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.

A handy reference with basic information for anyone interested in exploring the magic of clay. Whether you're new to clay, teaching others, or just curious, "Clay-Speak" is an engaging read, chock full of color photos, cool tips, and more!

A thousand and one ideas for making beautiful polymer clay millefiori. In Venetian glassmaking, slender rods of molten glass are shaped, then cut to reveal amazingly detailed patterns: flowers, geometric shapes, dancing colors. These slices are called millefiori, “thousand flowers,” because they form a carpet of flowers when placed side by side. Now celebrity author Donna Kato shows crafters exactly how to re-create these intricate, fascinating designs in polymer clay. The Art of Polymer Clay Millefiori Techniques reveals the entire process: how to work with the polymer clay, the basics of planning and creating a cane, and using color effectively. Dozens of canes, from simple to simply stunning, are included, and everything is clearly explained and illustrated with full-color photos, the Donna Kato way. Throughout the book, examples of stunning work by such millefiori artists as Kathy Amt, Pier Voulkos, and Kathleen Dustin provide inspiration. There must be a thousand ways to make beautiful millefiori . . . explore them all in The Art of Polymer Clay Millefiori Techniques.

Make gorgeous polymer clay jewelry with instruction and inspiration from polymer clay designers Ilysa Ginsburg and Kira Slye. The unique and artistic techniques in Polymer Clay Art Jewelry provide new, versatile ways for creating fantastic necklaces, earrings, bracelets and more! • 16 beautiful, eye-catching jewelry projects. • 4 creative themes that appeal to a range of styles. • Polymer clay techniques that use unusual tools and tricks. • Fun and inspiring for both beginner and intermediate levels.

Discover the Creative Possibilities of Resin Clay Imagine being able to imitate the look of rare coral, create oversized but featherweight statement jewelry, or mix clay with other mediums—all without firing. The Art of Resin Clay explores the creative potential of this material, in both air-dry and two-part formulas, and guides you through everything you’ll need to get started: • Information on choosing the right kind of resin clay, essential tools and techniques, and safety guidelines • Tips for mixing colors, finishing, and adding jewelry findings • 20 projects covering a variety of creative techniques • Galleries of work by influential artists and crafts designers who use this versatile material

Start making beautiful crafts from polymer clay! Art Makers: Polymer Clay for Beginners is your guide to this fun, easy kiln-free craft. Polymer Clay for Beginners introduces artists, art hobbyists, and polymer clay enthusiasts to this versatile, accessible 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. Professional artist and experienced author 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.

Clay sculpting is an ancient traditional Chinese folk art. In the hands of the artists, fine clay is transformed into colorful sculptures. Subject matters of the sculptures usually come from characters in traditional Chinese folklore, classic literatures of operas and novels. It enjoyed the height of its boom between Tongzhi and Guangxu era in the Qing dynasty. Each piece reflects more than 300 years of Chinese folk art with life-like characteristics. The colors of the sculptures are elegant, natural and harmonious. In the 1980’s, due to severe economic downturn, many Chinese clay sculpture artists were forced to abandon their lifelong career for livelihood. Having witnessed the hardships the old master experienced, the next generation of apprentices were reluctant to pick up the craft. Therefore, this traditional art is not well preserved its history and works are not adequately organized, and valuable collections of clay sculptures have been largely destroyed. To avoid the complete loss of authentic craft handmade clay figures, it has been recognized and protected as a national heritage.

Clay Work and Body Image in Art Therapy provides an important addition to resources available in the field of clay work and art therapy, highlighting the unique sensory aspects of the medium and its ability to provide a therapeutic resource for women who experience body image issues. Chapters offer a comprehensive distillation of current knowledge in the field of body image, clay work, neuroscience, and art therapy, building a theoretical framework around personal narratives. Case studies examine the benefits of exploring body image through clay work within art therapy practice, providing a positive and contained way to find personal acceptance and featuring photographs of clay body image sculptures created by research participants that highlight their individual stories and experiences. As well as offering both clinical and practical implications, the text provides a full protocol for the research and evaluation methods carried out, enabling further replication of the intervention and research methods by other therapists. This book highlights clay work as a significant resource for art therapists, arts in health practitioners, and counsellors, providing an emotive yet contained approach to the development of personal body image acceptance and self-compassion.

Art, Pottery, and the Clay-Human Connection Understanding the Prophet Whom God Has Set in the Church! Dr. Alvin Haywood, Ed.D. Calling all faithful and committed men and women of God whose number one priority is to walk unapologetically in their God-given calling and purpose for their life. This book is for any dedicated servant of God but is especially geared toward those who are single and walking in a prophetic calling. Married folks, and others walking in any calling from God, can also benefit from this book--those who want to further review the clay-human connection and understand more about the trials and triumphs of a prophet of God. Like clay in a potter's hand, God's people are molded and shaped in his hands. Nestled in a beautiful narrative setting of art, history, and pottery, Art, Pottery, and the Clay-Human Connection: Understanding the Prophet Whom God Has Set in the Church is based on and embedded in relevant and applicable scriptures as it validates and encourages any servant of God to concentrate on what the Word of God is saying about them in their walk with God. Jeremiah the prophet is used as a focal point as he was singularly called by God to go down to the potter's house to receive a prophetic message about this clay-human connection for the church or the people of God.