Rating: 
Summary: The Perfect Blend of Instruction and Inspiration
Review: As a relative newcomer to the world of polymer clays, I found 'The Art of Polymer Clay' by Donna Kato both very helpful and very exciting. She opens this neatly-arranged book with a discussion of the many aspects of working with polymer clay, including reviews of the different makes of clay and how to condition them (though some of the clays discussed are harder to find or no longer on the market), tools and supplies, color mixing, curing, finishing, safety and cleanup. The author then proceeds to illustrate a great deal of techniques, from simple to complicated. Beadmaking, millefiore, and imitative techniques (achieving the look of semi-precious stones and other materials) are covered in detail. Jewelry-making is discussed extensively, and vessel construction (making things like boxes and vases)is thoroughly explained. There is a nice chapter on floral forms -- her polymer flowers are quite convincing! Figurine-making and sculpture are discussed and illustrated, though not in as great a degree of detail.Technique and inspiration are key in 'The Art of Polymer Clay'. The projects that Kato illustrate don't limit the artist. She gives the reader the methods for building any box, not just the box she's built, for example. Her instructions are very detailed, and are often accompanied by full-color photographs. Note, however, that the reader should have some background in or a knack for design -- this is a technique book, not a project book. I recommend this book to those who have a particular interest in making jewelry and/or constructing home decor items. It will first inspire you by illustrating the potential of the medium, then double as a handy reference book (there's a very detailed index at the end for finding the info you need quickly). There is even a directory of manufacturers -- complete with address and telephone numbers -- should you have trouble finding a certain item. Donna Kato's 'The Art of Polymer Clay' was the first polymer clay craft book I purchased, and I saw a dramatic improvement in the quality and range of my work. Some of the projects were too complicated at first, but they kept the learning process interesting and exciting, never discouraging. What can I say? It's simply a must-have.
Rating: 
Summary: DATED, PUBLICATION DATE IS WRONG
Review: Donna Kato is one of the greats in the PC world. On the Carol Duvall show you can see her and others from her company teaching all sorts of interesting techniques (in fact, this is what made me return to the world of polymer clay which I left some time ago when I started silversmithing and glassblowing). And, her development of a new improved brand of polymer clay is just as important as her teaching. You know the phrase "standing on the shoulders of giants"? Donna Kato's work and book have made significant advances in the field, so now there is a new crop of more recent books that have even more. This book is now dated. It was published in 1997. The information in it is still good, but there are newer techniques not included in the book. There are lots of great recent books out which teach polymer techniques. Also I agree with the reviewer who said it was "not very instructive". There are not step by step photos and "recipes". I was eager to see this book when I heard it so highly recommended, and was disappointed with it when I finally saw it. Again, there are better ones for this, such as Heaser's The Polymer Clay Design Book. This book was worth 5 stars when it came out, but now it is worth less because of newer competition. It is still a good book, but consider some of the recent ones as well. It would be really cool if Donna Kato were to write a new book incorporating all the new stuff that is out there.
Rating:
Summary: The Art of Polymer Clay by Donna Kato
Review: I first saw Donna Kato on the Carol Duval show and I really enjoyed the things she made. When I decided to try my hand with polymer, I bought her book. I was not disappointed! She is very thorough explaining techniques as well as comprehensive in her list of tools and supplies. I highly recommend this book because of the above, but also because it is great fun!
Rating: 
Summary: Essential addition to PC reference library
Review: I have many books. This is one of my favorites that I refer to again and again. The basketweaving and floral techniques are so easy that the children in my polymer classes are able to follow the directions! Highly recommend this as an addition to any book collection.
Rating:
Summary: DATED, PUBLICATION DATE IS WRONG
Review: I have several polymer clay books, and up until I read this book, I was wondering what all the hoopla was about. After all, isn't polymer clay just modeling clay? No! Polymer clay is art! Donna's book explains the basics better than any other book I have read, and also goes beyond the standard napkin ring and bead projects. The sample photos included in the book are lovely, and it's almost hard to believe some of the examples are made of polymer clay. I had never really appreciated polymer clay as art until I got this book. Time to get out my clays again and play, this time with direction.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing.
Review: Kato's artwork is great, but I didn't learn anything new from this book, and I read it as a beginner. Nearly all of the techniques were things I'd either figured out on my own, or read on the Internet or in the 1 other polymer clay book for beginners that I'd picked up (which honestly wasn't even very good!). Skip this one. There are much better books out there, with many more techniques to learn and enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best poly clay books on the market
Review: Let me be upfront right at the start: Donna is a friend of mine; I worked for her when she owned a bead store here in Chicago, and at the time when she first began to work with poly clay. I've edited her project pamphlets, and I know her work very well, and have always thought that it was some of the best clay work I've ever seen. This book is a compendium of so many techniques that it's difficult to know where to start. It's not a project-based book, so if you're looking for something to follow by the numbers, look elsewhere. But if you're looking for a lot of good, sound instruction on clay techniques, this is the book for you. Bring your own ideas and let Donna help you make them reality. I can vouch for the fact that she knows her stuff; I saw her creating many of these objects, teaching herself the strengths and weaknesses of polymer clay and learning how to push the boundaries of what could be done in the medium. She has the chops, and she's sharing them. Learn from her! You won't regret investing in this book.
Rating:
Summary: The Art of Polymer Clay
Review: OK, so I already own three other books on Polymer Clay. Didthis book have information not contained in my other three books? Wasthis book's new information of sufficient quantity that I couldn'tjust memorize the new techniques and not spend the money? Billed on the back cover as the "ultimate polymer clay book," every page holds the same promise. This book demonstrates the absolute versatility of the polymer clay medium. Donna's organization of polymer clay techniques makes perfect sense. She starts with the basics, then explains canes and loaves, followed by a host of surface treatments. Mould-making is next, then there are Tory Hughes's imitative techniques for bone, stone, and coral. Donna gives liberal credit to Tory. Next, Donna hits on sculptural techniques in three chapters: vessels, floral forms, and figurines. Vernon Ezell's photographs are colorful and sharp, enhancing Donna's instructive text. You may have seen an article or two by Donna in Jewelry Crafts or Lapidary Journal magazines. This book contains all of her ideas from those articles and lots more. I pondered for four days whether I should spend the money for this book. I bought it. You should too if you already work with polymer clay or are considering whether you should start. It's a real inspiration! END
Rating:
Summary: Not vey instructive...
Review: The illustrations are good, but not very helpful as far as step by step instructions. The illustrations are somewhat helpful, but still missing instructions on how to achieve those results/designs. I will probably keep this book, however, I have to find maybe one or two more books, to assist this one in helping me to better understand working with polymer clay.
Rating:
Summary: Same Stuff
Review: There are some pretty pieces Donna has included in this book if you are looking for a few to "copy", but there are other beginner books out there that are much more comprehensive and clear.
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