The Mitchell sisters, much loved by the polymer clay community and Carol Duvall devotees, have made liquid Sculpey their signature medium. Now they share some of their secrets with us in their lovely book Liquid Polymer Clay, published by Krause. The book's a beauty, with fine color photography and a project for every taste.

Projects range from clay purses to shell necklaces, and there are loads of gallery pictures to inspire you. The sisters Mitchell have included basic directions and a basic tool kit list to get even the newest of newbies started. Techniques range from marbling, transfers, and glass effects (stained! enamel! cloisonne!) to veneers and clay fabric.

My only complaint -- and this is probaby more a sign I'm getting older than a major complaint -- is that the type is a bit too small, resulting in crowded-looking pages. More white space, publishers! Make the text look inviting, not overwhelming!

Helm spends a lesiurely amount of time on cane-making and includes gallery photos of various cane artists (including an explosion of Leigh Ross flowers whose muted elegance brings me to the verge of tears, it's so beautiful). It's a section well worth reading -- there's a depth to the caning advice that will add to anyone's caning knowledge.

From caning and other techniques, Helm guides us through seasonal project. Projects include a springtime flower box that makes good use of the personal computer, scrapbooking supplies, and flower canes. Summer projects range from butterful pins to memory boxes. For fall, gilded leaf pins, photo frames, and Halloween masks all make an appearance, while winter is rounded out with snowflakes, party invitations, covered candlestick holders, and lots of Christmas decorations. All seasons are followed by fairly thick gallerys of work by children as well as award-winning artists. The gallerys are perhaps the best parts of the book, as they show a wide range of polymer possibilities.

Krause does a good job with color photography, but again, the pages are a bit crowded with text for my taste.

One of her new books is Polymer Clay: 30 Terrific Projects to Roll, Mold, and Squish. While the title sounds fun to anyone at any age, the book is geared towards kids. The projects are easy, colorful, and useful, ranging from pushpins, novelty furniture knobs and plant stakes to a space mobile, hamburger earrings, and a colorful clock. Clearly written, with lots of white space (did you hear that, Krause?), the book is welcoming and engaging.

I look forward to the next generation of polymer clay artists who are right now learning to love the medium through Irene's book.

Sound a bit far-fetched? You won't think so when you thumb through Irene's new book, Faux Surfaces in Polymer Clay. She's put together an encyclopedia of faux techniques that rivals even Glass Attic.

Here's a taste: malachite, lapis lazuli, tiger-eye, turquoise, opal, jade. And that's just the first chapter. There's 24 *more* faux techniques running the gamut from alabone to zinc. Ok, there's no zinc, but there's cork. Leather. Rusted steel. Scrimshaw on faux ivory.

The book's a treasure trove of faux techniques, clearly explained and followed by really well done projects that I probably won't come near imitating, but that's ok. I have other ideas. Look for me on ebay.