The Art of Jewelry: Polymer Clay: Techniques, Projects, Inspiration (Lark Jewelry Book)

It is eye-opening how a substance used to make white plumbing pipe can be transformed with unusual techniques (and combinations) by skilled artisans. Under Aimone's remarkable tutelage, polymer clay, called PVC here, becomes Italian millefiore beads, shiny abstract cuffs, intricate log-cabin quilt pins, and even calla lily-like earrings. Although other instructional polymer clay books exist, up to now all have focused on basic shapes and elemental design. The 14 selected artists do themselves proud by creating 33 items worthy of display and sale in any fine jewelry store. Instructions are almost complete, with enough visuals to follow--with the exception of a defined level of difficulty for each. And the pages upon pages of galleries showcase the beauties of a once-modest material. Barbara Jacobs