Guild Library

In June 2010, the Tallahassee Polymer Clay Art Guild started a library. The following policies apply:

  • Members are allowed to check out books and DVDs for a month at a time. Essentially, pick up your selection at one meeting and bring it back at to the next meeting.
  • A late fee of $10/month will be assessed if you fail to return the item on time.
  • Damaged items must be reported immediately and replacement costs (plus shipping if required) remitted as soon as possible.

To reserve an item or to donate an item to the library, contact us.

Our library currently has the following books and DVDs available:

Title

Author

Format

Innovations: Confident Color

With this two-DVD set, you will learn how to add harmony to your work with increased color confidence while learning valuable bench tricks and techniques for working with polymer clay. Lindly will walk you through more than three hours of techniques. You will make a series of color coordinated stripe blends that will be used to make eleven different laminated textile inspired patterns including: Ikat, Seminole Stripes and Flame stitch.

Lindly Haunani DVD

Polymer Clay Color Inspirations

Lindly Haunani and Maggie Maggio are renowned for their courses and workshops on color as well as for their outstanding polymer clay work. In this book, they offer instruction and inspiration that focuses on polymer clay as a learning tool that readers can use to explore their own color instincts and preferences and develop their own palettes.Each chapter investigates a specific color principle, with the discussion supported by a related exercise, a “studio tool” assignment or demonstration, a polymer clay jewelry project, and a profile of a prominent polymer clay artist. Sample topics include:

  • The Complexity of Color
  • Three Properties of Color
  • Choosing Your Palette
  • Mixing Colors That Flow
  • Matching Colors with Precision
  • Games Colors Play
  • Orchestrating Color Combinations
  • Color Composition: Placement and Proportion
  • Playful Patterns
  • Tantalizing Textures
Lindly HaunaniMaggie Maggio Softcover Book

Beginner’s Guide to Creating with Clay

Shape your world with sparkling jewelry and home accents you won’t find anywhere else! Becky Meverden uses step-by-step photos and clear instructions to show beginners how easy it is to craft with polymer clay. Techniques include Enhancing Clay, Skinner Blend, Mokume Gane, Mica Shift, Faux Materials, Texturing, Canework, Transferring Images onto Polymer Clay, Making Clay Beads, Beads Using a Bead Roller, and Covering with Clay. 16 projects: Heart Pendant, Crystal Votive Cover, Sparkling Star Switchplate, Coasters, Bookmark, Faux Jade Bracelet, Turquoise Pendant, Flower Earrings, Copper Napkin Rings, Photo Pendant, Photo Tile Bracelet, Strawberry Box, Wild & Wacky Bracelet, Thimble Bear, Sock Monkey, and Desk Supply Organizer.

Becky Meverden Softcover Book

The Art of Polymer Clay: Millefiori Techniques

In Venetian glassmaking, slender rods of molten glass are shaped, then cut to reveal amazingly detailed patterns: flowers, geometric shapes, dancing colors. These slices are called millefiori, “thousand flowers,” because they form a carpet of flowers when placed side by side. Now celebrity author Donna Kato shows crafters exactly how to re-create these intricate, fascinating designs in polymer clay. The Art of Polymer Clay Millefiori Techniques reveals the entire process: how to work with the polymer clay, the basics of planning and creating a cane, and using color effectively. Dozens of canes, from simple to simply stunning, are included, and everything is clearly explained and illustrated with full-color photos, the Donna Kato way. Throughout the book, examples of stunning work by such noted millefiori artists as Kathy Amt, Pier Voulkos, and Kathleen Dustin provide inspiration.There must be a thousand ways to make beautiful millefiori…explore them all in The Art of Polymer Clay Millefiori Techniques.

Donna Kato Softcover Book

Creative Bead Weaving: A Contemporary Guide To Classic Off-Loom Stitches

Carol Wilcox Wells Hardcover Book

Beadwork Creates Beaded Rings: 30 Designs

Jean Campbell (Editor) Softcover Book

Innovations: Making it BIG

Bring on the drama! Join Loretta Lam in an exploration of construction techniques and fine craftsmanship for the creation of big, beautiful beads. Try new and different lightweight core construction. Whether you like round, organic, or geometric forms, once you know how to create large, lightweight elements you imagination will soar with the possibilities.

Loretta Lam  DVD

Innovations: Secret Shapes Inro

Learn to create polymer clay inros (wearable vessels originating in the Far East) in a variety of shapes using a new and ingenious technique that will leave others mystified as to how you created its unique shape! In this DVD Jana will guide you from initial construction through finishing, which includes instruction on achieving a glassy finish without the use of varnishes or glazes and with little or no buffing.

Jana Roberts Benzon DVD

Polymer Clay Beads

Twenty different crafting methods—countless breathtaking beads, all made from easy to work with polymer clay! The varied techniques in this comprehensive skill-building book—many of which have never before been published—range from hand-formed tubes, spheres, wedges, teardrops, and baguettes to traditional mokume gane with fantastic layered effects. Add mica clay to create iridescent “ghost image” beads. Construct veneered pillow beads. Carve beads, press-mold them, or even use a cookie-cutter to get an array of fabulous shapes. Turn and form the bead on an extremely affordable craft lathe. Close-up photos show every step in the process, as well as the completed beads; some also appear as part of a finished piece of jewelry for inspiration.

Grant Diffendaffer Hardcover Book

Polymer Clay and Mixed Media—Together at Last

Polymer Clay and Mixed Media—Together at Last is about making polymer clay figures—jewelry pieces, focal beads, décor items, knick-knacks—and incorporating beads, fibers, fabrics, glass, stones, etc. to create special effects. Embellishing polymer clay with mixed media adds a sophistication and richness without making the projects complicated or inaccessible to the average crafter.

Christi Friesen Softcover Book

Polymer Clay Extravaganza

Whether you’re a seasoned polymer clay artist looking for fresh ideas or a beginner looking for a new craft, this book’s for you. Inside you’ll find 21 easy-to-follow, step-by-step projects designed to push your creativity to new levels.

Lisa Pavelka shows you how to put an exciting, new twist on polymer clay techniques by incorporating beads, foil, rubber stamping and wire to create unique decorative effects. You’ll create jewelry, picture frames, greeting cards, garden accessories and more.

Important guidelines for buying and working with related tools, plus tips for baking your polymer clay safely help you get started with skill and confidence.

 Lisa Pavelka Softcover Book

The Polymer Arts

Fall 2011–The Genesis Issue; Issue #1

Winter 2011–Education & Instruction Issue; Issue #2

Spring 2012–Creative Spaces Issue #3

Various Magazine

Mixed-Media: How to Make Polymer Clay Beads

Join artist and best-selling author Ronna Sarvas Weltman inexciting watch-and-learn lessons as she shows you step by step how to create fun and fabulous polymer clay beads.

Master polymer basics, such as proper conditioning, shaping, curing, and texturing. Boost your jewelry-making skills with a variety of fun techniques to make your own round beads, discs, and more!

Ronna Sarvas Weltman DVD