Book Description
Developed in Japan in the early 1990s, metal clay represents a dramatic development in the handling of precious metals for jewelrymaking. Metal clay consists of microscopic particles of silver or gold suspended in a pliable organic binder that can be worked with the hands and simple household tools, eliminating the need for difficult metalworking processes such as soldering, hammering, and cutting. When metal clay is fired, the binder burns away and the metal particles fuse into pure (99.9 percent) metal. The Art of Metal Clay is a comprehensive introduction to the medium designed specifically for crafters and jewelrymakers, detailing the essentials of working, firing, and finishing metal clay to create beautiful jewelry and decorative objects. Artist and instructor Sherri Haab demonstrates metal clay's remarkable versatility, showing how it can be textured, molded, carved, and sculpted to create gorgeous beads, bracelets, pendants, earrings, rings, and other jewelry settings, plus boxes and vessels. She also reveals how to combine metal clay with polymer clay, glass, and epoxy resin to create unique mixed-media pieces. An essential resource for anyone who wants the latest information on this up-and-coming crafts medium!
Customer Reviews:
Essential for the metal clay artist.......2007-09-25
Sherri divides her book into two parts; an excellent way to present metal clay to those who are not experienced with it. In the first part, "Metal Clay Essentials," she carefully explains how to work with metal clay, emphasizing the need to keep the clay moist because the tiny amount of binder in metal clay evaporates quickly. She recommends the use of Badger Balm® or olive oil on your hands to help in maintaining metal clay's moisture.
Her excellent firing chart shows temperatures and times required in the kiln for the two main metal clay brands, Precious Metal Clay® (PMC) and Art Clay®, the various types of clay they offer, and the amount of shrinkage to be expected. Another chart shows the strength of the clay after it is fired. Some artists may shy away from metal clay, worrying about its cost, but Sherri assures that every scrap and dust particle can be re-hydrated or be used to make slip.
The book's second part, "Metal Clay Techniques," has really fun projects to copy or to inspire. A beaded bracelet has metal clay charms shaped like peas-in-a-pod, a strawberry, a ladybug, a pumpkin, and a flower. Sherri shows how to use cork clay or a drinking straw over which to form beads. When fired, the cork clay or straw burns away, leaving only the precious metal. My favorite project is an artichoke bead made from metal clay formed over teardrop-shaped pieces of cork clay. The basic book is a handy reference tool after taking a class but if you can't take a class for some reason, for $3.00 more, an instructional DVD is included.
Art of Metal Clay.......2007-09-04
We are proud of the purchase. The magazine is full of techniques and examples for creaing jewelry.
Thanks
The Art of Metal Clay (with DVD): Techniques for Creating Jewelry and Decorative Objects.......2007-08-13
I enjoyed the DVD. It is well done. With no knowledge on doing metal clay you learn so much. I feel confident that I can do some nice and beautiful pieces of jewelry. Need a kiln. I recommend the book.
Fabulous book for anyone.......2007-08-09
I absolutely LOVE this book. The photos, instructions, etc. are A+. I am so glad I start reading reviews since I have bought so many books before that I THOUGHT were going to be instructional, but weren't.
GREAT BOOK.......2007-02-21
This is a really good book to get you started on the Art of Metal Clay. I'm very impressed with its contents and thank the artist for being so detailed and sharing so much information. Because of this I feel confident to proceed with this craft. Haab includes much text and good photos explaining the process to achieve numerous results. From product info, how to make molds, texturing,kiln time and alternatives,incorporating resins and polymer clay, she covers it all and does a good job. Also keeps in mind the beginning artist and the cost factor offering suggestions to curb the expense while still achieving great results. This is a book worth its weight and a good resource to work from.
Book Description
Hot New Jewelry Making Material
*Features innovative metal clay techniques not found in any other books *Perfect for every skill level--covering the basics through the cutting edge
Polymer clay and jewelry artists are experimenting with metal clay more than ever, but there are few books on the market to show them how to use this exciting new medium. Highlights include:
*19 fashionable step-by-step projects, including a variety of styles provided by both the author and talented contributing artists *An easy, skill-building approach that teaches readers a new technique with each project *A wide range of creative techniques--from carving and setting gems to making clasps and mixing found objects with metal clay
Customer Reviews:
Thorough overview .......2007-09-21
This book "makes the creation of fine silver and gold objects a possibility for non-metal craftsmen." Indeed, Louise gives very precise instructions how to work with metal clay for someone who has never taken a class -- but -- it's still better to take a class for safety considerations because firing requires using a torch or kiln. A class will also help you to plan your design before opening a package of metal clay; once exposed to air, metal clay dries very fast, so it's important to know what you will need to accomplish before firing.
Metal clay is a relatively new product. Invented by Japan's Mitsubishi Materials Corporation, it is 99.9% precious metal and .1% binder. Jewelers in the US learned about the product in the mid-1990s and embraced it as enthusiastically as versatile polymer clay had been earlier. Like polymer clay, metal clay can be molded, rolled, stamped, and folded. Gemstones and glass enamel can be a part of a design in metal clay.
Louise carefully describes the various forms of metal clay and provides an excellent chart of temperatures and times needed to fire different clays. Although there is no waste with metal clays because you can re-hydrate scraps, you must be careful not to mix two clays that require different firing temperatures.
Twenty projects are shown in detail, from simple to more difficult. Jewelers who have struggled with solid gold granulation will be shocked to see how easy it can be accomplished with metal paste. A metal clay class and this book will certainly inspire you.
Wonderful Book.......2007-08-09
This book has wonderful photos and projects! If you work with metal clay, you need to have this one in your library!!! AWESOME!
The Absolute Best Book I've read on metal clay.......2007-06-30
I recently started working with metal clay. As a result, I purchased a series of books in order to learn more. This book is by far the best I have ordered. I really enjoyed it because it is full of innovative, very creative techniques yet it also covers all the basics in detail. The directions are clear and don't make the beginner feel intimidated. This book guarantees that you won't be bored after you master the basics.
Metal Clay Jewelry.......2007-06-07
Excellant book with some great creative ideas in it.
Easy to understand and read.
Great for a beginner.
A most helpful book for both beginners and experienced artists.......2007-02-18
Great book! A must for those interested in working with metal clay. From the extremely clear explanations to the detailed step by step photos it is hard to imagine how one could go wrong with this "personal and private lessons" kind of illustrated text.
As someone who works with jewelry I found this book to be a most up to date source of both information and resources. I sincerely hope this is not the only book Ms. Duhamel writes, as I for one would be waiting for the next. If you are interested in technique as well as design, this is a must next to your bench.
Product Description
It has been ten years since Precious Metal Clay was introduced in the United States, and it is time to see what artists have done with this fascinating material. This book gathers for the first time work made by leaders in the field. A critical essay by noted designer Donald Friedlich and a technical explanation from scientist Darnall Burks make this a landmark volume for artists and collectors.
Customer Reviews:
A Glorious journey into precious metal clay.......2007-08-07
I love this book! It has technical information about the nature of PMC and a positively droolworthy gallery of artists' work. This is enough eye candy to last for years!
anthuladesigns.......2007-07-12
OH MY THE PHOTOS. I CAN ONLY HOPE THAT SOMEDAY I CAN CREATE SUCH THINGS OF BEAUTY. I AM ONLY A NOVICE JUST FEELING MY WAY WITH THIS SUBSTANCE. THIS IS A LOVELY BOOK TO LOOK AT AND TO BE INSPRIED BY.
stunning .......2007-06-27
This provides stunning, well photographed pieces from a variety of artists that will especially offer inspiration if you are a beginner in this medium of art jewelry. A little more description would add to the presentation.
Waste of money!.......2007-05-23
I was very disappointed with this purchase and, in fact, returned it. This is basically a coffee-table book of pictures of other artists work with a few pages of history on the product. I was looking for something with more 'meat' and much less 'fluff.'
What a great collection..........2007-05-09
This is a fantastic book... okay how can it not be when it is by Tim McCreight... but what a great coffee table book for you jewelry lovers and what a wonderful insight into the REAL beginnings of Precious Metal Clay. A must have for those of us who are really into the world of Metal Clay and tired of the first 40 pages of every book devoted to "How To's" when we already know how to!! But for those of you first starting this would also be a great accompaniment to a traditional how to book so that you can be really really inspired by the professionals.
Book Description
Metal clay plus more, more, more!
* Follow-up to the best-selling Art of Metal Clay
* Author has sold more than two million books!
* Metal clay is hot with crafters, artists--anyone who wants to try alchemy
Metal clay starts as clay and turns into metal. Does it get any more magical? Now it does--with Metal Clay and Mixed Media. Author Sherri Haab takes this compelling material, today's hottest craft item, to the next level, brilliantly combining it with other media ranging from the timeless to the unexpected. Ribbons, gold leaf, pottery shards, transparent resin, polymer clay, leather, and more are used in stunning jewelry, decorative pieces, and works of art. Beautiful photography showcases these innovative pieces, and full step-by-step instructions make it easy to re-create them. New formulations of metal clay and newly developed firing techniques are presented clearly so that crafters can achieve professional results. Sophisticated enough for artists yet simple enough for beginners, Metal Clay and Mixed Media is the only book that blends metal clay with mixed media to make magic.
Customer Reviews:
Add other media to your metal clay creations .......2007-09-24
This book's cover features a gorgeous silver charm bracelet to invite you to look into incorporating resins and other media into your metal clay pieces. The book follows Sherri's 2003 Art of Metal Clay and 2006 Art of Resin Jewelry and includes the best of both. She begins with fairly thorough metal clay instructions (although I consider a class essential for safety considerations, especially for people who have not previously used a torch or a kiln). Learning how to plan a design prior to opening a package of metal clay is also an important class lesson because the binder in metal clay dries so quickly.
What sets this book apart from other metal clay books are the instructions on making findings, supports and bezels from metal clay. Other books show jewelry projects and, because many jewelers like to use precious metal findings, Sherri's instructions on findings and bezels are most welcome. There's also a section on the use of color, images, and surface design. If you've enjoyed working with metal clay and want to expand its use, this book is for you.
Review Metal Clay & Mixed Media Jewelry.......2007-06-07
Wonderful book with great layout, pictures and instruction.
If you are starting in metal clay this is a good book to read.
inspiring!.......2007-04-20
This book is jammed packed with helpful information and a ton of eye candy that has me perusing the pages over and over! Having taken a PMC class and having read many books on the subject I was very impressed with the plethora of projects and the detailed instructions. Even the most minute details are covered. And the gallery is absolutely stunning and inspiring!
Many books fall short when attempting to describe step-by-step instructions, but Sherri Haab's book goes the extra mile. The steps outlined are detailed, easy to follow, and understand. The beautiful photos are so incredible that I can hardly wait to try several of the projects covered! In fact, I have already started playing with resin: Fun, fun, FUN!
Anyone purchasing this metal clay book will not be sorry. Reading Sherri's book has definitely taken my art work to a higher level. KUDOS!!!
disappointing.......2007-03-26
I was anxiously awaiting the release of Sherri's second book and must say that I was disappointed when I finally received it. Many of the projects seemed to be near copies of projects in the metal clay book that Louise Duhamel had in her book. There was the same bicycle reflector pendant, a similar project using cement, a project using images covered in resin, a "Moon Baby" project etc. The rest of the projects had very dull and basic metal clay work. There was a bracelet cuff project made with fabric where she made simple molded buttons. The crocheted bracelet had simple metal clay circles on it. There was a leather bracelet with a rectangle of letters, similar to a piece in her first book. Other projects were simple findings such as buckles and toggle clasps. Even the gallery pictures were disappointing. I recognized most of them from previous magazines and books. Many from years ago. I guess what I am saying is that I expected innovation and didn't get it. I understand that Sherri has written many books lately. Perhaps she hasn't had time to spend really diving in and working with the medium, testing the metal clay boundries. I did find Louise Duhamel's book to contain innovation. I hope someone else will step up to the plate again sometime soon.
Wonderful book.......2007-03-08
Very imformative & interesting book. Some wonderful techniques I look forward to trying
Product Description
Packed with color photos showing each step of working with metal clay.
Customer Reviews:
disappointed.......2007-01-18
The book has many pretty pictures, and if all you want to do is make metal jewelry without added stones, it is probably adequate. But the thing I wanted to know most was how to set gemstones in finished metal clay jewelry, and the one paragraph devoted to that topic was singularly uninformative.
For me, buying this book means having to buy another on the same topic - and hope for the best!
pleasant to read.......2007-01-17
This book did not only offer a 'plesant read' but I also found the illustrations stimulating and the text easy to follow. I enjoyed the paragraphs about playing with metal clay,glass and ceramics,the Hollow Bead Bracelet and the Origami chapter. But in the final pages I somehow lost interest as the 'Inspiration' pages were not very inspiring for me.
All in all, I am pleased I bought the book. It certainly inspired me to find my own inspiration!
LOVE IT!.......2007-01-05
Love this book. It goes into more detail about paper clay and shows more projects. I use this book as my main reference.
Newbies.......2006-11-08
This book has easy to follow directions and lots of ideas for a new-to-jewelry maker like myself. I am self-taught and books like this one are great! Thanks!
Inspiring!.......2006-03-11
If you love unique silver and gold jewelry but don't want to become a metalsmith, read Metal Clay Magic. With the development of metal clay, only your imagination limits what you can create in quality silver and gold.
Metal clay consists primarily of pure silver (or gold) in tiny particles smaller than 20 microns (less than half the diameter of a human hair). These particles are mixed in an organic binder and water formula. During firing, the binder burns away and the precious metal particles sinter leaving just the precious metal, which can be hallmarked as .999 silver or 24K gold.
The price for the clay may vary with gold and silver prices or suppliers however, the day I checked online, I found: Art Clay--gold was $149.56 per 5g pkg; Art Clay--silver, the standard was $26.88 per 20g pkg. (this amount will yield 10 or so, small, simple earrings)
You have minimal waste, because you recycle your mistakes, reducing the cost risk compared to the rewards.
If you enjoy working with polymer clay, this is probably your next step in the creative evolution. Make one-of-a-kind heirloom jewelry and more, with tools you probably already have in your home. (You will need either a small inexpensive butane kiln for small projects like earrings to a more expensive programmable electric kiln to fire certain projects needing longer firing times.)
The instructions are easy to follow and the large color pictures inspire. If you follow the step-by-step lessons, you should have a finished piece within the day. (I would agree as long as you have sculpted clay before.)
Good news: The metal clay is non-toxic (it conforms to ASTM D4236) and it doesn't go bad. Polymer clay has to be conditioned; metal clay does not.
With 25 easy projects, including beads, earrings, pendants, and unique origami items, it should be easy to find one for your skill level. There is also a handy guide for resources and suppliers, a
Armchair Interview says: Metal Clay Magic will inspire you to create your own signature pieces of gold and silver jewelry.
Customer Reviews:
Metal Clay for Beaders.......2007-06-08
I am new to using this media, so the Tools, Tips, and Techniques section I find quit useful. The Beginner Projects section is written clearly and concisely. I really appreciate the step by step instructions. And wow! the gallery of art projects by seasoned artists is inspirational.
Metal Clay Book Review.......2007-01-31
First of all, I love jewelry beading and metal clay. This book is a must for people beggining in this art and others who would like to know about this form of Art. It is a step by step book that shows the process of metal art from the basic tools to the finished product incorporating elements of jewelry beading. How clever! It's full of photographs, detailed instructions and it has a wonderful big letter format.
Wonderful Book!.......2007-01-19
This is an excellent cross over book and I find myself constantly picking it up and coming up with ideas.
Good Cross-Over Book.......2006-11-03
Metal Clay for Beaders offers good examples/projects/inspiration for Beaders who are venturing into the wonderful world of Metal Clay. There is a nice range of styles and skill levels in the projects to appeal to all beaders, as well as to Metal Clay Artists wishing to add beading to their creations. Well written with good, clear pictures. Overall, a very good cross-over book for both Beaders and Metal Clayers.
Great Book for both mediums.......2006-10-03
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The pictures and ideas for projects were new and very inspiring...not easy when there are so many books out on the subjects. A good review on the different types of metal clay and how each can be used. This book is a valuable addition a metal clay and beaders library and well worth the price.
Customer Reviews:
Find a better metal clay book.......2007-09-27
Like Jackie's later book Metal Clay: The Complete Guide, she totally ignores the fact that there is more than one metal clay product on the market. Why? Because Jackie does not distribute Precious Metal Clay® (PMC) made by Japan's Mitsubishi Materials Corporation; she runs Art Clay® World, USA, Inc, distributing Art Clay®, a metal clay product made by Aida Chemical Industries, Ltd. At the very least, she might have discussed the pros and cons of the two companies' products. To ignore PMC® altogether seems too mercenary an approach to writing a project book. I said my peace when panning Jackie's book Metal Clay.
The projects shown are somewhat inspirational but the "faux raku" project stands out as just plain economically silly. For "faux raku," Art Clay® Silver paste is applied over terra cotta then, after firing, liver of sulfur is applied for a raku-like patina. It occurred to me that it would be a whole lot less expensive to actually make raku pottery than to make "faux raku" with jewelry-grade silver. Yes, you can do it with Art Clay® but why would you?
New Ideas.......2007-06-28
The instructions were good and I found the advice great. I am just starting to apply my self to PMC. This book is just what I need.
Thanks
You don't want to make this junk, trust me.......2006-11-03
If you just want a place to start with Art Clay I suppose this book will tell you what you need to know but as for me, I only want to make items that I will love to wear and this book does not have items that are attractive unless it is possibly the crude little rings. To simply cut a little stamp sized rectiangle out of a flat piece of silver clay and crumple it up a bit is not what I am interested in. I don't find the results pleasing at all and would not want to wear it. I do have an interest in setting stones into silver, and I do have an interest in making rings. However the ring this book shows is so crude and amateurish looking, so rough, that it again is not something I would enjoy wearing. I make jewelry and every item I have ever made is beautiful and wearable. I do not want to waste my time and money to turn out things that I would be ashamed to be seen wearing, and in my opinion, this book has nothing but that sort of jewelry. This is the shortcoming I am finding in most of these books explaining how to make your own jewelry. I love creating beautiful, wearable art, but this junk is just not art.
Also you will need a small kiln and a tumbler, which furthur accentuates the fact that there is a considerable expense involved in this process. If you are going to go to this amount of trouble and expense, make something really beautiful.
While it could be argued that since this book is for beginners with art clay, one cannot expect it to show beautiful pieces, I disagree and feel that a beginner can be shown how to make items that will be beautiful right from the start. See the book Bead on a Wire as an example.
Art Clay Silver and Gold 19 Unique Jewelry Pieces to make in a day.......2006-06-30
Great book. Easy to use. Great ideas for projects. Taught me things that I did not learn in a class I took
All skill level book.......2006-03-30
This art clay (trade name) book covers what everyone should know that is going to use the Art Clay brand metal clay. The first sections/chapters get the basic stuff down so one can move on to the fun parts making the projects. The pictures are of a good size with large numbers to correspond to the descriptive blurbs. They are of the close up type with little background of the work surface visible. (I do hate it when they show more work surface than the item they are making.) The material lists are well thought out in their content. The glossary and the gemstone characteristic chart is a nice touch. the chart really important in selecting stones to bake with the clay. I own it
Book Description
The colors, textures, and versatility of polymer clay make it a perfect medium for creating faux surfaces. These 30 recipes for special finishing, shaping, baking, and molding techniques will magically transform polymer's appearance. Craft gorgeous faux gemstones, including tiger eye, jade, or malachite. Fool the eye with imitation metals: pewter, Balinese silver, verdigris copper, even rusted steel. The must-have naturals are here, from bone to leather. Or make simulated agate, slate, or marble. You'll find information on all the types of polymer clay, from translucent ones to some with mica powder, and see how to use paints, inks, wax compounds, and confetti to enhance the surface. Among the unusual projects:: a handsome makeup set, lapis lazuli drawer pulls, Opal Earrings, and more.
Customer Reviews:
Simplest of Instructions. .......2007-07-26
Very Easy to Follow Directions for Making Faux Stones!!! Why Pay Big Bucks to use Turquoise, Tiger Eye, Marble, etc., in your Jewelry Making when you can make it?
Easy to follow, even for a newbie.......2007-06-06
I'm brand-new to the wonders of polymer clay and I found this book to be really easy to follow. I've spent a lot of time looking at projects and ideas online, and I was happy to discover that this book covered a lot of things I haven't seen already. I made the agate slices from this book and they turned out amazingly realistic looking! VERY cool stuff in here, and every project has great instructions that anybody should be able to follow and get great results. (You will need a pasta roller for most of the projects.)
Great faux techniques in clay.......2007-05-16
A great book for ilustrations of different faux techniques to be obtained with polymer clay. I appreciated the full color photographs and instructions. If you've gotten hooked on polymer clay, and exploring the possibilities, this is one book to have.
Very good.......2007-05-09
This book gives you simple instructions to follow. I highly recommend this book for those wanting to learn how to make faux stone.
Great Recipe book for Polymer Clay.......2007-04-13
This book was even better than expected. Great step by step "recipes" on how to do the faux applications and make polymer clay look like other things such as Onyx and other semi precious stones. There are many to chose from and they explain both the technique and the project shown clearly. Great photo's and easy to follow directions. What more could you ask for? :) A good buy for the money.
Book Description
Readers loved Metal Clay for Beaders, with its spectacular pieces that combine metal clay pieces with another popular craft material: beads! Now, More Metal Clay for Beaders continues to explore the ways that beads, wire, and metal clay work together to create beautiful jewelry. Dazzling projects include pendants, earrings, and brooches, many with an appealing nature theme. Detailed instructions and step-by-step photographs make each project easy, and a colorful gallery of inspiring finished pieces accompanies each project. Get ready for more metal clay and beading fun!
Customer Reviews:
Oh my gosh!!.......2007-10-03
This book is awesome and very inspiring! The projects are plentiful and the instructions are easy to follow. If you're a beader whose into PMC...you can't go wrong with this book!
A foundation title which builds on experience to attract intermediate metal clay artists as well........2007-09-04
Irina Miech's MORE METAL CLAY FOR BEADERS offers beginners a fine set of projects for working with metal clay to create unique jewelry. With its clear step-by-step directions and color photos, the author shows how to make unique components for beaded necklaces and jewelry, teaching how to work with metal clay and offering a foundation title which builds on experience to attract intermediate metal clay artists as well.
More Metal Clay for Beaders-18 Projects.......2007-06-27
This book on working PMC clay is the best one I've ever seen. I don't have the first book, but would love to see that one as well, if it is as comprehensive and inspiring as this one is. I do recommend this book to anyone new to metal clay, or anyone who's already having fun with this creative substance. As a matter of fact, I did my first PMC metal clay project with my sister, and I liked this book so well that I purchased an additional copy to give to her for her birthday. She just loves it as I do.
Book Description
*Findings and supplies are readily available at chain and independent art stores, and online
Ten years since its inception, metal clay is rapidly evolving, as thousands more artists yearn for more in-depth techniques. This thorough guide to metal clay jewelry features step-by-step instructions and basic information about materials and processes you can use as a beginner, or an advanced metal clay artist. From glass and polymer clay, to ceramics and everything in between, this book demonstrates how to blend versatile metal clay with various mediums for tremendous results. Techniques demonstrated in this guide include:
*Rolling
*Forming
*Drying
*Setting
*Polishing
*Firing
Customer Reviews:
Very thorough.......2007-10-05
I've always wanted to do metal work settings of my own for jewelry, but I've not had the courage to try because in the past it required some major effort. My father was an amateur lapidary and enjoyed jewelry making. He made quite a few items with his carefully shaped stones, but he used purchased settings which I found disappointing. My mother, who was a professional artist, also did some jewelry making as a master's student when I was quite young, and I remember how much more esthetically satisfying were the pieces of jewelry she made. When I discovered through my investigation of beading and jewelry making that there was now a clay metal that could be used for making ones own settings and designs, I was very pleased and started looking for books on the process. This one seemed to have a little bit of everything, so I purchased it. I've started out working with polymer clay to familiarize myself with some of the techniques using this much cheaper material. Like the metal clay, the polymer makes wonderful beads and molded shapes. I've ordered the necessary metal clay recently, so I can get busy producing the metal settings I've wanted to do for so long. Now I can hardly wait!
Excellent overall reference book.......2007-10-02
This is a terrific metal clay techniques reference book. The spiral bound design is great, making it easy to keep it open to whatever page you are working on. It's loaded with tons of great techniques, tips and tricks. Although there are a few projects at the end, it's not really intended as a project book. Rather, it presents instructions and reference for all the various elements of design. Need to know how to make a bail? Want to know how to set a stone? With both a detailed table of contents AND a comprehensive index, it's a snap to find the information you need quickly and easily. I would say this book is an absolute must for any beginner in metal clay!
An INCOMPLETE guide to metal clay.......2007-09-27
How can a writer say her book is a "complete guide" when she excludes the brand of metal clay that was first on the market -- Precious Metal Clay® (PMC) made by Japan's Mitsubishi Materials Corporation? Ah, I see now. The author runs Art Clay® World, USA, Inc, distributing Art Clay®, a metal clay product made by Aida Chemical Industries, Ltd. that entered the US market a few years after PMC®.
That there is no discussion at all about the properties of PMC® places this book squarely at the bottom of my recommendations for metal clay books. Sure, Jackie wants to sell Art Clay® but, at the very least, acknowledge that there is another product on the market.
Yes, the book is spiral-bound so that it lies flat when following her instructions but that's a handy feature only when working one of merely four projects, two of which are categorized as "easy" and two "challenging." For the "easy" projects, you learn how to make a stamped image for bracelet elements and carve a design into a stamp blank or eraser. You also learn how to add patina to a completed project. The "challenging" projects show you how to do low-fire enameling, gemstone inlay, syringe decoration, extrusion, sculpture and use of slip.
If you're interested in learning about metal clay, put your money into any of the less-expensive, and more thorough, metal clay books. For example, Sherri Haab's "The Art of Metal Clay" that includes a DVD is a far better investment.
very Good.......2007-09-23
I was waiting to have good advices and ideas. I got all of that and more!!!
Good for beginner and beyond.......2007-09-08
Truty's book takes you through the steps, tools, and data needed to begin creating your own art work with metal clay. She gives tips and uses everyday tools that you most likely already own, which, if you are just beginning, will save money while you are exploring this art form.
I was not a fan of her projects and found them to be too ambitious for a beginner. (I've been working with art clay for a while now.) I also didn't like what she made and was not interested in reproducing most of it.
BUT she gives good tips and how to avoid some mistakes. She shows you how to correct some mistakes that you have made already. (I'll be busy.)
It will go in my library of jewelry making books and I will use it as a reference or when I want to try something new. As for it being "the complete guide for metal clay...", if it is not it is very close.
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Metal Clay Magic: Making Silver Jewelry the Easy Way
Metal Clay Jewelry
Art Clay Silver and Gold: 18 Unique Jewelry Pieces to Make in a Day
Metal Clay and Mixed Media Jewelry: Innovative Projects Featuring Resin, Polymer Clay, Fiber, Glass, Ceramics, Collage Materials, and More
Metal Clay for Beaders
