In the early days of polymer clay, artists had to figure everything out for themselves through trial and error. While there's a certain element of excitement in blazing trails for yourself, the modern clayer is fortunate enough to have an ever-growing number of useful and beautiful books from which to choose.
Whatever your level of expertise-- whatever your area of interest-- there's a book for you. Browse the titles below for reviews of a sampling of clay-related books.
Also, be sure to check out our helpful articles on resources for polymer clay books and ways to ensure that you get the most out of your books.
Making Polymer Clay Beads
2007, By Carol Blackburn
This beautiful book focuses on polymer clay art jewelry, with 33 projects designed by an impressive group of 14 artists. Like most polymer clay project books, this one begins with an introduction to polymer clay, related tools and. . . More >>
The Art of Jewelry: Polymer Clay
2006, By Catherine Duncan Aimone
This beautiful book focuses on polymer clay art jewelry, with 33 projects designed by an impressive group of 14 artists. Like most polymer clay project books, this one begins with an introduction to polymer clay, related tools and . . . More >>
Art Stamping Workshop
2006, By Gloria Page
This book is geared more toward those interested in hand-carving stamps than someone seeking polymer clay techniques or projects, but if you’d like to work in both media, it might be a good fit. The book introduces the materials. . . More >>
Polymer Clay: Creative Traditions
2006, By Judy Belcher
This book is an excellent choice for those interested in learning a wide variety of polymer clay techniques. It also illustrates the ways in which different art media can influence the work of polymer clay artists and hobbyists. More >>
Quick & Easy Gifts in Polymer Clay
2005, By Lisa Pavelka
The first few pages address the basics of polymer clay and related tools, followed by a quick section on simple techniques. By page 20, you're into the projects section of the book, which focus on the "quick and easy". More >>
Creating Fantasy Polymer Clay Characters
2004, By Dinko Tilov
This book is ideal for adults and older children who are interested in creating amusing, playful mini-sculptures from polymer clay. After a very brief introduction to the basics of polymer clay, the projects begin. The author demonstrates. . . More >>
Step-by-Step Polymer Clay in a Day
2004, By Emma Ralph
The first few sections of the book introduce polymer clay and the basics of how it is used, so that even a beginner will be able to complete the projects. After a brief overview of a few fundamental techniques, the projects begin. More >>
Polymer Clay Mosaics
2003, By Sue Heaser
Admirers of mosaics will be delighted to learn that this ancient art form is now made so much easier, thanks to polymer clay. Those new to clay will benefit from the brief introduction to polymer clay, which covers the necessary basics. More >>
Creative Stamping in Polymer Clay
2002, By Barbara McGuire
A 7-page introduction to the basics of polymer clay covers everything a beginner will need to know about how to use clay and the tools and materials that are commonly associated with it. More >>
Polymer Clay Extravaganza
2002, By Lisa Pavelka
An 8-page introduction to polymer clay guides beginners through materials, tools, and basic techniques-- everything s/he'll need to know to complete the projects in the rest of the book. The projects themselves cover a wide range of effects. More >>
Polymer: The Chameleon Clay
2002, By Victoria Hughes
This book is a good choice for those interested in learning imitative techniques. The beginning of the book is rather different from most project books, with an emphasis on the nature of creation and allowing yourself to trust your artistic instinct. More >>
Create a Polymer Clay Impression
2001, By Sarajane Helm
The first two sections of the book (nearly 70 pages) cover the basic information you'll need for working with clay, as well as a number of techniques, such as surface stamping, carving, mold-making, and caning. More >>
Creative Ways with Polymer Clay
2001, By Dotty McMillan
There’s plenty of variety in this polymer clay project book. An introduction to polymer clay is followed by a hefty (25-page) section of basic techniques, touching on everything from image transfers and mokume gane. . . More >>
Making Gifts in Polymer Clay
2001, By Stacey Morgan
Full of cheerful projects with bright-eyed, smiling faces, this book is ideal for those who’d like to make cute mini-sculptures (and pins, buttons, or magnets) to give as gifts—or to brighten up their own homes and offices. More >>
Making Miniature Food and Market Stalls
2001, By Angie Scarr
Sure to delight miniaturists, this book teaches you how to create a variety of miniature polymer clay foods. Decorate your doll’s house or other miniature display with a bounty of fruits, vegetables, meats, baked goods, and seafood. More >>
Polymer Clay: Creating Functional and Decorative Objects
2001, By Jacqueline Gikow
Those interested in taking polymer clay beyond its most typical uses (jewelry and cute little sculptures) will love this book. Crammed with beautiful photographs of many artists’ work, overflowing with text (and information). . . More >>
Stamping with Style
2001, By Kathering Duncan Aimone
Though this book is not an ideal purchase for someone seeking a book focused on polymer clay, it might be a nice addition to your library if your interests include both polymer clay and stamping in general. More >>
Making Animal Characters in Polymer Clay
2000, By Sherian Frey
Those interested in sculpting cartoon-style animals are sure to enjoy this book. It begins with a thorough introduction to clay brands, tools, and techniques that will be used for the projects presented (though due to its age. . . More >>
Miniature Villages in Polymer Clay
2000, By Gail Ritchey
If you’re the type to spend hours admiring village scenes in miniature, this is the book for you. Even someone completely new to polymer clay can work from these projects and create his or her very own miniature hamlet. More >>
Polymer Clay for the First Time
2000, By Syndee Holt
As the title suggests, this is a good choice for those new to polymer clay. If you’re intrigued by millefiori and want to learn the caning process, but don’t know where to start, you’ll find everything you need to know right here. More >>
The Ultimate Clock Book
2000, By Paige Gilchrist
Though not dedicated entirely to polymer clay, this book will appeal to those who have an interest in both polymer clay and clock-making. Step-by-step instructions guide you through the creation of clocks made from everything from wood. . . More >>
Foundations in Polymer Clay Design
1999, By Barbara A. McGuire
The first sections of this book (thirty pages or so) introduce polymer clay and the tools and materials commonly used in conjunction with it. The bulk of the book is made up of step-by-step, line-drawing-illustrated projects that demonstrate. . . More >>
The Polymer Clay Techniques Book
1999, By Sue Heaser
This book is a wonderful choice for someone new to clay or anyone who wants a reference for a wide variety of polymer clay techniques. Bursting with useful information, it has a little bit of everything. More >>
The Art of Polymer Clay
1997, By Donna Kato
This is one of the classic polymer clay techniques books, written by one of the best-known polymer clay artists, Donna Kato. Unlike many crafts books, this one does not follow the typical “project” outline. More >>
Making Doll's House Miniatures with Polymer Clay
1997, By Sue Heaser
This book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in making miniatures. The first three sections give a run-down on polymer clay basics, including specific instructions for how to make a few polymer clay tools that will be used later on. More >>
New Ways with Polymer Clay
1997, By Kris Richards
This book is ideal for someone new to polymer clay and looking to make cute projects, like Christmas ornaments, faux sugar cookies, and embellished jar lids. Roughly the first half of the book is dedicated to introducing the beginner to. . . More >>
Sewing & Sculpting Dolls
1997, By Eloise Piper
If your passion for polymer clay is matched only by your desire to make dolls, this might be just the book for you. Use this volume to educate yourself in the art of doll-making, starting with the classic rag doll and working your way through to. . . More >>
Polymer Claywork
1996, By Mary Maguire
This project book contains 25 bright, colorful projects. The book begins with a short history of polymer clay and a gallery of artwork. Following a brief introduction to polymer clay-related materials and equipment and a six-page section on basic. . . More >>
The New Clay
1991, By Nan Roche
Commonly referred to as the “Polymer Clay Bible”, this was the first book published on the subject of polymer clay. Because it has been around for so long, the comparisons of the different brands is rather out-dated, but everything else remains. . . More >>