Under the Sea: Beyond Projects: The CF Sculpture Series Book 3

I have quite a few polyclay books, and have about 8 years' experience in claying. Every other pc book I have has 1 or 2 projects that just didn't come out for me. Under the Sea is the first book I've gotten where ALL my results are just as beautiful as the pictures in the book. I've made the turtle, the seahorse, and the octopus, and they're all just as adorable as the ones in the pictures.I'm planning a large collage of sea life on a fiberboard panel, incorporating the creatures in the book as well as some of my own, and some found objects. Christi's instruction gives you the basics in figure modeling so that you can take off on your own, and her projects are inspirational eye candy with exploding color, movement, and lots of personality. The text is full of joy and borderline goofy at times, but don't worry -- she's always clear about telling you just what to do, step by step. I love her approach, and am so grateful for the nudge to take my claying in a new direction. Fun fun fun!Update -- it's nearly 2 years since I wrote that review, and I'm even happier with Christi's books now. I have them all, and have even taken a workshop with Christi. My Under the Sea mixed-media panel turned out even better than I'd hoped, and I've made quite a few since. I'm even selling them. People absolutely love them, and my style has evolved to be more my own and less a copy of Christi. She gave me a place to start, and I'm ever so grateful. If you're interested in P-clay, please get Christi's books. They are accessible, fun, and most important, really teach you techniques that you will use over and over again.

I had....(bad forest fire...lost my house) I had almost all of her books. The drawings are fun! Instructions....you can't ask for more unless she was sitting there in front of you. Nope.... we are not related....darn it! I wish she had classes. Altho', I think she is in Australia and I'm in So Cal. Her writing is fun. Sooo talented! You'll want to make everything! I made a few things...SO fun! Do Not hesitate to buy anyone of her books. I'm sad because I got mine way back when. They weren't as much as they are today. People have discovered her. I'm happy for her....but not my bank account! I'm re-purchasing them, but it's costing me quite a bit more. Shop around and check the used books also. Bottom line....Yes, I believe you will love her books and love her!

The book arrived today Monday, 7/27/2020. Package was in mailbox, partially folded but book was not damaged. First, the book is very colorful, each page is full of description, instruction & hints with tricks. Secondly, there is step by step instruction with tools being shown what to do to the clay.(ie detail marks) Finally, there is a hand holding the tools showing what they are used for and showing how to how to apply or introduce wires to the clay. Even if you are a novice this book would be great!

I love this book! I'm going to order her other 2 as soon as I finish this review. I may also order a second copy as I can see mine getting quite beat up over time and I want to enjoy this for a looong time. Not only is this book a good guide for making the featured figures, its fun to read! Plus she shows many good techniques that one can use in their own sculpting practice. I love how many different decorating options she shows. She walks you thru one focal sculpture, then shows what different colors, beads, and finishing styles end up looking like. I love a clay book that encourages and inspires you to put your own touches on your work. I have never added beads to my own work, but I love the way christi uses them along with swirls and spots of clay, and anchored with wires. I have definetly been inspired by this book and only wish it was bigger! Its a great price for what you get tho.

This is one of my favorites of Christie's polymer clay series. I have always been fascinated by the ocean and all it's beauty and this book gives you all the direction you need to recreate your own fantasy world of "the deep". My absolute favorite is the turtles. This series of books gives clear instruction that assists you in creating your own creatures with a little fantasy mixed in.I have always wanted to draw and can only manage to do stick figures, but this type of instruction has given me a clearer idea of form and line. What I cannot do on paper I CAN do with Polymer clay. Polymer clay is just plain fun and if you haven't given it a try, do so and get this book to help create beautiful creatures from the deep.

So far I'm hooked on Christi's books and all of her instructional materials. She is funny and easy to read and follow. I never thought I would be able to work with clay and purchased a couple of items just to see if I could. I don't think I would have come so far this fast without her books to inspire me. I have made several things so far with a couple of her books and this one included some I have kept for myself others I have given as gifts and everyone is amazed by them. I can't think of a better resource if you are just starting out or have been a long time polymer clay artist this book and all of her books would be a great addition to your library.

You won't have to worry about drowning in a flood of information on polymer clay basics. The author already figures you are up to speed on how to condition and what kind of clay to use she goes straight to the fun of creating sea creatures. The text is funny and easy to understand, the photos are clear and abundant. This is a great idea book. Anyone just starting out (who already knows the basics) or already hooked on polymer clay will benefit from this book. I also suggest you take a look at her first and second volumes. Clay away!

This is another glorious polymer clay book from Christi Friesen. I've watched her tutorials online, and this book is just as descriptive and accessible as actually watching her working. Christi's language is enthusiastic and highly informative, and the book is crammed with beautiful step-by-step photography and tonnes of variations on designs to get your creativity sparking.The book is a slim volume forming part of Christi's 'Beyond Projects' series. As it has no spine (poor thing!), it lays open nicely on a work bench without having to be weighed down, making it really easy to refer to while you're working.There is a really useful section at the back covering all the basics like baking, finishing and adding patinas.There are projects in here that would be perfect for a beginner to gain confidence with polymer clay, as well as more complicated pieces that build on the skills and techniques learned. The projects can be combined together in a wall plaque as demonstrated, but if that's not what you want to make then don't feel constrained, use the elements just as you please. The main message of this book is that polymer clay is fun, so go ahead and enjoy it :)

Christi Friesen introduces a couple of sculptural plaque projects in this book from an excellent series of project books. Personally, I don't like them as much but they are interesting and a way of extending the type of work done with polymer clay. This book highlights one project for which the instructions are bought from her website.

What a fab book! I've just gotten in to PC via Jewellery Maker Channel and bought some of CF's texture stamps and found this series of books by chance and what a great series they are... just waiting for Dragons to be reprinted now :D

Good but not as many things to make in this as other books by Christi Friesen - on the thin side but still some inspiration

Under the Sea is a fantastic step-by-step guide to learning how to create wonderful sea creatures and landscapes out of polymer clay.This book is also great for ceramics for inspiration.This book helps inspire, nudge and develop your own ideas, whist providing beautiful photographs, lovely illustrations and a good sense of humour throughout.Completely comprehensive and fascinating with plenty of information on tools and accessories, this book in a series of CF Sculpture is brilliant.It includes many wonderful ideas and guides to making interesting creatures, all of which can be adapted to your own unique style.Wonderful for inspiration.A great blend of written and visual aids, this book is a real Gem!I cannot recommend it enough!