The Art of Polymer Clay; Designs and Techniques for Creating Jewelry, Pottery, and Decorative Artwork (paperback reissue, Updated)

by Donna Kato

• ISBN13: 9780823003570
• ISBN10: 0823003574
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Trade Paper
• Copyright: 2006-04-01
• Publisher: Watson-Guptill

Summary

WhenThe Art of Polymer Clayfirst appeared in 1997, polymer clay was undergoing a revival in the U.S., but its full creative potential had yet to be explored. With this book, author and artist Donna Kato helped change all that by introducing crafters to the vast range of polymer clay techniques, from millefiori to imitative to sculpture. Today millions of people enjoy creating with exciting, easy-to-use polymer clay. This season, Watson-Guptill is pleased to present the book that helped start the craze, in a new format at an affordable new price. Updates on clays, tools and supplies, conditioning, and safety make this the definitive book in the fieldand one that everyone can afford to buy and enjoy.

Author Biography

Donna Kato is known for her technical innovation with polymer clay and for her talent for presenting ideas in a clear and compelling manner. In 2002, she partnered with Van Aken International to launch Kato Polyclay. A frequent guest on crafting television programs, and a frequent contributor to magazines and journals, she has participated in many gallery shows, including the Masters Invitational Polymer Clay Show. She lives in Florissant, Colorado.

Table of Contents

Introduction	8	(2)
Polymer Clay Basics	10	(32)
Polymer Clays	12	(4)
Tools and Supplies	16	(12)
Conditioning the Clay	28	(3)
Polymer Clay and Color	31	(2)
Making Basic Shapes	33	(5)
Cabochon Techniques	38	(2)
Basic Safety Guidelines	40	(2)
Millefiori: Making Canes and Loaves	42	(16)
Millefiori Fundamentals	44	(4)
Basic Canes and Loaves	48	(6)
Clichy Rose Cane	54	(1)
Face Canes	55	(1)
Using Millefiori Canes and Loaves	56	(2)
Surface Treatments	58	(20)
Onlay Techniques	60	(6)
Image Transfers	66	(1)
Working with Glitter	67	(1)
Metal Leaf Treatments	68	(2)
Manipulating Cured Clay	70	(5)
Bakelite	75	(3)
Making and Using Molds	78	(10)
Moldmaking Basics	80	(1)
Using Your Molds	81	(1)
Cameos and Molded Buttons	82	(2)
Creating a Molded Likeness	84	(4)
Imitative Techniques	88	(16)
Clay Mixing for Natural Imitations	90	(2)
Sheets of Stone	92	(3)
Material Integration	95	(1)
Translucent Effects	96	(2)
Imitative Striping	98	(4)
Metal Effects	102	(2)
Vessels	104	(16)
Covering a Vessel with Clay	106	(3)
``Weaving'' a Vessel	109	(2)
Making an Unlined Vessel	111	(3)
Creating a Mosaic Bowl	114	(2)
Making a Box	116	(4)
Floral Forms	120	(10)
Tools and Preparation	122	(1)
Basic Construction	123	(5)
Leaves	128	(1)
Surface Design	129	(1)
Figurines and Sculpture	130	(12)
Sculpture Basics	132	(3)
Harvest Candlesticks	135	(3)
Larger Sculpture	138	(2)
Realistic Doll's Head	140	(2)
Source Directory	142	(1)
Index	143