The Weekend Crafter(r) Polymer Clay: 20 Weekend Projects Using New & Exciting Techniques

This is my favorite polymer clay book -- the first book I "ask" whenever I have a question. Irene gives clear explanations, painlessly taking the reader through 20 gorgeous projects....

I enjoyed this book because it offered some fresh new concepts and interesting projects. I feel anyone from the beginning clayer to the accomplished artist would enjoy this book. Photography was very good. Easy to follow directions make 20 Weekend Projects with Polymer Clay a great book for all clayers. We need more like it and hopefully the author will have another one for us soon.

Irene Dean's book is a welcome addition to the polymer clay library. The book teaches through projects, by incorporating different techniques in each, and that makes it more valuable than a random selection of 20 projects would be. I found that although I did not want to do every project in the book, I am exploring the techniques and ideas presented in my own designs.The projects are easy to medium difficulty, and most require little to no sculpting or drawing talent, which is a blessing for those of us without artistic skill. Most of the projects do require extra tools, embellishments, or finishers in addition to the basic polymer clay supplies - among the "extras" you'll need are acryllic paints, metallic leafing, mica or embossing powders, and glitter. It's a nice way to demonstrate the use of these frequent additions to the polymer clay workshop, but it can be expensive or difficult for beginners in the medium.The lessons in The Weekend Crafter span a range of uses - there are jewelry projects, but also home decorations, notebooks, mugs, and other items. This sometimes necessitates more bases or findings than just beads alone might, but it really helps to expand claying horizons. Unlike many of the other PC books out right now, there's very little in The Weekend Crafter about caning, so this is not the book for the strictly millefiori-lover or caner. The book is a softcover, but the binding is a lot sturdier than some of the other PC books available. There are many full-color pictures; the lessons are graphic-intensive, and there's a small but fun gallery section as well.Overall, this is a fun book, and it's especially nice to see such a reasonably-priced PC book on the market. I think most PC workers would be happy to have this.

I've been using polymer clay for around 7 years, and this book thrills me. I know that this Lark series is geared towards beginning and intermediate level clayers, but I think it can be inspirational to anyone, because of the range of techniques and projects. The book has a generous amount of beautiful work by many skilled craftspersons, in addition to Irene's own work. The "how-to" projects are worthwhile, but the book stands on its own even if someone isn't interested in these projects.

Irene is an innovative artist who creates wonderfully polished work in polymer clay. Now, she shows herself to be a capable writer with this book. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience with the clay, you'll love the beautiful photography, the clear directions and the many ideas presented in "Polymer Clay, The Weekend Crafter."The techniques can be applied to many more than the projects shown, and she's done a wonderful job of showcasing the work of other artists and crafters, too.Beautiful!