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.

Polymer Clay by Angela Mabray & Kim Otterbein, hardback published by CPI. ISBN 978-1-58923-470-3, price 16.99 GBP available from www.creativepub.com

Ever wanted to try your hand at polymer clay jewellery, but did not know where to begin?  This 101 workshop book scores a bulls-eye for making the process very simple. It is subtitled ‘Master Basic Skills and Techniques Easily Through Step-by-Step Instruction’ and it fulfils its promise on every point. It does not claim to be for the experienced and it is a basic course as it states.

Its good points are – bonus DVD, spiral-bound, so you can create whilst you read, excellent photography, good layout and simply the best step-by-step instructions I have seen. I love the bangle bracelets and the metal lead reversible bracelet. There is more than enough here to start you off, your own creativity will kick in when you start using this versatile medium. It does include mokume gane and other techniques. On the whole the projects are very good. An excellent polymer primer for beginners.

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.

Ancient Modern by Ronna Sarvas Weltman, softback published by Interweave in the USA. Available exclusively in the UK, ISBN 978-1-5966-8097-5, price 16.99 from www.searchpress.com

This is a tremendous jewellery book and ranks as one of the best on polymer clay. Sophisticated jewellery abounds on the 136 colour pages of this compact book. Tools, techniques, materials and lots of ideas to make your own stunning beads and fascinating jewellery. Clear photographs and instructions will ensure you have lots of fun making these adorable beads. Superb for budding polymer clay artists and for established artists too.

Ancient Modern by Ronna Sarvas Weltman, softback published by Interweave in the USA. Available exclusively in the UK, ISBN 978-1-5966-8097-5, price 16.99 from www.searchpress.com

This is a tremendous jewellery book and ranks as one of the best on polymer clay. Sophisticated jewellery abounds on the 136 colour pages of this compact book. Tools, techniques, materials and lots of ideas to make your own stunning beads and fascinating jewellery. Clear photographs and instructions will ensure you have lots of fun making these adorable beads. Superb for budding polymer clay artists and for established artists too.

Polymer Clay Beaded Jewellery by Isabelle Cheramy-Debray, softback published by Search Press. ISBN 978-1-8444-8400-3, price 6.99 from www.searchpress.com

Whilst this book is more than adequate, it only taps the surface of what is possible with polymer clay and what has been covered in numerous American books in the last decade. Thirty five projects give you a good idea of some of the possibilities of this fascinating plastic. I have worked with polymer clay for over fifteen years and still find it very interesting. This 48 page book gives a fair introduction to the subject and inspires you to experiment on your own. It is very reasonably priced.

Clay Techniques to Dye For by Judy Belcher et al, softback published by Design Originals in the USA. ISBN 978-1-5742-1607-3, price 12.99 US dollars from www.d-originals.com

Polymer clay is one of my favourite fun things to do. Suitable for all ages, it’s a hobby that can become obsessive as you just cannot stop making things. It is so very versatile. In this 26 page booklet, top polymer clay designers show you various methods of dyeing clay. Inspiration abounds in these projects, and once you have mastered the techniques, you’ll be polymer clay-ing until it comes out of your ears. There are plenty ideas in this enjoyable booklet for all skill levels.

Dayle Doroshow – International Inspirations in Polymer Clay Provence DVD, price 29.95 US dollars from www.ccpvideos.com

I love polymer clay. Years ago I used to supply many stores around the world with my range of polymer clay. I developed carpel tunnel syndrome and moved on, but I still like to dabble and polymer clay grew up in the in-between years and became an art form. So I am re-discovering the art. This DVD will introduce you to some of the possibilities of polymer clay for jewellery making. 

Dayle introduces you to the medium –  what it is, how to prepare it. She speaks clearly and slowly and is a good instructor. In this DVD she shows several ways of doing transfers and also makes some millefiori beads. The professional hints and tips are worthy. It is a wonderful DVD, that you will use often as it will inspire you on to more ideas and creations. I did not find it particularly reminiscent of Provence, but there you go – interpretation is a great thing.

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.

The Art of Polymer Clay Millefiori Techniques by Donna Kato, softback published by Watson-Guptill in the USA. Available in the UK price 12.99, ISBN 978-0-8230-9918-4 from www.thegmcgroup.com

Polymer clay is one of my crafts – I love the possibilities of this material. Donna Kato is one of the chief exponents of the craft ad even has her own type of polymer clay. Millefiori is, of course, a glass technique, but it transfers well to polymer clay. 

In this book Donna provides an introduction to polymer clay. She then takes us through the various millefiori techniques including bullseye canes, embedding, slabs, jellyrolls, zigzags, kaleidoscopes, shape-shifting and tiles. Some of the stuff I have seen elsewhere, some is new to me and I have trawled most books on the subject.

In the chapter on millefirori and skinner, Donna explores the technique attributed to Judith Skinner- the Skinner blend. Here she again looks at different effects such as Ikat, translucent and mokume. In flowers, feathers and faces, Donna introduces these three themes into canes to create not just beads, but floral scenes and realistic faces.

Many polymer clay artists have contributed to this book and the examples are incredible. This 176 page book is full of inspiration. The instructions are top notch and easy to follow and the photographs, both for step-by-step instructions and for finished projects are beautifully clear. A must for any polymer clay fan.

Please bear in mind that polymer clays are a plastic and cooking at the recommended temperature is deemed safe. Get an oven thermometer and check your oven temperature. Phthlates have recently been removed from most polymer clays. The cover of the book I received is different to that shown.