5 comments about Welcome to the Jungle (Beyond Projects: The CF Sculpture Series, Book 2).

1. I had seen this book in a store while out of town and on a strict budget. When I got home I checked my local haunts and it was no where to be found. Bummer. A friend suggested Amazon. Sure enough, there it was, I bought this one and one other, I plan to purchase the rest as soon as possible. Amazon was the perfect price including shipping and it arrived a day sooner than estimated. I live in a very small town in Northern CA. I have to travel 75 miles to the nearest craft store for supplies. From now on, I will check out Amazon before making the long haul and spend my money on goodies instead of fuel!



2. Cf is both funny and instructional in her books and Jungle is no exception. She has done it again.



3. I purchased Christi Friesen's polymer clay books on Dragons and Under the Sea. I was very impressed with both. This particular book... not so much. I expected a bunch of jungle animals to be able to make but the majority of the book was plants, leaves, etc. I doubt I'll do any of the projects out of this book because they are just not my thing. It is still packed full of Christi's wonderful pictures and instructions.



4. CF provides clear instructions for even the beginning sculptor. She also has a great sense of humor which shines through in her books.



5. I have the whole series and they are all great. The Author gives you the basic info to make the project, embellishment ideas and your on your way.
   I love these books

5 comments about Make Your Own Playdough, Paint, and Other Craft Materials: Easy Recipes to Use with Young Children.

1. This book contained so many excellent paint, playdough and clay ideas that you can make yourself. My preschool class loved them! It was fun to introduce new textures and sensory experiments to them! It was both a learning and playful experience!



2. to my daughter with the four kids. Can't say she'll ever have time to look into it but she surely buys enough of the real stuff that she should. Can't say that I've looked into it myself.



3. I think this book is wonderful! If you have any of the "how to make and do things" type of books some of these recipes might be included but to see them all laid out in order with recipes for different things is very nice! Plus most of the recipes all share common ingredients so you don't need to buy a lot of hard to find stuff for each project.
   
   The way this book is laid out,with one recipe per page and large print,is very easy for children to read.My daughter really enjoyed being able to read the list and help mix up the ingredients.We especially liked the gloop and glop recipes for making slime.
   
   If you work at a school or daycare or if your kids go through paint and playdough like it is going out of style,I highly reccomend this book to cut supply cost because whipping up large batches of supplies will save you lots of money and if you get the kids involved is an awesome learning experience!



4. This book has been a great help to me as a stay at home mom of a toddler!! Great ideas to keep her busy when the weather is too hot to get outside(or as winter approaches too cold!). I love the ideas and my daughter has loved the varied activities in her "art" time!



5. I have to assume that this book is very good. I bought it for someone else and had it sent directly to them. They specifically asked for it by name and author.

5 comments about Stamping Effects in Polymer Clay With Sandra McCall.

1. This book is excellent and gives lots of instructions. It certainly stirs up a person's creativity with all the wonderful projects included in the book.



2. I enjoy looking through this book by Sandra McCall. The photos are well done and the instruction is clear. There are many techniques and projects included in the book. I like the wire working and tile mosaic look of some of the items. This book is beautifully done.



3. book is a great help in learning work stamping into any polymer clay project. Great fun.



4. This book is a keeper! Sandra McCall has packed this book with wonderful projects. She has a keen eye for color and a style that is very inspiring. I found new techniques which I've never seen any place else, before, or even since reading this book. She tells of an easy way to quickly add sheen to beads without having to dip them into anything or even buffing. Quite a nifty time saver!
   
   This was the first polymer clay book I bought, I had just gotten my info off the web sites, I'm so glad I bought it. I still pick it up often and get inspired to make more of the projects or try them in a new way.
   
   The techniques and designs in the book are much more valuable than the cover price. My thanks to Sandra!!



5. This is an outstanding how-to of meshing stamping and polymer clay. I dabble in polymer clay bead making, but most if not all of the techniques in this book will apply or are adaptable to making beads. I find McCall's instructions to be thorough, photos explanatory and the projects to be creative and innovative. Bravo!

5 comments about Polymer Clay Creative Traditions: Techniques and Projects Inspired by the Fine and Decorative Arts.

1. This book is a great addition to any library. Plenty of projects and examples of professionals work that you could actually do. You can really get a lot of ideas to to create your own art work. I really like the book.



2. Just started this technique. Very well illustrated and the photos will get you enthusiastic about the craft. Hope I get as good as these photos.



3. I should have paid more attention to the other 3-star review. I am behind the times and am pretty new to claying. (Right now I am interested in only jewelry.) While this is a beautiful book, perhaps it is more suited to those with more experience (or wider interests in clay.) The book cover features only jewelry and while the cover pieces do appear in the book, full directions for these pieces were not always included. In addition, many of the other pieces in the book are not jewelry (they are boxes, purses, wall art, free-standing sculpture) and those appealed to me less. Also, while the book does include some techniques and projects, overall it is more of a gallery-type book which I didn't necessarily expect given the book's title. The techniques and tips included are sometimes very basic, even for a newbie like me (making Skinner blends, different brands of clay require different firing temps, watch out for air bubbles)and at other times, the instructions for the specific faux techniques were very sparse (at least to me) or entirely absent. I would not have purchased this book had I seen what was in it first. However, I did get a few inspirations from it so all is not lost!



4. but i think i wanted more instructions on the techniques. In at least one case, the instructions provided created alot of extra work and expense, at least for me, which is why i gave the book only 4 stars. But overall a good idea for a book and nice effort, which will provide many with new techniques and ideas.



5. This book has so many ideas and projects that if I never purchased another book, I would be busy the rest of my life! It is good for every level. it has good basic instructions as well as inspiring pictures.I love it!

5 comments about Polymer - The Chameleon Clay: ArtRanch Techniques for Re-creating the Look of Ivory, Jade, Turquoise, and Other Natural Materials.

1. I have been working with polymer since last summer, my only teachers being books, of which I had about 10 before buying this one. As it was published in 2002, I hesitated to get it, but am I glad I did! Most of my previous books were inspiring and/or useful in one way or another, but this one and the two I bought that were written by Donna Kato have made me feel the caring of true teachers. They know how to put themselves in the student's place and explain in an understandable way.
   
   Here are a few of the many things I learned from Ms. Hughes:
   -TLS is so resilient that it can be used as the spine of a book.
   -How to use Cernit clay together with Fimo to get the best out of both.(There is a lot here on the different properties of the different clays, though nothing, alas, on Kato polyclay, which I gather was not yet on the market. I did learn why my Premo pieces often chip when I drill them and what to do to prevent it.)
   -Use a drop of mineral oil in the metallic wax Treasure Gold when it begins to get too stiff to control well (This is a problem I had been having lately, so the advice was doubly welcome.).
   -The name of a quick cyanoacrylate glue that allows 10 seconds during which you can reposition delicate objects; this is longer than you get with Zap-a-Gap.
   -That it is generally best not to varnish imitative pieces, which would spoil the aged effect that develops over time in real ivory, turquoise, etc. Instead, polish and buff.
   
   I could go on and on just listing things I have learned about general technique, materials, tools, and the care of tools, but I urge anyone who is serious about polymer to get this book, because it is really wonderful in almost every way. I found almost all of the numerous pictures of polymer art thrilling and inspiring, and needless to say, the explanations of how to imitate a number of natural materials very helpful. I can't wait to try the amber!
   
   If I could have asked more of this book, I would have liked a more comprehensive list of suppliers for the various materials and tools, but it does have a longish list of books ranging from polymer clay to various art books, including some great resource books for ethnic art.
   
   As others have mentioned, this book may be a bit too much for complete beginners, but I think it would be an important addition to the book collection of anyone who seriously wants to develop his/her polymer claying abilities.
   
   Polymer Clay Creative Traditions: Techniques and Projects Inspired by the Fine and Decorative Arts, The Art of Polymer Clay Creative Surface Effects: Techniques and Projects Featuring Transfers, Stamps, Stencils, Inks, Paints, Mediums, and More, The Art of Polymer Clay Millefiori Techniques: Projects and Inspiration for Creative Canework, The Polymer Clay Techniques Book, Creative Ways with Polymer Clay, Creative Techniques for Polymer Clay Jewelry, Stamping Effects in Polymer Clay With Sandra McCall, The Art of Jewelry: Polymer Clay: Techniques, Projects, Inspiration (Lark Jewelry Book), Polymer Clay Surface Design Recipes: 100 Mixed-Media Techniques Plus Project Ideas, Polymer Clay Inspirations



2. Victoria Hughes is clearly well experienced at polymer techniques and a master teacher. Her book is organized well, good pictures, excellent instructions, beautifully written. My favorite part, however, is the beginning chapters in which she discusses the creative process and how to approach your experience with the the clay as a true artist, regardless of your experience level. Her book is my favorite on this subject.



3. This book shows a whale of a lot of timeless information about how to work with polymer clay. Topics include: clay itself; fundamentals, procedures, techniques for working with clay; the nature of color; color mixing; tools and molds; materials commonly (and not commonly) used with clay; aspects of design; more. Ms Hughes gives clay recipes and gives projects. Directions tell the `how' and include the `why' for details so that I can catch the principle and remember it.
   
   Having spent hours and hours and hours reading on line at the major polymer clay sites, there are a couple of names that stand out. One is Judith Skinner for the now ubiquitous skinner blend. The other is Victoria Hughes for these "imitative" techniques that produce wonders of translucence and style.
   
   I originally got this book when it was first published. I lent it to a friend who didn't return it. I got another one; ditto. Several copies later, I gave my copy-of-the-moment to my grandson. I forgot that I'd given it to him, and so looked all over the house for it... repeatedly. At last, I've gotten another copy. This is a classic that I refer back to time and time again. To say this book is `good', would be like saying that Obama is a `pleasant' man.



4. I can't understand why this book has such rave reviews. This is the reason I purchased it but was very disappointed and sent it back. I think it is a waste of money and maybe my view is based upon the fact that there are so many good polymer clay books that followed this one. If I hadn't sampled these newer books maybe I would be like the other consumers here, giving it five stars. In all honesty, save your money for something better.



5. Polymer: The Chameleon Clay was the first polymer clay book I bought. It's not really geared toward beginners, but I've never been afraid to jump in with both feet. I'm glad I did! Victoria Hughes is a pioneer in making polymer clay look like just about anything. While I've since seen alternate techniques that make creating faux bone or stones simpler, I've never seen an technique that does it more realistically than hers. I regret I've never had a chance to take one of her classes.
   
   In addition to the wonderful techniques for mimicking other materials, this book is inspirational. It showcases wonderful art or Hughes and a number of other talented artists. Exciting techniques, a wide variety of projects and beautiful photography combine to make this book remain one of my favorite books on polymer clay--and I now have quite a library of them!

5 comments about Liquid Polymer Clay: Fabulous New Techniques for Making Jewelry and Home Accents.

1. This is a really neat technique that I've yet to try. I am constantly adding to my polymer clay book collection and this was the only one I found on the uses of liquid clay. Very good instructions and lots of ideas in here. The liquid clay is something anyone can make themselves in the colors you want.
   Great used book too. I was very, very pleased.



2. This book is just wonderful :)
   
   I had it only 24 hours but I know it is the best written creative book I have so far.
   I sculpt with polymer clay and new ideas are always welcome and I truly did find some really good ideas.
   SUPER!!!



3. I borrowed this book from the library, and had to purchase. The most useful book on liquid polymer clay I've seen to date. VERY detailed instructions and photos for projects, with inspiration for your own. Superb!



4. I have been a polymer clay artisan for many years, and just recently became curious about what I could do with liquid polymer clay. This book was VERY useful in supplying me with information about the many uses of liquid clay. It is easy to read and is structured in a way that you can start at page one and go from there, or simply look up the technique you are most interested in.
   
   I was most impressed with the MANY step-by-step photos offered along with the written instructions for the different projects and techniques. Concise and comprehensive. It does a superb job of covering the lessons presented. However, there are a couple of techniques mentioned in the beginning of the book that I would like to have seen explored in more detail (like using a heat gun to quick-set liquid clay).
   
   Highly recommended for anyone who is already familiar with regular polymer clay and would like to explore a new direction. Moderately recommended for complete newbies - it does leave a lot of questions unanswered if you are totally unfamiliar with using polymer clay.



5. If you've never used Liquid PC, get this book and get started! As a PC artist, I found the uses of liquid PC staggering. The world of the PC artist is a very sharing and caring environment. That's one of the reasons I enjoy the craft so much as the artists are all very generous with their techniques and knowledge. The authors of Liquid Polymer Clay are no exception and have a wealth of tips and tricks within the pages of their book. Novice and Advanced artists alike will benefit from the Mitchell sisters' wealth of knowledge. Kudos to you both!

5 comments about Gingerbread for All Seasons.

1. This book contains only a few pages of instructions on how to build a gingerbread house, and many diagrams. It's being sold at over 300% the cover price, so I suggest a reader look elsewhere. Much mor euseful free information on the INternet.



2. This is exactly what I was looking for - it gives very precise directions that are illustrated and detailed along with ingredient and materials lists.
   
   Very few assumptions are made on the part of the author about what the reader does or does not know. Explanations about why and how are given along with suggestions and various options of how to construct specific pieces or why one method is better for one situation but another is better for other situations.
   
   The methods make *sense* and the reasons and explanations are clear.
   
   This might be more detailed than a brand new beginner to ginger bread houses can handle but if you've made a few in the past and are ready to try some more detailed or custom approaches it is the perfect resource.
   
   GREAT book.



3. Hands down, this is the best Gingerbread House book. I have been inspired and have created unbelievable houses and even won an award from ideas from this book. I highly recommend this book if you are interested in creating beautiful gingerbread houses. Worth seeking out this book that is no longer in print.



4. Very nice book complete with patterns and instructions. One of the best available.



5. I have both of Teresa Layman's books on gingerbread, and this is my favorite of the two. If you enjoy making gingerbread structures, or just like practicing your decorating skill, this book is one you will turn to time and time again. What I like most about both of her books is how clear and detailed her instructions are on how things are put together, and how she uses items and ingredients that anyone can find anywhere, so that it is IMPOSSIBLE to mess it up. And even though the pictures look a bit intimidating, if you break each structure down into steps as she has laid out, and take it one thing at a time, you soon realize how simple they really are - they just LOOK impressive. The Haunted House is worth the price of the book all by itself! I loved making it - so much fun!

5 comments about Celebrations With Polymer Clay: 25 Seasonal Projects.

1. This was a used book I purchased and I have to say I was very, very pleased with the condition.
   The author of this book puts everything in very simple terms & makes it easy for a newby to follow along.
   I really love it & was glad to add it to my collection of polymer clay books that is ever expanding thanks to Amazon!!!



2. I first seen this book at a crafting store and with their price came home and found it on Amazon.com at a lower cost..thats the first most important thing...I really love the way they incorperate the mica's in the projects to give them a very rich expensive non crafted look..I was very impressed with the projects in this book and reviewing it before I bought it was the selling point for me..Mrs.C.



3. I collect books on Polymer Clay Artistry and Beading, and this is one of the best of any genre. An absolute classic, suitable for beginners and more experienced clay artists. If you ever thought of Polymer Clay as a relative to Play-Doh, you won't after reading this lucious book.



4. It is a beautiful book to look at and to admire. But if you are a beginner I suggest going with "New ways with Polymer clay" and or "The polymer clay techniques book". The Techniques book is very helpful!! I loved this book but for now all I can do is look and dream.



5. I love this book and I know you will too if you are into clay or just thinking about trying it. The projects are all wonderful, with easy to follow instructions. Everything to keep a beginner or an advanced clayer busy. Sarajane Helm out did herself this time. Can wait to see what's up her other sleeve.

No comments about 116 Great Arts and Crafts Project Recipes for Kids. Fun With Easy Instructions For Children..

3 comments about Dough Folk Art: How To Make Beautiful & Lasting Objects From Flour, Salt & Water.

1. Cheryl Owen does an excellent job of explaining the history and evolution of Salt Dough for arts and crafts. The projects are unique, interesting and suitable for a variety of skill levels. Her book includes a variety of projects from wall hangings to plates, clocks and containers, and fun toys for children. Beautiful photography compliments the easy to follow directions. This book should be included in everyone's Arts and Crafts section of their home library.



2. This book is great and teaches you how to make creative projects from ... water, flour and salt! Some objects showed by Cheryl Owen are folk, and other are very sophisticated. Dinousaurs, cornucopias, flowers, stars, butterflies and other creatures are turned into necklaces, pencil holders, hanging decorations, bowls, boxes and other projects that can be made to and by children and adults. The author give us precious ideas in how to use this fantastic a-toxic, cheap and versatile material. Buy now!



3. This doughcraft book bonanza is truly an eye-candy with full-color photographs splashed on every page. Complementing the beautiful photos are techniques and step-by-step instructions on how to accomplish each project using this very versatile medium. Pictures showing variations of some of the projects are also included, inspiring the crafter further. Wall decorations, bowls, clocks, toys, frames, vases, and napkin holders are just a sampling of what might be found in this book. The templates of these items can be found at the book's last few pages. Finally, for easy referral, an index is included.