Shop Talk - artists' materials evaluated - Buyers Guide

POLYFORM PRODUCTS CO., INC. has added a series of architectural embellishments to its E-Z Release Flexible Pushmold line. Designed by polymer clay artist Marie Segal, these new pushmolds include "Celtic," "Sconce," "Swag," "Plume," "Flower" and "Etruscan." These easy-to-use pushmolds allow artists to add three-dimensional embellishments to art projects. For more information, circle No. 383 on the Arts & Activities Reader Service Card.

LithoCoal, a heat-fixable drawing media from D'UVA FINE ARTISTS MATERIALS allows artwork to be preserved without spray fixative or framing under glass. A form of charcoal, LithoCoal may be used to draw on any grade of paper, canvas, cloth, metal, glass, ceramic, wood, stone, or any other surface that will withstand the 225 [degrees] F fixing temperature. Once fixed, LithoCoal is not soluble in water or mineral spirits and is an acid resist, allowing for broad use in printmaking applications. For more information, circle No. 393 on the Arts & Activities Reader Service Card.

FISKARS[R] CONSUMER PRODUCTS INC.'s Wavy Paper Crimper crimps a variety of papers, including foil, bond, tissue and construction paper. The tool features extended rollers which allow users to crimp paper up to 6 1/2 inches wide. The rollers are made of hardened plastic for increased durability and consistency, eliminating paper "drifts" while crimping. The Crimper also features a large, spring-action, comfort-molded handle and turnkey to provide greater strength and comfort. For more information about this product, circle No. 391 on the Arts & Activities Reader Service Card.

Teachers can discover new methods of incorporating art into general lesson plans by visiting SANFORD[R] CORP.'s web page, www.sanfordcorp.com. Posted lesson plans are designed to help students learn about science, history and everyday life while exploring their artistic creativity. Artists of all ability levels will also benefit from Sanford's newsletter, A Lifetime of Color, which is available online and through free subscription. Including lesson plans, tips from professional artists and updates on new products from Sanford, the newsletter is published three times per year. To be placed on the mailing list, send an e-mail to angela.nigl@sanfordcorp.com or write to Sanford, 2711 Washington Blvd., Bellwood, Ill., 60104, Attn: Art & Education Marketing. For more details, visit online at sanfordcorp, corn or circle No. 382 on the Reader Service Card.

Published by INCENTIVE PUBLICATIONS and written by art educator (and Arts & Activities Contributing Editor) Paula Guhin, Can We Eat The Art: Incredible Edibles and Art You Can't Eat includes over 65 art projects that are made from the basic food ingredients found in most kitchens. The "Incredible Edible" contains edible art projects such as pudding paint, play clay and faux Faberge. "Art You Can't Eat," includes noodle jewels, cornstarch clay and flour batik. Each project features handy tips, skill ratings and estimated time categories to help you determine if the projects are "Minutes in the Making," "Done in an Hour" or "Best Finished Later." For more information, circle No. 389 on the Reader Service Card.

Magic Mud from K-PLAY is a nontoxic, non-staining, reusable natural clay, designed to foster open-ended creativity. This natural clay may be air-dried or kiln-fired and painted. Magic Mud is available in three sizes intended for use at home or in the classroom. The Mighty Mud Pack includes 3 pounds of natural clay and an easy-to-use illustrated guide. The Mini Mud Pack contains 81/2 pounds of natural clay, two maple clay boards, a parent/teacher guide with lesson plans and a wire cutter. The Mucho Mud Pack contains 25 pounds of natural clay, as well as the same materials found in the Mini Mud Pack. For more information, circle No. 388 on the Arts & Activities Reader Service Card.

CRIZMAC ART AND CULTURAL EDUCATION MATERIALS, INC.'s catalog for 2001 contains many new multicultural resources, including a bilingual section and folk art from around the world. New video titles include "Flickering Lights: Days of the Dead" and "Milagros: Symbols of Hope, Simbolos de Esperanza." The Art Poster series has been expanded with "Twentieth Century Art Masterpieces," featuring the works of Dali, Hopper, Rothko, Kandinsky and others. Music, games, CD-ROMS, interdisciplinary kits, and professional development resources for artists are also included. For a free copy of the catalog, call (800) 913-8555, visit online at www.crizmac.com or circle No. 397 on the Reader Service Card.

Rainbow White[TM], multicolor under white Scratch-Arte[R] Paper from SCRATCH.ART CO., INC., is designed for use with stencils, rubber stamps and water-based markers. Available in 81/2" x 11" and 11" x 13", Rainbow White offers an alternative to the traditional black scratch paper. For information, visit online at www.scratchart.com or circle No. 381 on the Arts & Activities Reader Service Card.

ARTINSIDE.COM is an online home art gallery, and matting and framing center providing accessible, affordable art. Visitors to Artinside.com will find over 35,000 original works of art by emerging artists. Featured art includes limited edition prints, photography, sculpture and animation art. For more details, visit online at www. artinside.com or circle No. 400 on the Arts & Activities Reader Service Card.