Fairies, Gnomes & Trolls: Create a Fantasy World in Polymer Clay
by Maureen Carlson
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Book Summary Information
Author: Maureen CarlsonEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2006-11-20
ISBN: 1581808208
Number of pages: 128
Publisher: North Light Books
Book Reviews of Fairies, Gnomes & Trolls: Create a Fantasy World in Polymer Clay
Book Review: Absolute Must Have
Summary: 5 Stars
I found this book while browsing the shelves in a bookstore and my only regret is that I didn't know that the author is offering an autographed copy on her website! I'll probably order one at some point because this book was exactly what I needed to move on to the next stage in my art and I'm forever in her debt. I started sculpting with polymer clay about five years ago and up to now was entirely self-taught when it came to sculpting figures. Just a month or so before finding the book, I attempted faces but knew I had a long way to go. Maureen's book is just what I needed and more.
Her instruction on proportion is excellent and she shares many valuable tips on working with this medium, which can be very sneaky and tricky. From the point of an intermediate level and experienced artist, the instruction is extremely easy to understand and put into practice. Exact measurements are given whenever possible, making each project practically foolproof. I believe that the book is also very valuable to the absolute beginner but would recommend that they take their time and spend a great deal of time becoming familiar with the quirks of polymer clay before expecting to complete the projects quickly and easily. If I had only one tip to offer, it would be that when your clay "turns gumby," as I call it when it becomes stretchy and too soft, put it down and let it rest because you are not going to get anywhere with it until it does.
Every project is adorable and easy to accomplish. In addition to a good variety of characters, projects for props such as tree spirits and fairy portals are also provided so that you can create an entire fantasy village! So far, I've made three of the characters and am very pleased with the results, even on the first try. My first figures turned out a bit larger but it was very easy to scale them down on the next attempt. You'll learn how to create and use armatures and molds and sculpt faces, body parts and even clothing! I love the way that each chapter is written from the point of view of one of the characters, The Storyteller, (who bears a strong resemblance to the author!) and that we're guided through each project with tips from another character, Woodpecker Pete. I own several books on polymer clay technique and this is one of the few that I intend to keep forever. It hasn't made it to the bookshelves since I brought it home and it's unlikely that it ever will. The stock that the book is printed on is also very sturdy and will hold up to many hours of flipping through and holding it open for a reference.
Investing in this book increased my skill level tremendously in a very short period of time. I have already applied so much of what Maureen teaches to my own work in sculpting goddesses and dancers.
I also love the way that the author nurtures creativity by encouraging us to tell stories with our art, as she does. This book is so much more than a technique manual. It's a treasure that belongs in every clay artist's toolbox and a priceless investment.
Summary of Fairies, Gnomes & Trolls: Create a Fantasy World in Polymer Clay
Welcome to the world of the Faerie FolkCreate an idyllic, polymer-clay world filled with fairies, playful sprites, clever gnomes and elves, wise wizards and misunderstood trolls. Whether you are new to polymer clay, or looking to improve your skills, Fairies, Gnomes & Trolls offers everything you need to unlock the characters in your imagination and bring the magic of the fairy to life.
Inside you'll find 15 complete projects, including:
- Isa Rosalia, the flower fairy
- Dray Van Elm, the elf king
- Broogen Bogge, the rock troll
- Ophelia Lilliana, the sprite
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