Liquid Polymer Clay by Ann Mitchell and Karen Mitchell                                             ISBN: 0-87349-563-2, Softbound, 144 pgs., full color, $21.99, Krause Publications, 700 East State Street, Iola, Wi. 54990-0001, www.krause.com or 715-445-2214 (International), 888-457-2873 (USA)

This book is the product of two talented and well-organized pioneers in the field of liquid polymer clay.  These two sisters have worked with polymer clay for over 15 years and with the liquid version for four years.  Their distinctive designs have appeared in museum exhibits, television, films and theatrical productions.  Here they share their techniques and provide a list of resources.  They even include an extensive glossary of terms pertaining to this craft.  Complete, detailed directions are given for 22 projects.  The instructive photographs are very well done and the gallery photos with each chapter are beautiful and inspiring.

This is one of the best organized and thorough craft books I have seen.  From the review of polymer clay, introduction of the properties of liquid clay, suggested tool kits, safety precautions, basic applications, thorough detailed projects to the glossary, resources, bibliography and footnotes, Liquid Polymer Clay reflects the quality of the typical college research publication instead of the typical craft book. These women can write!

Now for the contents:  The first third of the book is spent on the general instructions.  First there is the useful review of polymer clay properties and handling techniques.  Though the authors provide the results of testing Liquid Sculpey and Kato Clear Poly Clay Medium, they encourage the reader to experiment with a variety of products.  Once you have explored the properties of both solid and liquid clay, the authors cover instructions for baking, finishing and clean up.

The chapter on assembling tool kits is excellent.  The Baking Kit lists items needed for the baking process.  The Basic Tool Kit includes the necessities for working with the solid polymer clay and some very basic tools for jewelry and mixed media clay work.  The Liquid Polymer Clay Tool Kit contains items specific for the liquid clay, such as a sheet of glass used for thin sheet baking.  Additionally, there is a suggested Basic Jewelry Findings Kit that would be very helpful for use in many crafts.  Their Adhesives Kit lists glues and cements that their experience has shown to be effective with the liquid polymer.

The authors thoroughly cover basic applications and techniques before getting into the projects.  The liquid clay adds a great deal to the possibilities of working with polymer clays.  With the material, you can glaze metallic leaf, mica powders, glaze glass, decoupage, transfer images, paint, impression glaze, tile and shut mosaics, marble surfaces, enameling and cloisonné, stain glass and create lamp worked beads.”  With the sheets baked on glass, a clay “fabric” presents endless variations not possible with the solid polymer clays.  Instructions are also given for making molds, pattern design and jewelry tips.

Detailed, illustrated instructions follow for the 22 projects that certainly have enough variation to appeal to everyone.  There are several jewelry items utilizing various techniques, a candlestick, picture frames, clocks, “fiorato” vase, various glass effects and my favorite, a clay “fabric” purse.  Amazing things can be accomplished with the liquid polymer.  Each section includes a gallery of ideas that stimulate the reader.  Lastly, the authors share patterns and transfers to be used with projects or for something entirely different.

I was particularly enthralled with the fabric-like properties of the sheet baked on glass.  You can achieve everything from thin sheets to thicker ones looking like tooled leather, evoking endless possibilities, especially when combined with other media.  I heartily recommend this book for crafters who like to experiment and stretch the boundaries of conventional methods.