April 1, 2023

This is a useful crafting guide with lots of information packed into relatively few pages. Self-taught polymer clay artist Skidmore outlines the basics of making polymer clay earrings in the opening pages and then dives into detail. The book includes a guide to a wide variety of clay brands and types, plus helpful tools, such as cutters, knives, pliers, extruders, and jewelry hardware. Color mixing and clay conditioning are also covered. The book's colorful projects--18 total--vary in complexity and time commitment. Some projects seem too advanced for true novices, but if readers take their time to learn and master the basics, they can do them. The author is adept at providing clear instructions and images for each of the projects, though a listing of the tools needed and the prep time would benefit beginners. Readers wanting to know about what to do with scrap clay, how to attach backings, or how to best bake and cure (the oven is key) will find those details at the end of the book. VERDICT While this is a great resource for getting started and includes a variety of gorgeous and creative pieces, true beginners should be prepared for some complex projects that require additional patience and skill.--Whitney Bates-Gomez

Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 17, 2023
Clay artist Skidmore debuts with a colorful manual for creating polymer clay earrings. Providing a detailed overview of how to get started, she describes the tools and materials needed, noting that tissue blades are ideal for slicing and chopping, and recommending titanium earring backs because they’re “sturdy, affordable, and hypoallergenic.” Helpful tips offer guidance on choosing a color scheme (picking shades next to each other on the color wheel creates “visual harmony”), preparing clay for molding (she recommends feeding it through a pasta machine), and finishing an item (placing a disposable aluminum dish over a project ensures the pieces bake evenly in the oven). The vibrant projects have a throwback feel, as seen in the rectangular green and white checkered-print earrings and the “retro circles” that use brown, gray, and white clay to create a stylized pattern that resembles bubbles. Skidmore makes use of a variety of techniques, including making divots in gold-colored clay to mimic hammered brass and using black liquid clay to put speckles on yellow crescent pieces, creating the appearance of ripe bananas. The projects are lots of fun, and the plentiful photos illustrate how to execute each step. This is a must for amateur jewelers.

May 15, 2023
Bright colors pop across every page of clay artist and jewelry designer Skidmore's first book, whether via the 18 projects or the accompanying photography. Here, polymer clay, a darling of the 1970s, realizes a renaissance, thanks especially to its availability, ease of use, and appeal to beginning as well as experienced artisans. Skidmore concentrates on earrings but indicates that most of the designs are adaptable for necklaces and pendants. Patterns range from playful optical-art geometrics and faux materials (terrazzo, turquoise, and wood grain look-alike inspired by the Japanese metal technique mokume-gane) to patterns such as checkers, watercolors, and even ripe bananas. Great care is taken with all instructions, including pre- and post-project necessities; step-by-step captioned color photographs are key; and process details, like prepping the clay, are well documented. Beyond all this, it's the author's joy in sharing her love of design and color that will fully win over crafter-readers.

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