How to make jewelry charms from polymer clay

Polymer clay is a popular craft medium for a number of reasons: it comes in a wide variety of colors, it's inexpensive, and it's easy to work with. In clay artist Sharpe's first book, she provides directions for creating 50 cute and colorful charms out of polymer clay, with a focus on designs featuring food and animals. The designs range from compositions suitable for novices to detailed, realistic pieces best attempted by crafters with some polymer clay experience. Close-up photographs illustrate each step of the process, and variations are provided for each of the designs, demonstrating easy ways for crafters to make the charms their own. The second section of the book covers essential tools and techniques, including methods for conditioning, shaping, cutting, and curing clay. VERDICT Most polymer clay books concentrate on basic techniques, such as caning and making millefiore beads, so the "cute charms" focus here is distinct. Online craft marketplaces are full of shops selling such adorable charms, and Sharpe's designs will guide novice-to-intermediate clay artists through the process of producing their own. (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.