for detail decoration. Trouble shooting problems with heating and how to fix any that arise also features.
All in all I think it's an excellent beginner's book on the craft and I plan to master the art of filling my house with unicorns! Variations in colors and glittering materials are suggested in the pictures and should be loads of fun to explore. The only thing that could have improved it would be to have a dragon design as well!
The book has full color pictures and step-by-step instructions for several projects, including attractive food, animals, beads and plants. The little cacti were particularly interesting as it could be hard to tell them from real cacti at a glance, though I have to admit that it was the unicorn on the cover that really attracted me.
There is plenty of information on materials, techniques, tools for the job and methods for detail decoration. Trouble shooting problems with heating and how to fix any that arise also features.
All in all I think it's an excellent beginner's book on the craft and I plan to master the art of filling my house with unicorns! Variations in colors and glittering materials are suggested in the pictures and should be loads of fun to explore. The only thing that could have improved it would be to have a dragon design as well!
March 6, 2019
I remember as a child having polymer clay and making simple little trinkets, things have come along way in the polymer clay world since then!
This book is a great start to learning some simple, and more complicated techniques to get some wonderful results.
I don't know what project to start first, eventually i will have them all done as all the projects are lovely.
From cakes to unicorns to piggies.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book is a great start to learning some simple, and more complicated techniques to get some wonderful results.
I don't know what project to start first, eventually i will have them all done as all the projects are lovely.
From cakes to unicorns to piggies.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 8, 2019
This book is as beautiful as it is informative! My son loves to make figurines with Sculpey and I was hoping to find some tips in this book to help teach him even better technique. Did I ever?! It is great! The projects are definitely geared more towards females and my daughter loved all of the pretty things! I recommend this book to anyone who is starting to use polymer clay and wants to learn more.
I received an eARC of this book from Netgalley but my opinions are entirely my own! I would buy the book. It’s that good!
I received an eARC of this book from Netgalley but my opinions are entirely my own! I would buy the book. It’s that good!
April 25, 2019
I would like to thank Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster for providing me with a free – temporary – electronic ARC of this book, via Netgalley. Although I’m auto-approved with this publisher, the decision to read this book is entirely my choice and any reviews given are obligation free.
Okay, I have to start by saying that the majority of this rating comes from the amazing talent of Ms Chen when it comes to polymer clay creations. The amount of time and detail that she puts into colour blending the clays for things like strawberries – wow! It might be polymer clay to some, but that is amazing and talented art to me.
This was a great book. Some step by step project ideas that are, for the most part, very basic. And the stuff that isn’t as basic is still doable for the beginner wanting to try something a little trickier – see the colour blending.
It has everything you need to know to get started. From the types of clay and their baking times, the tools needed, and the finishing ideas, etc. It is a great little, all-round helpful book.
The projects suggest are cute, something I think most people would want to try and in the same way so creative that it is something that lovers of polymer clay would then love to wear. It’s not as if you’re about to be shown how to make something you’d never wear. I would… but I am a tad eccentric. ;-)
I will say I did have an issue trying to review ‘Art Makers Polymer Clay for Beginners’ though and that was the layout and formatting. I am going to assume that the final edit created for print/ paperback book will look fine. But it was obviously not formatted to be easily read as an ASCM of PDF document. The formatting was clunky and all over the place, I had to try both my laptop and tablet to try and read it and, if it wasn’t for my love of polymer clay critters, I might have just given up trying to review it as the copy was just so hard to read. So if there are bad reviews for this book, based merely on Netgalley electronic ARC, I wouldn’t be surprised. I simply tried to look past the bad formatting for electronic viewing and am just going to assume the paper versions is a lot better. Due to this I did not let the poor formatting lower my rating.
Would I recommend this book to others?
Yes I would. It is, as it clearly states, a book for beginners. And I think something those aged 10 and over would enjoy. I could easily see myself and my 12 year old artist in residence enjoying this book together. I would warn people about the formatting though, and strongly recommend they only buy it in paper format and only after being able to see inside to ensure it’s all clear and easy to follow.
Would I buy this book for myself?
Yes I could. See my above comment about my child and I spending an afternoon making polymer clay creations. I mean, I am not a fan of cutesy unicorns, but could still see myself trying the ones in the book just to get a feel for that level of work. That says a lot, if I want to make a cutesy unicorn! :-D
In summary: A great little beginners book on how to make some simply and fun polymer clay creations.
Okay, I have to start by saying that the majority of this rating comes from the amazing talent of Ms Chen when it comes to polymer clay creations. The amount of time and detail that she puts into colour blending the clays for things like strawberries – wow! It might be polymer clay to some, but that is amazing and talented art to me.
This was a great book. Some step by step project ideas that are, for the most part, very basic. And the stuff that isn’t as basic is still doable for the beginner wanting to try something a little trickier – see the colour blending.
It has everything you need to know to get started. From the types of clay and their baking times, the tools needed, and the finishing ideas, etc. It is a great little, all-round helpful book.
The projects suggest are cute, something I think most people would want to try and in the same way so creative that it is something that lovers of polymer clay would then love to wear. It’s not as if you’re about to be shown how to make something you’d never wear. I would… but I am a tad eccentric. ;-)
I will say I did have an issue trying to review ‘Art Makers Polymer Clay for Beginners’ though and that was the layout and formatting. I am going to assume that the final edit created for print/ paperback book will look fine. But it was obviously not formatted to be easily read as an ASCM of PDF document. The formatting was clunky and all over the place, I had to try both my laptop and tablet to try and read it and, if it wasn’t for my love of polymer clay critters, I might have just given up trying to review it as the copy was just so hard to read. So if there are bad reviews for this book, based merely on Netgalley electronic ARC, I wouldn’t be surprised. I simply tried to look past the bad formatting for electronic viewing and am just going to assume the paper versions is a lot better. Due to this I did not let the poor formatting lower my rating.
Would I recommend this book to others?
Yes I would. It is, as it clearly states, a book for beginners. And I think something those aged 10 and over would enjoy. I could easily see myself and my 12 year old artist in residence enjoying this book together. I would warn people about the formatting though, and strongly recommend they only buy it in paper format and only after being able to see inside to ensure it’s all clear and easy to follow.
Would I buy this book for myself?
Yes I could. See my above comment about my child and I spending an afternoon making polymer clay creations. I mean, I am not a fan of cutesy unicorns, but could still see myself trying the ones in the book just to get a feel for that level of work. That says a lot, if I want to make a cutesy unicorn! :-D
In summary: A great little beginners book on how to make some simply and fun polymer clay creations.
March 18, 2019
I received a copy from Walter Foster Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’m a former ceramic major and I’ve dabbled in polymer clay on and off for a while now. When I saw this book, I thought it looked like a great intro to polymer clay and decided to check it out. I love that the opening takes us through the ins and outs of working with polymer clay. It covers important items such as brands of clay, supplies that aid artists and crafters alike, and the sort of things we should look for. For example, every brand of clay has different baking temperatures and times as well as softness.
Emily also goes over the main thing that’s needed to create, which is technique. She gives some wonderful and important tips in this regard that will be a big help for new creators. I even learned something new, which is another way to make a gradient between two colors that I’m excited to try out. Of course, time and practice will help all new polymer artists and crafters, but it’s important to learn the basics that everything you make will be built upon. Emily provides some comprehensive techniques and visual aids that are easy to understand and learn.
It’s also great that there are several simple and cute projects written and visual tutorials for readers to follow. Each of these projects can also be used as building blocks to other projects thanks to the variety of project tutorials that she included. She also including troubleshooting tips, including what to do if your finished project has a crack in it and how to prevent it in the future.
As a crafter myself, I was surprised to learn that there’s liquid polymer clay available as I’ve never seen it while buying supplies, which means it’s just in a different section at my local craft store. I will have to look for it when I am there because it looks like a wonderful addition to this craft. I’m excited about this because it’ll enhance some of my creations!
I highly recommend this book for people new to polymer clay as well as anyone looking to add to their collection or pick up some new tips and techniques.
I’m a former ceramic major and I’ve dabbled in polymer clay on and off for a while now. When I saw this book, I thought it looked like a great intro to polymer clay and decided to check it out. I love that the opening takes us through the ins and outs of working with polymer clay. It covers important items such as brands of clay, supplies that aid artists and crafters alike, and the sort of things we should look for. For example, every brand of clay has different baking temperatures and times as well as softness.
Emily also goes over the main thing that’s needed to create, which is technique. She gives some wonderful and important tips in this regard that will be a big help for new creators. I even learned something new, which is another way to make a gradient between two colors that I’m excited to try out. Of course, time and practice will help all new polymer artists and crafters, but it’s important to learn the basics that everything you make will be built upon. Emily provides some comprehensive techniques and visual aids that are easy to understand and learn.
It’s also great that there are several simple and cute projects written and visual tutorials for readers to follow. Each of these projects can also be used as building blocks to other projects thanks to the variety of project tutorials that she included. She also including troubleshooting tips, including what to do if your finished project has a crack in it and how to prevent it in the future.
As a crafter myself, I was surprised to learn that there’s liquid polymer clay available as I’ve never seen it while buying supplies, which means it’s just in a different section at my local craft store. I will have to look for it when I am there because it looks like a wonderful addition to this craft. I’m excited about this because it’ll enhance some of my creations!
I highly recommend this book for people new to polymer clay as well as anyone looking to add to their collection or pick up some new tips and techniques.
March 22, 2019
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Art Makers: Polymer Clay for Beginners is a tutorial guide to working with polymer clay by Emily Chen, the sculptor behind CatBearExpress. Released 19th March 2019 by Quarto on their Walter Foster imprint, it's 128 pages and available in paperback format.
Everyone is familiar with polymer clay. It's available at crafts and big-box retailers, by mail order, and I've even seen it at some larger grocery stores. The disconnect comes when you get your little packages of plastic home and try to make something. Even with the best intentions, none of my creations bore the slightest resemblance to the pictures I had up in my head. I needed a step-by-step tutorial, and this is a really good one.
I'm definitely a process based learner, so this book was perfect for me. The photographs are crisp and clear, the steps are very well delineated, and the projects are super cute and appealing (see the cover). There are a wide variety of subject tutorials; florals, fantasy animals, food, pets, etc.
This would make an amazing activity guide for scouts, church or library kid groups, or classroom art guide. I'm a middle aged adult and I am absolutely going to use the tutorials here to make myself some charms for my embroidery scissors and needle minders. This is a wonderfully inspiring book which has my fingers itching to get started!
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
Art Makers: Polymer Clay for Beginners is a tutorial guide to working with polymer clay by Emily Chen, the sculptor behind CatBearExpress. Released 19th March 2019 by Quarto on their Walter Foster imprint, it's 128 pages and available in paperback format.
Everyone is familiar with polymer clay. It's available at crafts and big-box retailers, by mail order, and I've even seen it at some larger grocery stores. The disconnect comes when you get your little packages of plastic home and try to make something. Even with the best intentions, none of my creations bore the slightest resemblance to the pictures I had up in my head. I needed a step-by-step tutorial, and this is a really good one.
I'm definitely a process based learner, so this book was perfect for me. The photographs are crisp and clear, the steps are very well delineated, and the projects are super cute and appealing (see the cover). There are a wide variety of subject tutorials; florals, fantasy animals, food, pets, etc.
This would make an amazing activity guide for scouts, church or library kid groups, or classroom art guide. I'm a middle aged adult and I am absolutely going to use the tutorials here to make myself some charms for my embroidery scissors and needle minders. This is a wonderfully inspiring book which has my fingers itching to get started!
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
March 7, 2019
I loved the look of this book! I have tried making polymer clay figures before with very little success – they never look like anything at all, let alone the picture of what it’s supposed to be. This book is a great book for beginners and also for people who have done it before and want some new ideas.
There is a comprehensive list of tools and materials that are needed and explanations of the different types of clay that can be used. There are some great ideas that some of the designs could be used as jewellery or even to make keyrings and I would imagine these would be really attractive. It gives clear instructions as to the different techniques that are used, such as mixing colours and is all easily explained with colour pictures. The book even goes as far to give you ‘troubleshooting’ tips so you can work out where you’ve gone wrong (the example of overcooked and burnt clay is usually what I end up with!)
The instructions for each project are clear and concise and baking times for the clay are also included. The projects are very good and very realistic (particularly the food!), but I would imagine you will need to have a few goes at it each one to get it anywhere near as good as the ones in the book! There are plenty of examples to try and are separated into different sections of food, animals and plants.
I would love to give this another go although it does look really fiddly!! I would imagine small dainty hands would be much better than big chunky ones, but with this great book anyone should be able to give it a go! Would definitely recommend!
There is a comprehensive list of tools and materials that are needed and explanations of the different types of clay that can be used. There are some great ideas that some of the designs could be used as jewellery or even to make keyrings and I would imagine these would be really attractive. It gives clear instructions as to the different techniques that are used, such as mixing colours and is all easily explained with colour pictures. The book even goes as far to give you ‘troubleshooting’ tips so you can work out where you’ve gone wrong (the example of overcooked and burnt clay is usually what I end up with!)
The instructions for each project are clear and concise and baking times for the clay are also included. The projects are very good and very realistic (particularly the food!), but I would imagine you will need to have a few goes at it each one to get it anywhere near as good as the ones in the book! There are plenty of examples to try and are separated into different sections of food, animals and plants.
I would love to give this another go although it does look really fiddly!! I would imagine small dainty hands would be much better than big chunky ones, but with this great book anyone should be able to give it a go! Would definitely recommend!
April 22, 2019
It's a book of cute polymer clay figures to make for the beginner, which seems quite similar to making figures for cake making with royal icing, though these have to be baked in the oven. This would be a great book for children and adults alike to get started.
The tools recommended seem inexpensive to get you started, and the book provides 4 sections of figures to make: food, animals, plants and beads. There are around 15 projects to do, with rainbow cakes, pugs, unicorns, cacti and beads for making a necklace.
The book has easy to follow steps, with lots of colour photography to show you what to do. A couple of the projects are turned into charms.
The only thing I felt missing perhaps is the amount of clay required; it should be given in grams rather than just small and large amounts, and what size the finished figure would be.
I received this book from netgalley in return for a honest review.
The tools recommended seem inexpensive to get you started, and the book provides 4 sections of figures to make: food, animals, plants and beads. There are around 15 projects to do, with rainbow cakes, pugs, unicorns, cacti and beads for making a necklace.
The book has easy to follow steps, with lots of colour photography to show you what to do. A couple of the projects are turned into charms.
The only thing I felt missing perhaps is the amount of clay required; it should be given in grams rather than just small and large amounts, and what size the finished figure would be.
I received this book from netgalley in return for a honest review.
May 30, 2019
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review*
AHHH. THIS BOOK IS SO CUTE.
I wish I would have read it like five years ago when I was a huge fan of clay(I used to use air dry clay because it was easier to find it in my city). It's not that I don't like it anymore but I lost my skills. However, I wish I would have read it before because the pictures were soooo big and the instructions so clear (there's not chitchat, yay) that I finally understood how to make a fruit cane and a cake (without watching a 10 minute video!!). The exercises were really easy, perfect for beginners, and you can find an introduction to methods and materials too.
AHHH. THIS BOOK IS SO CUTE.
I wish I would have read it like five years ago when I was a huge fan of clay(I used to use air dry clay because it was easier to find it in my city). It's not that I don't like it anymore but I lost my skills. However, I wish I would have read it before because the pictures were soooo big and the instructions so clear (there's not chitchat, yay) that I finally understood how to make a fruit cane and a cake (without watching a 10 minute video!!). The exercises were really easy, perfect for beginners, and you can find an introduction to methods and materials too.
March 3, 2019
Emily Chen easily communicates her knowledge of working with polymer clay to those just beginning. Her tips, and step by step instructions are very helpful, and she has a wide array of projects that will appeal to children.
My only wish is that she had included a set of projects geared to the adult beginner as well. I know I have to start somewhere, but surely there are easy projects that can be found that appeal to adults. If she included some adult projects, this review would have raised a star.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Walter Foster Books for allowing me to review an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
My only wish is that she had included a set of projects geared to the adult beginner as well. I know I have to start somewhere, but surely there are easy projects that can be found that appeal to adults. If she included some adult projects, this review would have raised a star.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Walter Foster Books for allowing me to review an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
August 26, 2019
Art Makers by Emily Chen is a terrific book for the beginner polymer clay crafter. It's like a recipe book for clay creations. Emily tells you exactly what types of clay, colors and tools to use to create each item in this book and she explains precisely how to use each tool, and your hands to obtain the desired effect. I am a total beginner and found this book to be very helpful.
#ArtMakers:PolymerClayForBeginners #netgalley #reviewathon
#ArtMakers:PolymerClayForBeginners #netgalley #reviewathon
March 28, 2019
A delightful, educational, step by step how to book on Polymer Clay for Beginners! As someone with absolutely NO experience in polymer clay products, I picked some up at my local craft store and spent several, fun-filled hours making the projects outlined in the book! Kids, as well as adults, will appreciate its contents!
I voluntarily received this book for an honest review.
I voluntarily received this book for an honest review.
August 2, 2025
Perfect for Children or Beginners
I liked the book, but was looking for something more advanced. This would be perfect for children or someone just starting polymer clay crafts. It explains each step in great detail & has terrific pictures with each step. I'd definitely recommend it to all.
I liked the book, but was looking for something more advanced. This would be perfect for children or someone just starting polymer clay crafts. It explains each step in great detail & has terrific pictures with each step. I'd definitely recommend it to all.
April 3, 2019
Excellent book for beginners. I am learning myself right now. I found the book very straight forward and easy to use.
April 15, 2019
Been wanting to get into polymer clay for a little while now and this is such a good guide for it! It's non-intimidating and breaks it down simply yet not patronisingly. Worth the read!
July 14, 2020
Useful and informative. Simple and fun projects making for a great introduction to this versatile medium.
November 18, 2020
The most adorable tiny projects ever
May 3, 2024
Great for a beginner
Lots of great tips and information for someone just starting out with polymer clay. Several cute little things to make
Lots of great tips and information for someone just starting out with polymer clay. Several cute little things to make
July 30, 2024
Good book for beginners to get started or for more experienced clay crafters, too. Nice, clear pictures to illustrate the projects.
April 7, 2025
A guide to cute and easy clay crafts.
June 22, 2019
A nice book for beginners and those who have some more experience with using polymer clay. Nice set up to show how to make the projects shown.
March 1, 2019
This is a great book for those just starting out in polymer clay. The author has a friendly voice and explains tools and methods in an easy-to-understand way. The projects provided have step-by-step instructions and utilize basic shapes to create a dazzling array of foods, plants, and animals (and they're all stinkin' adorable). Looking forward to sharing this book with my 6 yr. old niece on our next craft day!
March 11, 2019
Emily Chen has created a great resource for those wanting to start out creating with polymer clay. The author covers the basics including troubleshooting. Projects are clearly explained and have multiple photos showing each step to enable the crafter to successfully recreate these fun designs. This would be a great starting point for someone new to the craft!
Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster and Netgalley the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster and Netgalley the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 11, 2019
Easy step step by procedures for making some great polymer clay projects.
There are useful tips. Projects ranging from Food, Animals, Plants are presented
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC
There are useful tips. Projects ranging from Food, Animals, Plants are presented
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC
March 13, 2019
Art Makers: Polymer Clay for Beginners
by Emily Chen
As the book states beginners, and it’s a perfect book that I needed to get started in trying my hand at polymer clay objects. Through photos and clearly written directions any beginner can create simple items. The book will take you through types of clay, color adjusting, and blending colors to create with. Also, you’ll learn about the basic tools to use and techniques for forming your clay pieces. This book will take you step by step for making a variety of projects, and finally how to finish your clay piece by baking it.
I had a fun time trying out the cow for my first project, and after a few try’s I think it turned out pretty cute. Although I only had pink and purple on hand! I had fun and I think you will too!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#Netgalley
by Emily Chen
As the book states beginners, and it’s a perfect book that I needed to get started in trying my hand at polymer clay objects. Through photos and clearly written directions any beginner can create simple items. The book will take you through types of clay, color adjusting, and blending colors to create with. Also, you’ll learn about the basic tools to use and techniques for forming your clay pieces. This book will take you step by step for making a variety of projects, and finally how to finish your clay piece by baking it.
I had a fun time trying out the cow for my first project, and after a few try’s I think it turned out pretty cute. Although I only had pink and purple on hand! I had fun and I think you will too!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#Netgalley
March 14, 2019
Art Makers: Polymer Clay for Beginners is a terrific introduction to working with polymer clay. Filled with color photographs and basic instructions, the book walks the reader through getting to know the clay to actual projects. The author also includes helpful tips on how to bake your clay, and how to avoid burning your projects, what to do if you see cracks, etc. Once she's taught you the basics, she moves right into the projects. This book includes a lot of projects, divided into sections: food, animals, plants/flowers, and beads. The author shows the step by step instructions, both in words and pictures for each project, and each project is cute and inspiring. If you work through even a few of the projects in this book, you will be much more comfortable working with polymer clay, and much more skilled. I thought this book was an excellent guide to working with polymer clay, and would be a great addition to rainy Sunday afternoon project time with older kids, along with the clay and proper tools, of course. If you have any interest in learning to work with polymer clay, this is a great place to start!
March 16, 2019
Art Makers Polymer Clay for Beginners by Emily Chen is just that a book for beginners. The projects are adorable and there is some interesting instruction on how to blend colors, what tools to use, how to bake your final project and what polymer clays are out there to use. I was delighted in the step by step instruction and the photos were terrific. I feel that this book is a good jumping off point to begin your polymer clay journey. I think I would have liked to have more information on how the clay feels in the beginning and how long it takes to get it soft enough to use. I feel it glossed over the beginning of the journey. Otherwise there are delightful projects waiting for you to create.
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