The New Clay: Techniques and Approaches to Jewelry Making

Everyone starting out in polymer clay should have this book in their library. Many newer techniques have been developed since this book came out but this book contains everything you need in order to develop your own original work. If you're looking for a "projects" book skip this, but if you want the basics this is the book for you. I only wish Nan Roche would write another! I still find myself refering to it and I've been working in polymer clay for over 15 years.

It was the first book about PC. It was the only book available for quite some time. Many of the most renowned PC artists started with this book and you can see the influence in their work. I have just about every PC book there is and this one has some of the best explanations of the underlying basic methods available. Sort of like the "alphabet" of PC. I reread it often. I consider it a reference book rather than a project book. I have seen another very new PC enthusiast buy the book and dislike it (as a previous reviewer mentioned.) I think this comes from someone making a cursory review of the pictures in the book and deciding that is not what they want to make. I think they may have missed the trees for the forest. There is a lot of depth there. I highly recommend it for anyone serious about learning polymer clay.

This book has been around a while, and for a good reason. It's one of the best books for learning polymer clay techniques like millefiori and bead making.Even complex techniques are well explained here. The gallery of pictures is inspiring. If you have to get one book, this is definitely one that will start you off right and be worth keeping.Warning: this is a very FUN craft and can be quite addictive. Fortunately, there are lots of uses for polymer clay, like beads, buttons, hair clips, decorated boxes and much more.

This is a great book for both beginners and more advanced polymer clay enthusiasts. The illustrations are beautiful and the directions are simple and straightforward. Anyone interested in working with polymer clay needs to own this book!

Nan Roche & Chris Roche have produced a how-to book that incorporates clear easy instructions on the background and use of polymer clay along with clear, exciting and creatively motivating photos of some of the most challanging clay pieces I have seen. Even if you do not knead clay, you need this book for the sheer joy of how those pictures open you mind to different ways of using materials. A must for every clay worker's library