Polymer clay is a wonderful new art material. It is easy to shape, non-toxic and great for kids, stays pliable until it is baked in a kitchen or toaster-oven to become smooth, durable plastic. KidsArt sells an excellent sampler set of polymer clay with 30 different colors, many of them with vibrant metallic and pearl effects.

So how to use this great new clay? The most popular artform for polymer clays is making jewelry...and kids love it! An incredible assortment of techniques have been developed, from marbled beads and tiny shaped flower brooches, to wild patterns created by layering then rolling different colors of clay together. This book is the best instruction manual we've found, filled with huge, delicious photographs, detailed diagrams, and step-by-step instructions for dozens of projects. You'll find beads and jewelry ideas ranging from contemporary abstract-art to multicultural designs inspired by folk art from around the world, tiny faces, animals and flowers, delicate Victorian jewels, and lots more. It's a wonderful book for older students - upper elementary through high school - and for adults, and makes a great source for family projects and gift-making activities. 144 pages, with wonderful full color photos throughout.