Foundations in Polymer Clay Designs by Barbara A. McGuire   ISBN 0-87341-800-X, Softbound, 144pgs., full color, $19.95, Krause Publications, 700 E State St., Iola, WI 54990-0001, 715-445-2214, www.krause.com

Polymers continue to surprise me, what can be created with them and the artists making history using polymers. The work in this book breaks new ground in polymer studies and techniques. Just when you think you have seen it all, new innovative ideas pop up along with advanced polymer science allowing more creative endeavors.

There is an introduction and explanation about understand and appreciating polymers. My thought is one has only to look at the current fine art being created with polymers to appreciate it.

General instructions and design considerations is a very extensive chapter with more than just the basics to get you started. Every facet is covered from the work surfaces to use to the manipulation of the polymers such as conditioning, softeners, baking, cleaning, gluing, armatures, creating, cutting, rolling and textures for polymers. There is a break down of specific categories such as surface decoration, alteration and canes along with examples. Materials and supplies include the latest brand name materials and how to use them.

Then we get into the fun stuff, creativity, designs, freeform and ideas. Some of the top polymer designers’ work are displayed in color with information as to what process was used to create them. How to use color with polymers is explained with several examples of polymer art . Color theory, the color wheel, color graduations, light and dark, mixing colors and special effects with polymers are all explained. Illustrations of how to make color come forward or recede with polymers is provided.

Forms, shapes and lines offer massive uses of polymer and yet each item can look different. Every technique and finish is covered from texture and balance, rhythm and movement to stampings and canes. It is amazing that some of the most simplistic shapes can take on the appearance of ancient clay figures or contemporary wearable vessels.

Like to make mosaics, one of a kind mobiles , add a postage stamp to your work or create art that looks like it is layered with depth and sparkle? This is the book that will tell you how. The how to of making shell shapes, creating beads with overlade figures using negative space techniques and small artworks with framed appearances are explored. Making polymers look like metal, others like glass and precious gemstones plus intricate cane patterning is clearly illustrated.

We often identify a specific medium with particular subjects or items, however, polymers can not be defined as a medium to just make jewelry or sculptures, polymers are becoming more diverse as more creative artists experiment and find new uses for it.

There are sculpted abstract horses that imitate wood carvings, horses, portraits and eggs that look like Faberge collectibles,; beads you would think were made of glass, mokume gane gingko leaves layered like lacquer, tiny quilts and a jester much like Humpty Dumpty, star beads with multiple facets, optical illusion pieces and flowers that could be mistaken as collectible costume jewelry of the past, all made of polymer.

Create Art with Polymer Clay is a visual treat, a how to of multiple techniques and an exciting look at the latest in polymer creativity. An excellent book for reference and ideas no matter what your choice of mediums.