How to Make Clay Characters

This book is a must have for anyone who works with Polymer Clay and wants the inside information at their fingertips on how to make sculted polymer clay creations rather than canes. Even veteran clayers can brush up on their artistry with the carefully written techniques and detailed photographs in this book.

I have been making polymer clay figures for over ten years, and have used some of Maureen Carlson's techniques which formerly were only available in magazines which I just "happened" to read and buy. Now, with this book, I have all the information that I need to get the cute smiles and playful positions for my polymer clay characters. In addition, this book shares Maureen's time-tested methods of making clothing, armatures and adornments that give her characters their special and unique appeal.

I highly rate and recommend this book to anyone, novice or experienced, who has the desire to produce their own Santa Claus or Tooth Fairy, or favourite charachter. With this book, and a little creative ingenuity on your own, your are equipped to create the delightful little folk out of this expressive medium.

This is the best book that I have read on the subject. As a self taught artist I'm excited to learn from the author's experience. The photos are very helpful. I expect to advance my skills and the quailty of my work greatly. I look forward to other works by the author. This book is a "must buy". The author has encountered many of the problems that the clay sculpturist will encounter and has paid the the dues of trial and error. This was my first Amazon purchase and has solidified in my mind the value of this on line service as well. I had not seen this book at book stores or craft and hobby shops . A big thumbs up to this book and to the speed in which I recieved my book.

Ms Carson is truly a master sculptor, and the clay figures in the book are nothing short of amazing. She gives step-by-step instructions on how to construct each figure, but there is no way on God's green earth that I could ever hope to make one. IMHO this book is almost like using the Mona Lisa as a project in a "How to Paint by Numbers" book. Buy this book if you want to see some beautifully crafted works of art or if you are a professional clay artist looking for a new challenge, but don't buy it as a beginner how-to on clay figurine construction.

I have been using polymer clay for years. There were no books on how to make figures so I just jumped in and taught myself. When I got this book I had been making polymer clay figures but had never made the clothes with the clay...I had always used cloth. This book taught me the basics for making clothing with the clay and simple things I hadn't thought of such as crases, bends in joints, wrinkles....etc. If anyone is into making polymer clay figures this is a must for your library!

Since so many Clay books are dedicated to the jewelry aspect of clay, this is a refreshing change. The book has insight into the best clays to use, supplies needed, step by step instructions with pictures, and hints and tricks. The book statrs out with simple figures and then as you build confidence it steps you through more difficult and complex characters. The book is easy to read and follow and also includes a troubleshooting section...Definitely a book to have if you are interested in doing people or cartoon like characters out of clay.