Polymer Claywork (New Crafts) Review

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(More customer reviews)Polymer Claywork is a project-based book, but what is most interesting about it is its front matter. The projects themselves range from fun to a bit dull.
The book includes both a section I've not seen in another PC book - a short history of PC - and a lovely gallery. The history was fascinating for me, since I'm rather new to PC, and answered one of my long-standing questions (what does Fimo mean?). And the gallery was, sadly, too short, but inclusive and inspiring. Those two items alone were worth the lower-end price of the book.
The projects themselves, while attractive, don't always include new techniques or new ideas. They range from extremely basic to somewhat complex. Most of them are of the home decorating or knickknack variety, with a few basic jewelry or bead ideas. One interesting facet of these lessons is the mixed-media aspect; there's rather more of this in Polymer Claywork than in most books - projects like tassels and hand mirrors, for example, with both PC and non-PC components (other than findings).
This book is hardcover and stitch-bound, which is really nice. I haven't had it very long, but I suspect it will hold up to standard use better than many of the PC books available. It's also attractively priced; many of the softcover project-based PC books are more than this one.
A nice, attractive book, and one I'm happy to have, though perhaps not essential in a PC library.

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Kids' Crafts: Polymer Clay: 30 Terrific Projects to Roll, Mold & Squish Review

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(More customer reviews)I was so happy to participate in making some of the projects in this book and with Irene Dean writing it, I knew the book was naturally going to be good.
But, when I received it, I was totally floored at the quality - hardcover, great paper, clear pictures, well-written instructions. It was so much better than I'd even anticipated.
This book was written for someone much younger than I am, but I found it completely entertaining, throughout. Very thorough "basics" section, including a look at making simple canes, then on to the projects. Lively and colorful from cover to cover.
Jazzy, upbeat writing, hip kids in artful demonstration, wonderful photography, lots of humor and cool fonts surround each of the thirty projects. There are beginner items to advanced - critters, jewelry, things to make for gifts, from simple to sophisticated - kids are going to absolutely love this book! And just in time to give to a young person before the appearance of "summer doldrums," too. :)
But, I don't think its appeal is limited to the 8-14 years-old age bracket because IMO, most adults would find it fun, too. I'd recommend this one to beginning clayers of any age.
Congratulations to Irene and her terrific editor for a fabulous, fun book!
zig

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Anatomy of the Ship: The Ships of Christopher Columbus Review

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(More customer reviews)Along with the scale fold-out plan on the inside of the jacket with folds at the top and bottom, photographs, models, and diagrams recreate the three historic, legendary ships of Columbus's first voyage to the New World. The work by the noted Spanish maritime historian is the latest in the publisher's series "Anatomy of the Ship." Other historically notable and in a few cases historically momentous ships dealt with in this series in a similar manner are the HMS Beagle and the Endeavor (Cook's ship), the naval cutter Alert, and the more generic Fairmile 'D' Motor Torpedo Boat. An inviting series for naval and maritime enthusiast. Diagrams with a detail familiar from airplane designs, and more relevantly, the skillfully-drawn, aesthetically-pleasing designs of yachts do not stop at the body of the three ships, but extend to individual designs of masts, ship fittings, flags, steering gear, tackle, the smaller landing boats, and other parts of the ships. With this bounty of detailed diagrams and illustrations of the ship parts (e. g., masts and sails), equipment, and other implements the crews would work with and handle, the Columbus voyage comes to life in a unique way.

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