I am very fortunate in that I get many lovely craft books sent to me to review. I love looking through them and telling you about them, and often will pass them on to you.
But very rarely (if ever) do I get a book that makes me go “Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!” as soon as I clap eyes on it. But squee I did when I pulled this baby out of its mailing envelope last week:
This is The Polymer Clay Cookbook: Tiny Food Jewelry to Whip Up and Wear by Jessica and Susan Partain. Published by Watson-Guptill Publications, its release date is today, October 20.
And oh my gosh and golly. My first instinct was to take photos of every freaking page to show you. But that would be wrong.
The authors, Jessica and Susan, are sisters. In the introduction they explain that they’ve been playing with polymer clay since childhood. They talk about their relationship with food — how it evokes memories and emotions, and ties to places and times of our lives. So what could be better than to create a “Cookbook” of miniature polymer clay jewelry in the shape of favorite foods?
They start with a section of great information about polymer clay and how to work with it.
This section is extremely comprehensive and covers types of polymer clay, tools that you need, and includes a lot of great information about working and baking the clay and adding color and glazes to your masterpieces. Included in this section is a recipe for a sugar scrub that will remove excess clay from your hands.
Next is a chapter called “Jewelry-Making 101: Tools and Techniques.”
This covers supplies, tools and techniques that you need to turn your tiny clay masterpieces into charms, earrings, rings, bracelets, etc. There’s even a great section on bead stringing — beads can really enhance your mini-food jewelry.
Now we get to the really fun stuff: the recipes for tiny foods.
These are divided into five chapters: Fresh Fruit, Morning Favorites, Savory Entrees, Sweet-Tooth Delights and Other Treats, and Holiday Goodies. The photos here had me squeeing all over again.
Check out this banana bracelet.
And who the heck doesn’t want a bacon and eggs ring? Seriously.
Or taco earrings?
Or would you prefer soft pretzel earrings?
And of course, the ultimate Thanksgiving accessory: a pumpkin pie necklace!
My only question — is that whipped cream or Cool Whip on those pie slices? 
An added bonus: a recipe or two for a real (i.e. edible) treat is included in each of these sections. A very nice touch!
Believe it or not, I’m going to give my review copy away to one of you. You may ask why, since I’m squeeing all over the place about this book. The answer is simple: if I were to keep this book I would very quickly find myself surrounded by pounds of polymer clay and jewelry findings and my poor knitting would languish unloved for an extended period of time. Yes, I have a compulsive personality.
Ah yes, I remember The Unfortunate Incident of the Bead Stringing Class back around 1989. I took one innocent class in bead stringing and very quickly found myself taking more classes, and more classes, surrounded by piles and piles of jewelry supplies. I gave away all my jewelry supplies a few years ago and I don’t need to become obsessed once again, thank you very much.
Ahem
So leave a comment to this post if you’d like to have this book, but do so at your own peril. It is addictive!
(Don’t say I didn’t warn you.)
The Random Number Generator will select a winner next Monday, October 26, noon-ish.
Lucy Sez:
“Are there salmon earrings in that book?”
P.S. — yesterdays pile o’ packages? Mostly boring non-yarn household items. Sorry to disappoint.
P.P.S. — Lucy loves the cleaning lady. She always enjoys the days that Miss Jackie comes to play with her clean the house. The only part she does not like is the vacuum cleaner, and Jackie thoughtfully does that last.
Oh I think you should give it to BFFofWendy so she can make food stich markers!!!
The pumpkin pie earrings sold me–that is my all time favorite fall food. Taco earrings! These WOULD make cute stitch markers–what a good way to indulge without calories!
O.M.G they are SOOOOOoo cute, how amazing is that. Makes my Play-doh creations look like Silly Putty
That books is very delicious looking!
OH my that is the cutest book ever!
Cortney´s last blog ..Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costume Set GIVEAWAY!!!!
I really don’t have time for a new hobby, but this book looks too cute not to try to win it. Thanks!
Lynn Z´s last blog ..Giddy!
I’d love a copy of the book. Stitch markers galore! I too used to do polymer clay and jewellery, but I’m always up for Obsession v. 2.0.
Oh those are soooo adorable! I absolutely LOVE that pumpkin pie necklace!
I love, love, love and want, want, want!!!!
Great book. I’d love to get a copy to give to my household’s resident clay artist for inspiration. Even at 15 she’s done some amazing stuff!
anmiryam´s last blog ..Do You Recognize This Woman?
I like the bacon & eggs ring. Really clever. But, then they all are.
I think that’s adorable and although I tend to have an obsessive personality, I would still like to be in the running.
Must have the bacon & eggs ring. Or just bacon & eggs.
Mmmmm bacon.
I am a sucker for miniature fake food! Love those little Japanese erasers that look like sweets, sushi, etc. Would love to have this book. So are so nice to give it away. Thanks, even if I don’t win it.
I don’t need a copy of the book, thanks, but I’d like to submit my vote for the whipped cream on the pumpkin pie, although we like ice cream with ours.
It looks like a lovely book, and I’d love to have a proper look at it, but I don’t need another hobby either – and I don’t knit nearly as fast as you do, Wendy.
Ear rubs to Lucy from Kira.
Oh My….and I already have poloymer clay! WEEEEEEE!
Oh my goodness, that polymer clay book looks amazing! I keep wanting to play with clay; I’ve made some beads and stuff, but never anything very complex.
Pirate´s last blog ..In Which the Pirate Tours Yarn Stores.
Ooohh!! I’m ready to become obsessed with this book! Have you turned on the heat yet?
I can’t think of a better anniversary present for my husband than a pumpkin pie necklace!
Aimee´s last blog ..Amazing!
I totally need something to squeeeee about after today’s news.
TT
Tiny Tyrant´s last blog ..They say Hope Springs Eternal…
They call it jewelry – I see stitch markers there! Yes, please, I’d like to receive it.
Barbara-Kay´s last blog ..I’m frustrated- Flickr is down
Foo la la! I can see why everyone is excited. The possibilities of all sorts of nifty little do-dads are filling my imagination. I have an eyeglass holder made with polymer clay beads that I’ve received a bazillion compliments on. I’d love to make some myself.
Oh. My. Word. I have to have this book. Please? I’ll send salmon treats for Lucy
Christina´s last blog ..Oh Vacation, how are you always too short?
My son would love this book, he’s an avid polymer sculptor.
Andi´s last blog ..Taking the Leap
Please select my number on the 25th! I was at the Creativfestival on Friday in Toronto, ON, Canada and had lunch with a lady that was VERY interested Polymer clay…I think it’s a sign that this book has come our way! ;o)
Of course, that other lady might read your blog too. Mmmmmm.
Squeeee is right! Those are adorable. I’ve never worked in polymer clay, and I’ve just started watching what I eat (I won’t call it a ‘diet’ yet) so having something to transfer the food cravings to might be a good idea! I’m wary of accumulating a jewelry stash, but I might go buy this book next Tuesday if I don’t get lucky with the RNG.
Sherry´s last blog ..Days 3 & 4 and Yarn Crawl Haul
Oh, what fun. The food would make good miniatures for the Blythe dolls too! Please enter my name in the drawing!
Thanks, Wendy!
OMG, those are adorable! And wouldn’t they make for little perfect stitch markers???
Pick me, pick me!
Cyd/Faireraven´s last blog ..You are here:
That is an amazing book! How awesome! I understand fighting the attraction of another hobby (I refuse to even hold a spindle, the addictive things!), but how can you resist the tiny adorable foods?
Michelle´s last blog ..Much more baking than planned…
Cutest. Book. EVER. I want it!!
My but those would make EXCELLENT stitch markers.
I used to paint ceramics back in the day, and always wanted to get back to it. This looks even better. Woo hoo!!!! Right in time for Christmas presents!
I’d love the book. Now, I wonder if I can talk DH into a dedicated clay oven? Oh, and somewhere to put it. Just what I need — another addictive hobby.
Love the pumpkin pie earrings….this book looks like a must have…yeah yeah..a must have….
Aaaaahh! That book is awesome. I can see my daughter and I becoming totally obsessed! Must put on wishlist in case I don’t win
I’m putting that one on my wish list. How creative!
Oh yes please!!! Have made things in the past using this.
Many thanks for the chance
Cheers >^..^<
Oh yes, I sure don’t need this, but I could certainly give it as a Christmas present. After looking at it, of course.
Sure, I’d like to have the book. I’m also an obsessive personality, but am pretty safe with anything other than computer hardware and software.
One can always use a new hobby to go along with the zillion others.
I love reading the blog and please put me on the list for receiving the book!
Thanks
I have this on my amazon wish list and would love to win a copy
. Thanks for the great review and chance to win!
I love the idea of this book! I’ve been doing polymer clay stuff for about 20 years. It makes great buttons for knits, so this would be even extra fun and useful
claire´s last blog ..Uploaded – 10\209-2
Oh! Oh!! I loves me them taco earrings!! And I just pegged out my addiction meter at “extremely overloaded”. What the heck, what’s another hobby??
Aww, this looks so adorable! Would love to win the book.
I,too, was sucked into an Unfortunate Incident of the Bead Stringing Class in 1991 by my best friend. My basement is still full of beads and jewelry findings. Sometimes I put a bead or two on my knitting, otherwise all that stuff is gathering dust. Beads are evil!
Pick me! Pick me!!
Sqeeeee, indeed! I’d love to win the book. And I know what you mean about getting sucked into other crafts. I have a couple tubs FULL of beads that I need to deal with at some point!
Allison´s last blog ..Travel knitting
I need another hobby like I need a hole in the head, but I’m throwing my felted hat into the ring anyway.
The book looks like such fun – count me in!!
That is some seriously cute crafting.
I would love, love, LOVE this book! Even despite the fact that the last time I made any poymer clay foods, my kid tried to eat them. But, I have a shoebox full of polymer clay blocks just waiting…
Cool book, If I don’t win I may have to purchase
In total agreement with @knittingvt LOL
Stacy´s last blog ..SATURDAY! SATURDAY! SATURDAY!
What a great sounding book! I’m in!
Love, love, love it! Would make wonderful little gifties.
Mmmm… Bacon! I must have that ring! Count me in!
Hmmmmm…my daughter needs a hobby and she loves to cook so… maybe Mom would get some new stitch markers!
What an awesome looking book!
I agree with what so many have already said – STITCH MARKERS!
WOOT!
What a sweet book! I’d totally love it!
I have been studiously trying to avoid the polymer clay thing ever since I saw somebody offer a class on making buttons for handknits with it…but I seem to have gotten on a couple of newsletter lists and stuff…I have not yet broken down and purchased any yet but I KNOW that it is only a matter of time…
And YOU, you have to show bananas…as I am wrapping a warped and politically incorrect sock monkey that is going to be the perfect gift for the recipient…because the sock monkey wears a banner that says “Is that a banana in your pocket or are you just glad to see me?” It would be so perfect to have a banana in the monkey’s pants…
Your new title is going to be Wendy the Instigator!
p.s. The book…I want the book…
I’d love to have that book, I could make Stitch markers, so I could have more knit projects on the needles……
Oh, I love the book! I was thinking about what to make for Christmas and this seems like it could be it!!!
Thanks for being so nice and giving away so many books. =]
New hobby? Don’t mind if I do!
Holly´s last blog ..I Should Not Be Blogging…
What a great idea for a craft book! Love it!
Heather´s last blog ..Dyelots are Deceiving
I think you have just given me the idea for the perfect gift for my granddaughter.
Squeeeeeeeee! Right back atcha!! I was laughing when I read your comment about being compulsive and having given away your jewelry stuff. I’ve been into beads/jewelry making for a couple of decades, off & on, and lately have been getting a kick out of making knitting markers with gemstone, Czech glass, and Swarski crystal beads. Yeah, it cuts into the knitting time AND the yarn $$$, but it’s fun to have your very own bunch of coordinating markers. So, please do sign me up for the give away!
Oooooooooh that book looks like lots of fun. I already have the beading supplies (enough to start a store – my hubby says), so all I need is the designs and the clay!!! Also need time to get back into beading instead of knitting.
Food and clay. Woo hoo!
It’s either win it or buy it for my daughter for Christmas. Of course, we do tend to share craft books but really, it’s for her.
I absolutely love the taco earrings.
It’s the pumpkin pie that draws me. I can’t resist pumpkin pie!
salmon salmon salmon……I would make her a salmon if she wins me the book………yarn salmon!!!!
I’d love the book!
What did Lucy do when you went “Squeeee!”?
That b some seriously sweet art forms. Love it!
I can’t believe you are willing to give it up. Pick me! Pick me!
That book rocks. Tempting… very, very tempting.
That has to be the cutest book ever! Thanks for the chance to win it and have lots of fun!
ooooohh i’d be making these for stitch markers too… soft pretzels wonder if they are super pretzels or philly?
great book!
I have to agree this is the cutest book. It would be fun to have all the little food jewelry as stitchmarkers. I love collecting interesting stitchmarkers. Thanks for the chance to win Wendy!
Oh my gosh! The polymer clay work is amazing. Artists have sure figured out how to work within the medium since it was first introduced. Wendy, I totally understand about not wanting to start another craft. I fall in head first, too.
Goodness, I want one of everything you showed. Looks like a great book.
K
I’m in the win it or buy it group!
Oh, Wendy! My daughter (11) and I both loved this. We must have it. By winning or purchase (or some more nefarious means), it will be ours! Little pumpkin pies! Rhubarb pies! Cherry pies! When I tell you that every year we have a pie party, and last year we made 23 different types, you might get an idea of how we too, squeeed, when we saw this!
That book is making me squee, too. I’m totally gonna have to buy it if I don’t win it.
Sarah´s last blog ..Squareys and Margot!
That book looks good! I went through a polimer clay thing back about thirteen years ago, it was fun to work with.
Marlana´s last blog ..Blocking Day
Oh boy, I would love to have my hands on that book! Thanks for the warning, but I hope I win.
I would love to see this book in person! Please enter me for a chance to win it.
Thank you
Oooooh! I would so love to have that book! The best thing about it is that clay food has no calories!
KozyKitty´s last blog ..Rainy weekends are nice!
I probably shouldn’t be entering…….but what the heck! Thanks, Wendy!
Aponi´s last blog ..Whidbey Island Fabulous Fall Fiber Festival
Oh, I love anything that has to do with food!! What a cute book! Even if I dont win I just might have to pick it up!
OMG, that is too cute. I could have some really freakin’ fun “play days” with my “clay” friends and this book!
Jane´s last blog ..How I Spent
Gotta luvvv that flffy wafffys pantaloons! (referring to yesterday’s pix of Herself)
I’m a Vegan so would love the opportunity to make miniature fruit and veg!!
Tina
I am a new follower of your wonderful blog, and I’m knitting my first pair of socks from instructions in your book.
As a dabbler in many crafts and needleworks, I would love to win the polymer-clay-food-jewelry book. Please enter my name in the drawing.
Corinne in sunny Southern California aka Lady Judith {at} aol(.)com
Talk about making me drool in more ways than one! How fun!
Lynn´s last blog ..Vote for Lily the Chinchilla!
Clay can make the coolest beads and other things. Sorry that those packages weren’t yarn. It would have been so much more fun. I guess, they could be really cool cleaning stuff, right?
Oh my squeeness! I have been toying with the idea of polymer clay for a while now, and in fact went out and bought a bunch (along with a pasta machine) last week. It’s all just waiting for me to dig it out. I think I want to make buttons and beads (and yes, stitchmarkers), but making cute tiny food would be even better!
I love polymer clay so much. So versatile- as this book shows.