Polymer clay bears - Birdy Heywood

Birdy Heywood shows how to make cute and funny bears using polymer clay and simple modelling techniques. First we learn how to divide a block of clay into the correct proportions to create the Simple Bear, which is the basis for all the other bears in the book, then there is advice about the few simple tools needed to model the bears. Then it is staight on to making the Simple Bear, and with a few adaptations, a whole host of other bears such as Wedding Bear, Halloween Bear, Musician Bear, DIY bear, Baby Bear and much more. The constituent parts of the bears are shown with the step by step instructions, and annotated for clarity, then each finished bear is pictured in all its splendour. Bear lovers will be delighted with so many appealing designs to create, and the many different themes make these bears wonderful gifts for a variety of friends and occasions.

Birdy Heywood has been working with, demonstrating, and teaching polymer clay techniques since 1985. During that time she has created bears, fairy folk, dragons, and most recently jewellery. Bears were her particular favourite for many years as they not only signify to her the cute and cuddly teddy bear we adore as children but also its wild, free counterpart, the wild bear. Birdy always says that even if you follow her instructions to the letter, each bear will have its own personality. Birdy teaches at shows all over the country, and has also demonstrated her skills on television. She recently obtained her Higher National Diploma in Film making, which enabled her to produce her own instructional DVDs on polymer clay techniques.

Aug 10

This is just the perfect little book to bring out on rainy days, packed full of delightful little bears for every occasion from Valentine bears to Indian bears, there's even a gypsy bear complete with earrings and a crystal ball! From the moment you open the book you feel compelled to try the projects which are all very well explained and have simple step by step instructions, Simple enough for beginners yet interesting enough to keep someone with a little more experience happy. The projects are not too time consuming which is also a plus if you want to try them with Children, my five year old fell in love with the baby bear and just had to make it that very moment! So if you're looking for little projects to dip in an out of this book is a winner.'