Patterns in Polymer by Julie Picarello, softback published by Klambach. ISBN 978-0-87116-409-4, price 21.95 US dollars available from www.KalmbachBooks.com

This book is like one big workshop on all you need to know about polymer clay including colour, texture and pattern using imprints and mokume gane. Great photos and easy to follow instructions. Create amazing shapes with interesting detail. The author shares her secrets of working with this fantastic medium. This is a medium of exploration, learn the techniques for patterns in this book and do your own thing to create unique beads and more. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Polymer Pizzazz 2, softback published by Kalmbach. ISBN 978-0-87116-426-1, price 11.99 available from www.kalmbachbooks.com

I really enjoyed the first Polymer Pizzazz. The new projects in this book should satisfy any polymer artist and trigger more ideas. It includes the basics of working with polymer clay. The 25 projects are divided into chapters including stamping, caning, shaping, mixed techniques and metal clay. The instructions are detailed and the photography is very good. I particularly like Barbara A. McGuire’s Extra Chunky Cuff and this lends itself to many interpretations and permutations. Cassy Muronaka’s Bandana Patterns is very interesting with bold use of colour. Jana Roberts benson’s three dimensional brooches are breathtaking. This is a tour de force of techniques and good design.

Perfectly Paired by Patricia Kimle, softback published by Kalmbach. ISBN 978-0-87116-294-6, price 21.95 US dollars available from www.KalmbachBooks.com

Patricia amply explores blending together two different mediums in a sympathetic way – polymer and metal clays. She gives an overview of techniques including soldering – yes this is stated as being part of the book – not an hidden extra. It offers another side to using these exciting materials. The twenty projects are of a very high standard in terms of design. Instructions are clear and photographs are very good. Includes great techniques and effects. I really admire Patricia’s work and there is enough inspiration here for everyone. She understands her materials and exploits each to its best advantage. This is an excellent book all round and one I would recommend.

Art Jewelry Magazine, published by Kalmbach USA, price 6.95 an issue, from www.BeadAndCraftBooks.com

Art Jewelry (USA spelling retained) is about making exciting jewellery no matter what your skill level. You will find projects for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. In every issue there is a basics section, product reviews, reader’s forum and information on contributors. You might find projects using metal clay, enamel, dichroic glass or wire. The projects and ideas are inspirational. In the issue I reviewed (pictured here, Vol 5, Iss 3)there was a fabulous feature on the incredible, sculptural work of Marjorie Schick.

You can subscribe to this magazine from almost anywhere in the world. For example, a one-year subscription in the UK costs 41.95 US dollars.

Bead & Button Magazine, published by Kalmbach USA, price 5.95 US dollars from www.BeadAndCraftBooks.com

Bead and Button Magazine features expert advice, tips and techniques in every issue. Their is a gallery of readers’ work and a stitch workshop too. In each issue, there is a treasury of bead ideas from jewellery to other ways of using beads for pictures and so on. In the issue I reviewed (Feb 2009, not the one shown in the picture), I was overwhelmed by Naomi Sakuma’s wonderful beaded handbag inspired by tapestry. Each project has step-by-step instructions and is accompanied by colour photographs. There are also plenty of ideas for beginners.

You can subscribe to this magazine almost anywhere in the world. For example, a year’s subscription in the UK is 42.95 US dollars.

Bead Style Magazine, published by Kalmbach USA, price 5.95 US dollars an issue, available from www.BeadAndCraftBooks.com

This popular magazine features techniques for beginners and inspiration for all. Around 18 projects are found in each issue and many more ideas. Projects are designed to be complete quickly. Colour photographs accompany the projects alongside step-by-step instructions. Projects include necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more. In every issue a gallery features readers’ work; there is a gemstone focus; a bulletin board; latest trends; a glossary; tools and basics. There’s advice and ideas aplenty and easy tips and techniques to make your creations look more professional.

The magazine is available overseas as well as USA and you can take a subscription of one to three years, payable in US funds. For example a one year subscription for the UK is 38.95 US dollars.

Polymer Pizzazz, softback published by Kalmbach USA, ISBN 978-0-87116-236-6, price 19.95 US dollars from www.BeadAndCraftBooks.com

I always find polymer clay such an exciting medium to work with and this is an exciting book on the subject. 27 projects are included with detailed step-by-step instructions, material lists and full colour photography. The projects are from Bead & Button magazine and cover a wide variety of techniques. 

Learn how to make fantastic jewellery form versatile polymer clay as you cut, carve, stamp, mold and texture it. Create beautiful beads, pendants, brooches and earrings. There is a thorough basics section and this 96 page book is suitable for all skill levels. This is a very useful book.

Knit & Crochet Combined by Monette Lassiter Satterfield, softback published by Kalmbach USA, ISBN 978-0-87116-240-3, price 19.95 US dollars from www.BeadAndCraftBooks.com

Combining two crafts is a good idea, although not new. However, this book misses the mark entirely for me, for one reason, it is simply too old-fashioned and I cannot imagine anyone wanting to spend time creating these projects. There was not a single pattern I found redeeming. It might have some interest for lovers of retro, but as a modern book of knitting and crochet it stamps both crafts with that dead image they have both shrugged off. 

Nicely produced, easy-to-read type, clear photos but the patterns let it down.

Easy Beading Vol.4, hardback published by Kalmbach USA, ISBN 978-0-87116-263-2, price 29.95 US dollars, from www.BeadAndCraftBooks.com

Wow, this book has such a stunning project on the front cover, it is going to make you look inside. 85 projects have been taken from the previous year’s popular Beadstyle magazine and brought together as a collection of wonderfully inspiring projects for you to make. 

You will find ideas for necklaces, bracelets, belts and earrings in this exciting volume. Each easy-to-make project is accompanied by excellent photography. Useful tips are proffered by the editors and the basic techniques are explained in full.

The projects are split into chapters consisting of glass and ceramic, pearls and shells, metal and chain, gemstones, crystals and finally mixed materials. Supply lists help you to locate materials. This book is full of ideas for any skill level.

Creative Beading Vol. 3, hardback published by Kalmbach USA, ISBN 978-0-87116-262-5, price 29.95 US dollars available from www.BeadAndCraftBooks.com

This exciting volume is a compilation of the best projects from a year of Bead & Button magazine. The projects in this 246 page book are varied both in technique and style. Techniques include macrame, wirework and bead embroidery and different stitching techniques. The projects include step by step instructions for working earrings, bracelets, necklaces and more. Also included is a very thorough basics sections and a look at all the tools and materials needed. 

This book contains projects for beginners as well as more experienced beaders. There are more than 80 projects, which are beautifully photographed.