The Craft And Art Of Clay

Widely considered to be the most comprehensive introduction to ceramics available, this book contains numerous step-by-step illustrations of various ceramic techniques to guide the beginner as well as inspirational ceramic pieces from contemporary potters from around the world. For the more experienced ceramist, there is a wealth of technical detail on things like glaze formulas and temperature conversions which make the book an ideal reference. To quote one review: ...I am a studio potter and would not be without it. The fourth edition has been updated to include profiles of key ceramists who have influenced the field, new material on marketing ceramics including using the internet, more on the use of computers, added coverage of paperclays, using gold and alternative glazes.

"The Craft and Art of Clay," by leading ceramics teacher Susan Peterson, is the most comprehensive available guide to modern ceramics, packed with step-by-step illustrations of ceramic techniques to guide the beginner as well as inspirational ceramic pieces from contemporary potters from around the world. This completely revised fourth edition contains more than 150 new illustrations and includes profiles of key ceramists who have influenced the field, new material on marketing ceramics on the internet, and added coverage of paperclays, using gold, and alternative glazes. This is the one book no ceramist, whether novice or expert, can do without.

Polymer clay is one of the most popular and versatile mediums available to crafters, lending itself to a variety of applications ranging from decorative boxes, mosaics and miniature models to beads, buttons and jewellery. This comprehensive book features step-by-step instruction in over 50 techniques, including exciting ways to work with new materials such as liquid and metal clays.

Art Makers: Make Cute Stuff with Polymer Clay features step-by-step projects and tips for making adorable items from polymer clay.

Kids will love learning to work with clay! These 52 projects use air drying, easy to clean up clay, making them perfect for home or the classroom!

Start making beautiful art with this step-by-step guide to making trinkets, animals, plants, and more using this fun, easy, and kiln-free craft. Polymer Clay for Beginners introduces artists, art hobbyists, and polymer clay enthusiasts to the versatile, accessible polymer clay medium. Because polymer clay does not require the use of a kiln and needs only baking in the oven, it is an easy, approachable art form for even the most inexperienced artist to learn, as well as kids, families, teachers, and anyone else looking for a fun, boredom-busting hobby or craft. Professional artist and owner of Cat Bear Express, Emily Chen, demonstrates how to make adorable animal figurines, flowers, cookies, cakes, beads, and more through easy step-by-step projects. Each project features colorful, styled photographs demonstrating how finished pieces can be used, displayed, and gifted. A comprehensive tools and materials section and detailed information on techniques, baking, and glazing guide artists in their quest to become polymer clay pros. A modern approach to sculpture art, polymer clay is the perfect choice for beginners and crafting enthusiasts. The Art Makers series is designed for beginning artists and arts-and-crafts enthusiasts who are interested in experiencing fun hands-on mediums, including embroidery and papier-mache.

Written by a well-known ceramist, this best-selling, comprehensive introduction to ceramics adeptly combines the "artist's" perspective and spirit of creative inspiration with step-by-step, fully illustrated instruction in the full range of hand, wheel, and plasterwork techniques. Ideal for self-study, it features exceptionally clear explanations; an abundance of black-and-white and full-color illustrations of "process sequences," model examples, and ceramic projects; and a convenient-to-use layout--with one topic per page or per two-page spread. Fabrication methods. Design, decoration, and glazing. Clays. Glazes. Firing the ware. The use of computers in ceramics. The marketing of ceramics. Features photos of a great "variety" of clayworks--from pots to ceramic installations, on site and in galleries; and a portfolio of international artists, with personal statements about their work. For any one interested in the procedures and techniques of working in clay.

Today when we hear the word “craft,” a whole host of things come immediately to mind: microbreweries, artisanal cheeses, and an array of handmade objects. Craft has become so overused, that it can grate on our ears as pretentious and strain our credulity. But its overuse also reveals just how compelling craft has become in modern life. In The Shape of Craft, Ezra Shales explores some of the key questions of craft: who makes it, what do we mean when we think about a crafted object, where and when crafted objects are made, and what this all means to our understanding of craft. He argues that, beyond the clichés, craft still adds texture to sterile modern homes and it provides many people with a livelihood, not just a hobby. Along the way, Shales upends our definition of what is handcrafted or authentic, revealing the contradictions in our expectations of craft. Craft is—and isn’t—what we think.