Run, do not walk, to your nearest bookstore for an amazingly beautiful collection of polymer clay pieces by, probably, at least one person you know personally.

Last February (2003) pcPolyzine printed an announcement from Lark Books requesting submissions of polymer clay designs for an upcoming title. The fruits of that effort are ripe for the picking in 400 Polymer Clay Designs.

The jurors, who included Irene Semanchuk Dean, selected an exquisite collection of polymer clay work from well-known artisans to newcomers. The focus is on the work, and the playing field was level for artists of all levels who chose to submit designs. 

The Lark Books website describes 400 Polymer Clay Designs:

Unique creations by top artists such as Nan Roche, Cynthia Toops, Barbara McGuire, and Gwen Gibson make this the best showcase of polymer clay work ever assembled. With everything from jewelry and vessels to art dolls and sculptures displayed in superb color photos, the versatility and beauty of the medium is exquisitely evident. Mosaics, millefiori, canework, and molded, stamped, and embossed pieces: there’s a little bit of everything to please the eye. Dayle Doroshow’s magical Egyptian Spell Book features carvings and image transfers that blend seamlessly with gold leaf, candles, branches, and silver. Luann Udell’s faux-ivory artifacts take their inspiration from the prehistoric art in France’s Lascaux caves. It’s the largest—and finest—book of contemporary polymer art available anywhere. 8 X 8. All in color.

An Internet search will most probably land you at Amazon.com where the book is for sale for the unbelievable low price of $10.01. I paid $3.99 shipping for a total of $14.00. I would have gladly paid double for this museum of clay in print.

Lark Books
352 pages
Paperback  - Pub Date: 08/01/2004
ISBN: 1579904602