8 Polymers Books That Will Elevate Your Crafting Skills

The methods Rachael Skidmore developed while building her brand Made by Maeberry bring a fresh perspective to polymer clay jewelry. You learn precise techniques like clay conditioning, color mixing, and curing, paired with creative projects ranging from abstract earrings to hammered metal effects. The book’s clear photographic steps and color palette guidance help you craft lightweight, modern pieces that fit your style. Whether you’re new to jewelry making or seeking inspiration for wearable art, this approachable guide covers foundational skills alongside imaginative designs. It’s especially suited for makers wanting to turn polymer clay into unique, colorful earrings.

Unlike most polymers books that focus on technical material science, Lynn Allingham’s Making Mini Food invites you into the creative world of polymer clay miniatures. Drawing from nearly a decade of crafting miniatures and her experience selling through an Etsy shop, she offers 30 projects for beginners to advanced artists, each accompanied by detailed instructions and stunning photography. You’ll learn specific techniques for cutting, blending, texturing, and assembling tiny edible replicas like pizza and ice cream, along with a thorough primer on tools and clay preparation. This book suits hobbyists passionate about miniature making, dollhouse enthusiasts, and polymer clay artists seeking fresh, approachable projects.

This tailored book explores a rich variety of polymer clay techniques designed to match your individual interests and skill level. It covers essential foundations like clay conditioning, color mixing, and curing methods, then delves into specialized areas such as sculpting textures, miniature crafting, and jewelry design. Through a personalized approach, it guides you step-by-step toward mastering the aspects of polymer clay that matter most to your artistic goals. By focusing on your unique background and aspirations, this book reveals a custom pathway through complex techniques, helping you unlock creative potential and refine your craftsmanship with engaging, relevant content.

What happens when a fine artist known for joyful, whimsical designs turns her eye to polymer clay? Shelley Kommers, with her background in illustration and gallery-exhibited work, guides you through making charming and playful clay creations that anyone can tackle. The book covers everything from basic tools and mixing colors to baking techniques, with projects like plant pots and finger puppets that bring creativity within easy reach. You'll find clear visuals and approachable instructions that suit beginners and more practiced hands alike, making it a solid pick if you're eager to add a crafty dimension to your skills without overwhelming complexity.

The methods Heidi Helyard developed while leading the contemporary polymer clay jewellery movement reveal how accessible and versatile this medium truly is. You’ll learn over 30 distinct techniques—from slab and cane making to marbling and inlay—that empower you to create bold, modern wearable art using minimal tools. The book’s step-by-step photos guide you through 20 projects that range from simple to more advanced, making it suitable whether you’re just starting or looking to expand your skills. By focusing on mixing colors, textures, and patterns, it opens a creative door to polymer clay’s expressive potential that goes beyond mere crafting.

Dinko Tilov is a skilled artist whose passion for polymer clay brings a delightful twist to crafting fantasy characters. His book guides you through creating detailed figures like trolls, wizards, and dragons with practical, approachable instructions that don’t overwhelm. You’ll gain hands-on skills in shaping, texturing, and assembling polymer clay, with step-by-step projects that showcase imagination and technique. This book suits anyone eager to bring fairy-tale creatures to life, whether you’re new to sculpture or looking to refine your craft with charming, whimsical designs.

This tailored book explores a focused 30-day plan designed to accelerate your polymer clay skills through engaging, customized projects. It covers essential techniques from conditioning and color mixing to sculpting and curing, all aligned with your interests and skill level. By concentrating on your specific goals, it provides a clear, practical pathway that bridges expert knowledge with your personal creative journey. The content reveals how to build progressively more complex projects while honing your craftsmanship with polymer clay. This personalized approach ensures you gain targeted insights that match your background, making the learning process both efficient and deeply rewarding.

Angie Scarr brings over three decades of miniaturist expertise to this unique guide that introduces stencilled polymer clay techniques for crafting miniature flowers and plants. You learn how to combine solid and liquid polymer clay with custom stencils, enabling you to create delicate, moisture-resistant blooms without tedious hand-painting, a notable departure from traditional miniature flower methods. Chapters detail material selection, color mixing, and display suggestions, making it ideal for those passionate about miniatures and polymer art. If you appreciate innovation in miniature crafting and want to explore new approaches to polymer flowers, this book offers a fresh, accessible perspective without demanding excessive patience.

Meghan Allen brings her extensive experience as the founder of Clay + Bloom directly to you, guiding you through the intricacies of polymer clay jewelry making with clarity and precision. You learn practical skills like selecting quality materials, conditioning clay, curing pieces, and assembling finished jewelry, along with advanced techniques such as color mixing, texturing, and marbling to create unique designs. The book includes detailed projects like Speckled Terra-Cotta Arch Earrings and Retro Checkered Flower Studs, making it ideal if you want to build your own collection, craft personalized gifts, or even start a jewelry business. Its approachable style suits beginners who want to progress confidently and creatively.

Hot Off the Press, a publisher well-known for its focus on arts and crafts, developed this book to guide enthusiasts through polymer clay projects with practical clarity. You’ll start by mastering essentials like conditioning and baking polymer clay, then move on to techniques for attaching pieces and adding fine details such as eyes and hair. The book offers 74 projects ranging from simple ladybugs to intricate snowmen, catering to all skill levels. With included patterns for shapes and ball sizes, it serves as a hands-on manual that balances creativity with technique, making it useful whether you’re just beginning or looking to refine your polymer clay skills.