Creative Polymer Clay: Over 30 Techniques and Projects for Contemporary Wearable Art

by Heidi Helyard

Discover a world of inspired and colourful jewellery-making from the comfort of your own home. Just make, bake and wear!   In this comprehensive guide to modern polymer clay techniques, artist and designer Heidi Helyard reveals the simple techniques that can be used to create one-off, contemporary jewellery pieces with minimal tools and equipment.    Polymer clay, which has been around for nearly eighty years, is currently finding itself popular amongst contemporary jewellery makers as the bright colours and sheer versatility of the material allows makers to create bold and graphic modern designs.    The beauty of polymer clay is that it presents so many opportunities to explore colour combinations, patterns and texture. In this book you will learn ten easy yet exciting techniques including slab and cane making, marbling and colour mixing, inlay techniques, printing onto clay, surface embellishments and more to create twenty unique jewellery pieces.    The projects in this book vary in complexity, but are accessible to both novice and advanced makers alike. If you are a beginner, the extensive step-by-step photos and instructions will help you develop your polymer clay skills and complete the projects with confidence. As you build your skills and learn the techniques via the book, you will realise that you can combine techniques to create all-new results.    The skills you learn in this book will open up a limitless world of further experimentation for you to discover.

Genres: Crafts, Art, Nonfiction

142 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2021

Reviews

[Shelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a purely project-based book, suitable only for rank beginners. If you’ve never worked with polymer clay before, feel you’re not very “creative” or artistic, and like the very narrow and specific style of jewelry found on the cover, Creative Polymer Clay will ably walk you through making these projects, with clear instructions and good step-by-step photographs.

2.5 stars; not to my taste, but adequately imparts its technique to the reader.

[Brittania Kelli Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's good for techniques, but projects are a little dated

It's a good tutorial if you just want to learn techniques, but the actual projects were very trend based which means they've gone out of date a few years later. The big bright earrings and colourful slab necklaces on string are simply not what people are wearing or buying now, so the actual projects aren't really any use, unless that is your style and you don't follow trends. But the techniques and pictures can still be used to make other styles, so you'll still walk away with some new techniques to try.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an inspiring and accessible guide for anyone interested in polymer clay and jewellery-making. It provides clear instructions, stunning visuals, and creative ideas that make it easy to get started, even for beginners. I loved how it encourages experimentation and lowers the barrier to creating art with real potential for selling. Some designs resonated more than others, but every project offers valuable learning opportunities. A solid 4-star read!

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

A neat and cute craft book.