Emily Chen’s new book from Quarto/Walter Foster Publishing, $19.99, Art Makers Polymer Clay for Beginners delivers exactly as promised. Filled with simple instructions, step-by-step photos, with close up details, it appears impossible not to repeat her stunning results.

I am so often let down by art books, that this is a welcome surprise. Chen’s projects are often aimed at kids — fake cookies and sparkly unicorns– but plenty of adults will be drawn to the lessons creating roses and cherry blossoms.

While the projects may be more elementary, the skill sets learned are not. These are the basics for any kind of clay art — and will help anyone interested in sculpture to cake decoration.