This book is remarkably thorough - I would love it if all art resource books out there were structured like this one. There is a comprehensive section on materials and the instructional parts are for specific techniques, not projects that have a narrow focus. There are plenty of project ideas illustrated, but this book really gives you the tools to create a vast number of beads and then use them creatively from there. For those who have never beaded before, there is also a great section on the materials and basic techniques necessary to turn polymer clay beads into wearable jewelry.

This was a wonderful book! The pictures are colorful as well as informative and the instructions are pretty easy to follow. I am looking forward to making a lot of beads with this book!

First off - yes, there are LOTS of books available showing all sorts of different projects using polymer clay and no, you won't become an expert overnight with this one or any other one. HOWEVER, Blackburn has provided a book with updated information and the guidelines to get you on your way to make the beads of your dreams - referring to the first section entitled "Materials and Techniques:" espcially, blending-Skinner Tech., Combing, Caning, Molding, Shapes, Drilling, Polishing (very important), Varnishing, Foils, Extrusions, Textures, Transfers Stamping, Mokume Gane, Mica Shift and more. Just remember, she and others making beautiful polymer products do this all the time and so practice, practice, practice. That being said, I have to say that I truly enjoy this book as so many others have mentioned - that being the focus on bead making. My own efforts over many months of work were so so at best. Once I followed her steps, which are given with photos & written info for each step, I am much more pleased with my own beads.

My main interest in this book has been section two "Faux Techniques" - wood, marble, ivory/bone, leather, amber, coral bronze, abalone, jade, mother-of-pearl (amazing), silver, malachite, turquoise, lapis, onyx, agate. For the most part, I have been extremely pleased at the outcomes of my efforts, but some of Blackburn's representations of imitating certain things could be better. Lapis - get the book "Polymer-The Chameleon Clay" by V. Hughes in order to get a more realistic lapis stone appeal, same as for jade - but this 2nd book is horrible when it comes to Turquoise (also described in Blackburn's book but still not as realistic as I would like...a difficult stone to mimic). So I use the Hughes book for some faux items. Blackburn does have some outstanding examples (IMHO) of Wood (not the ultimate best, but close); Veined Marble - compared to the real thing, I was amazed; Coral bead work was admirable and worth practicing to get it just right; Abalone - love it - very realistic; Jade was comparable to Hughes work; Mother-of-Pearl - truly striking, especially when making the colored pearls; Malachite - close but before YOU make it examine natural malachite in order to develop a more realistic color pattern but still closely following Blackburn in the color production end; Onyx - MY FAVORITE - actually it is more like a natural agate stone as typically when you think of onyx, it is black. Blackburn's Onyx is highly layered using products that I wish I would have thought of...but now I know...in order to get a REALLY natural looking agate stone bead. Blackburn's section on "Agate" in the "Faux Techniques" applies more to a cut stone of agate and she has produced some interesting pendant type pieces. But again, get an Agate book and try to mimic some of the patterns of real agates following Blackburn's technique. You won't be sorry.

Sections to use other books or to keep trying to find better ways to mimic these items are: silver, turquoise, lapis, bronze (this could go either way for some of Blackburn's pieces are admirable - same with her amber pieces), ugh on the leather look, and noooo on the ivory and bone beads. Books with more realistic bone are "The Polymer Clay Techniques Book" by S. Heaser - and pay attention to the antiquing section for bone or "Faux Surfaces in Polymer Clay" by I.S. Dean where the best looking bone look is shown. However, both these books lack the more detailed descriptions and images that Blackburn provides in her book. Yet, Blackburn's work/descriptions are a great way to start from in getting the look you may want using products she recommends.

In the 3rd section of the book called "Bringing It All Together" - she does a great job of pulling the necessary items needed to really make the beads - from various jewelry findings, cording, attaching, designing...thus flowing smoothly into the final section "The Gallery." Many of the great polymer bead artists' work is shown here and definitely grab your attention. Yet this section is small as Blackburn focuses upon the other areas mentioned above and thus earning more stars from me as that is the reason I wanted the book...not for the gallery but for the great guidelines and examples to help ME develop my own pieces.

With all this being said...or rather written...by me, I guess I have to say there is not just one book for all things in polymer clay. However, I feel the layout, descriptions, images and all around clarity by Blackburn makes her book stand out in my library. I am glad to have the NUMEROUS other books, magazines, etc. on polymer clay plus seeing some of the extraordinary work by many artists focused on this medium - all of which increases my drive to improve my own work with polymer clay...and hopefully your own work as well. This medium is amazing and so available - use Blackburn's book as a great stepping stone and you definitely will not be disappointed.

Adorei, muito didático, conteúdo bem explicado, com ótimas sugestões e idéias, bom gosto. Altamente recomendado.

If I could give one polymer clay book 10 stars this book would be IT.

The best book I have ever read about polymer clay.

Super projects and tips and everything is so well written and pictured.

If I could give one polymer clay book 10 stars this book would be IT.

The best book I have ever read about polymer clay.

Super projects and tips and everything is so well written and pictured.

I have 3 books that I've purchased on polymer clay bead-making and this is the best one. Lots of easy-to-follow techniques and ideas for the serious bead-maker. I go back to this book time and time again for inspiration. Before you venture into using polymer clay for your jewellery, you must get this book first!

This is a very insightful book on the real how-to's of polymer clay. She has given me endless hours of inspiration and I have still more to do! Give us more of her stuff!!

I saw this book in my PC beginner class, and once opened, I knew I HAD to have this. It's clear, simple directions for MANY techniques are easy to follow and create what you envision THE FIRST TIME. It has such a variety of techniques listed that it should be the basic curriculum for any beginner class. I don't think that those experienced in the craft would be a thrilled as I was, but it has SO many faux techniques so detailed with excellent photos, I think anyone would find this valuable. The creations are also excellent inspiration for variation and construction of jewelry. Definate Keeper!

I own several polymer clay books and have waited months for the release of this book. I was not disappointed in any way. There are detailed instructions and clear photos for many techniques of bead making that I have not seen in other books. Although the gallery of works is fairly small, each instruction page contains finished projects that are fine examples of the craft.

This is probably not a true beginners book, but anyone who owns other polymer clay books should have enough basic skills to enjoy this book and be able to accomplish the interesting projects shown here. I would recommend this book highly.

This is a wonderful book to give to both beaders and polymer clay artists/crafters. I gave it to my mom for Christmas, but I really wanted to keep it for myself. Since she already has a good library of polymer clay books, I wanted to find one that had something new and distinctive to show to clay artists, and this book definitely fits the bill.

I was very pleased with this book. It showed exactly how to make so many different beads in great detail. If you are new to this medium, this is a great place to start.

As a novice to the technique of polymer clay I found this book very imformative. I had no problem following the instructions and the end results were great.

This is my favorite polymer clay book. The photos are lovely. The ideas are great. The tips are particularly helpful. The instructions are very easy to follow. And the results are beautiful.

This is one of the most helpful books on polymer clay methods I have in my library. I intend to make almost all of the types of beads shown in the book and have fun doing it.

I always love a craft book that has really good examples of what you can make and they are well designed so that you want to make them. This book has plenty of both and good step by step instructions. I am enjoying it.

I have enjoyed going through this book. It's full of helpful information! I feel like I'm ready to start making polymer beads now! Can't wait to get started!

I love this book!!! I'm relatively new to polymer clay and have much to learn. I'd purchased three other books before this one, and while they had some great inspiration, I found them lacking in the how-to's. This book came highly recommended, and I'd say that if you can buy only one book on polymer clay, get this one. The author goes over all the basics, including tools and additional materials, with very clear pictures and instructions. Many other books seem to make it all seem very easy, but leave out some steps not always obvious to the beginner. This book really covers all the steps. While this book is all about making beads, the techniques covered can be applied to all kinds of projects. 5 big stars!!!

This is one of the finest "how-to" books that I have ever owned and/or read. The instructions are clear and self explanatory. The scope is broad and illuminating. The illustrations are so good they could almost stand alone. I highly reccommend this book to anyone interested in learning to make their own polymer clay beads.

Finally a book dedicated to nothing but making beads from Polymer Clay. The step by step instructions are so easy to follow and the examples are incredible. This is a must have book to any serious bead maker and jewelry maker alike.

I bought this book and am sending it back today. If I wanted to make copies of real beads, I would just buy the real beads. You don't save anything with the time you invest and all the supplies you need. It would actually be cheaper to buy the real beads. The shoe beads that were advertised "as in the book", are not in the book. And neither is anything else of interst. Make your own designs and get a life.

I enjoyed this book very much. It was very helpful in generating new creative ideas and a vast range of techniques. Wll be very informative to those just starting out and those of us who have been doing this for a while.

This book is one of the best I've purchased on step-by-step instructions on how to make a large variety of polymer beads.

I've been meaning to write this review for some time...better late than never, I say.

Carol Blackburn has written a simply wonderful book. The focus is on beads (what a great idea) and is packed with technique after technique. The photography is great, the instructions clear.

Great job, dear friend, congratulations on writing a polymer clay classic!

Donna Kato-

Author of The Art of Polymer Clay, The Art of Polymer Clay, Creative Surface Effects

Carol Blackburn does an amazing job of showing the immense variety of beads it's possible to make with polymer clay. The organization is different than usual. Each lesson on a technique has a top border showing a color photo with samples of the bead or beads that can be made using the technique. There are no "projects" per se--just a mind-boggling set of possibilities with hints of still more in the Designing with Beads chapter and the gallery at the end.

This is by far the best book on beads and techniques in polymer clay. Easy to follow directions. Would recommend this be top on your list for next purchase.

I'm a total polymer clay beginner. There are some really good p-clay books out there. This book is the best I've bought so far. The photos and layout are well-though out, informative, imaginative but not cluttered. The top of the page is a gallery with jewelry made from the various beads being featured. The side margins have helpful hints yet the step-by-step instructions are clear and guides you through everything and I mean everything. I previously bought the Art of Polymer Clay by Lark which is an excellent book but beyond my skill. However, with this book as a companion, a novice will be inspired and encouraged to advance to the more difficult p-clay techniques.

I own a lot of books and usually they only contain one or two things I find useful. This book provides detail on many differnt techniques that you can use on many different pieces - not just beads. It has a lot of helpful pictures and clear instructions. Some prior knowledge of polymer clay is useful, but not necessary to start using the book.

That a wonderful book.

I am not a beginner to Polymer Clay and have many other books. I ordered this book just in case there was something new in it for me. Well there was, plenty. Even the tip for storing clay was liberating. Why had I not thought of such a simple way of storing my clay so that I could see what was in my stash at a glance? The step by step instructions are really clear and cover some of the gaps not covered in other books. A beginner would be well served by the clear inspirational bead ideas in this book as would a more experienced clayer. The images are clear and the layout is very user friendly. Well done. If you are a bead fanatic this a a great book.

This is a nice, informative, good quality book. I am satisfied with my purchase.

This book does not disappoint -- it is by far the best polymer clay book I own. Beginners will love the step-by-step (with photos showing each step) tutorials, and non-beginners will love the all-in-one reference of techniques and inspiring designs.

You'll be able to learn a number of techniques, including basic cane-making, mokume gane, inlay, marbling, etc. You'll also learn how to make faux dichroic glass, wood, leather, and a number of different faux gemstones.

Although some of the techniques are covered in other books, the photos outlining the steps in this book are very easy to follow for a beginner such as myself. That is the biggest difference between this book and others on polymer clay. The author takes the "guesswork" out of how to achieve the end result.

This book is beautifully illustrated, covers a multitude of techniques, including ones not previously covered, and has very clear instructions. There is something for everyone, including the more experienced artists.Making Polymer Clay Beads: Step-by-Step Techniques for Creating Beautiful Ornamental Beads

Most polymer clay books inspire me with their beautiful photos. This book has plenty of those, too. But What I loved about this book is that it's laid out SO effectively. Each page is packed with info. For example, besides a basic recipe for a given bead, there are multiple suggestions for adapting ideas to one's own projects. And I loved this feature: along the top of each page is a margin-to-margin mini-gallery of beads related to that project. No wasted space--two books worth of info in a single book. If you've already experimented with a lot of recipes--and your main focus is beadmaking--I think this is a wonderful addition to your library. If you're just starting out, this book is well-written with enough basics to get you going...and you'll continue to appreciate it over time.

I love looking through this book to give me ideas for my caning. If you are going to make a bead using polymer clay you NEED this book It's terrific!

I've bought quite a few books on polymer clay but this is the best one so far. It has clear step by step instructions and photos which takes the reader from the very beginning of the process of making beautiful polymer clay beads to finished pieces of jewelry. What else could any polymer clayer wish for? Excellent book for the beginner right through to the more experienced. I have learnt some new techniques which I love, in particular the combining of oil paints with polymer clay which makes the finished product look like enameling or the technique for making faux stones. Just brilliant!

As a somewhat experienced clayer I was pleasantly surprised to find lots of great gems to help me improve my Polymer Clay beads. Instructions and photos were excellent. I would recommend this book to any beginner or intermediate polymer clay artist.

What else can I say - everyone has said it all. I wish Carol had written this book before I purchased the other 50 or so I have!!!.

BRAVO - WELL DONE - WONDERFUL COMPILATION - JOLLY GOOD!!!!!

I was just begining to work with polymer clay and I was looking for a book that could help me with the different techniques and desings for jewelry creations. This book is more than I expected. It is great, great photographs, great explanations and great beads.

I can't say enough about this book! If it's a bead and you can make it with polymer clay, it's in Carol's book. Beautifully illustrated, concise and well written. The pictures provide great detail and a step-by-step guide to her processes. The author also provides alternative color treatment options, so if you've struggling with how to do it differently, suggestions abound. Beginner or experienced, there's something here for everyone. Gorgeously done - you will NOT be disappointed. Definitely a Keeper!

Carol Blackburn has written a must-have book for anyone who wants to learn more about polymer clay. She has packed each page with beautiful photos and clearly written instructions and has managed to elevate each technique to a new and higher level. The beautifully finished pieces show how truly amazing and versatile polymer clay can be even when the steps involved are relatively simple. Any of these valuable lessons can be applied to other projects if beads are not really your thing. Everyone, from beginners to experienced clayers, will come away with new ideas and a wealth of inspiration from Carol Blackburn's magical book!

Kim Cavender,
author of Polymer Clay For the Fun of It

This book is a work of art and the techniques are very interesting, I got other polymer clay bead books but this one is top of the line number one polymer clay bead, love it.

I am often asked by cash strapped students, if you had to pick one, what do you recommend....this is it. Carol Blackburn has set out to clearly show you how to make beads in every shape, form, style and faux technique that you could imagine, and she has succeeded. Commencing with an excellent intro, very handy for newcommers to PC, she covers all materials and techniques that you would want to know, Caning, Colour Mixing, Stacking, Applique, Inlay, Transfers, Rubber Stamping. Mokume Gane and Mica shift are just a few of those covered.

She then moves onto Faux Techniques, absolute winners, each and every one, and with 16 of them you would be hard pressed to not find some you liked. In particular the coral, amber, Abalone and Veined Marble were brilliant.

You are then taken to an area that many books fail to deliver - bringing it all together. Understanding tools, finishing techniques, jewellery findings and what works well with what. Finishing with a very nice gallery indeed.

What makes the book extra special. Brilliant clear photographs that actually show you the technique, not leave you guessing. Logical sequence, clear written instructions and fabulous examples of completed work. All very wearable and contemporary - no glitzy or cutesy bits here. The final winning element came with loads of tips sprinkled through the pages.

This book is a veritable one stop shop, sure it's title is beads and it does an excellent job of focusing on the diversity of beads, but this is also about technique, and you can use any of the techniques shown on any polymer creation. This is definitely one book that will be highly recommended to my students.

This book is far and away one of the best polymer clay books out there! The steps are clear and beautifully photographed. All the techniques, (and there are close to all of them in this book,) to make the beads can easily be applied to any other project. But the finished pieces, oh the finished pieces, are perfect for this book. Each one simple, beautifully finished, elegantly put together, thoughtfully arranged. If you are new to clay, BUY THIS BOOK!!! It will be an invaluable resource for you. If you have more experience, BUY THIS BOOK!!!! It will remind you how to hone your skills and give you beautiful work to be inspired by. Excellent job Carol Blackburn!

Received this book yesterday, and wanted to bring it to work today.
Fabulous photos and step by step instructions. Makes you feel like you can make anything you see. Just love it.

It seems hard to believe that no one has come out with a book dedicated to making polymer clay beads, especially since beads are what attract many people to the medium. Carol Blackburn has written a comprehensive book covering the many techniques that are used in making beads. Her section on "faux techniques" is a blessing. It's nice to have all of those techniques in one book.The photography is lovely and the book inspires me to go back and use some of the techniques I have put on a back burner for a long time. I appreciate the attention paid to detail in this book.I am glad to add this book to my polymer clay library!

This book is a compilation of MANY techniques I'd learned here and there over the years for making polymer clay, especially faux materials (wood, stone, leather, bone) and mokume-gane, which is a layered, irridescent technique that mimics layers of metal cut and polished. (Hard to describe, think cutting layers into the damascene metal like a Samurai sword's visible layers of steel to make a moire-patterned surface.)

Skinner blends, millefiori, mica, foil, inlay, stamping and surface impression are also covered. Nothing is handled in too much depth, but enough is given so that most of the techniques are accessible even to polymer clay beginners.

The examples of bead jewelry will take your breath away. I just wish there were more of them, as the artistry was exceptionally good.

If you want a one-stop shopping volume for making faux stone or materials, this book has a great sampling and very good tutorials. There were a number of techniques I hadn't seen before. In all, an exciting book for the polymer clay artist, and a great reference for faux materials, let alone the many shapes and styles of beads. A must-have for your beading library.

I love this book. I love all my polymer clay books, but usually most have many techniques that cover many different projects from vessels to figures. I always find useful information, but this book is EXACTLY what I've been wanting. I love beads and aside from a few cat figurines I've made with my 8 y.o. daughter, that's what I make. THANKS!! Ms. Blackburn. Love it, love it, love it!!!!