Magical Metal Clay Jewelry: Amazing Simple No-kiln Techniques for Making Beautiful Jewelry

I own an absurd amount of metal clay books, since it is my latest addiction. Magical Metal Clay Jewelry is my favorite, hands down, although there are several close seconds.Like almost every other metal clay book, Heaser begins with the basics - tools needed, how-to's, etc. (I think we're ready now for books that forego this altogether and just focus on projects). Nevertheless, Heaser was kind enough to devote only 9 pages to the mundane basics- materials and equipment. Next is an excellent chapter on basic techniques, which varied enough from most books to be worth reading, even for the advanced PMC artist.The basic projects are simple enough for beginners, but visually interesting and unique. Her directions for painting slip on leaves are more thorough than most. As the book continues, the projects get more involved, of course, and Heaser throws in little tidbits to keep your work looking handcrafted, rather than just handmade. Such as - how to make a wire loop, sizing rings correctly, finishing, and proper handling of syringe clay. And you will learn how to incorporate your metal clay pieces into larger works of art.Toward the end of the book, Heaser teaches you how to do some wonderful things, some of which are worth the price of the book several times over! The section on glass fusing will blow you away. You will also learn how to use the paper clay in several ways, including origami, quilling, and embellishing. Ways to add color are covered - paints and resin, gold (keum boo and paste) and liver of sulfur. She covers so much in just this one book - it's like taking the Level I and II certification courses!The directions are very well written and easy to follow. The pictures are colorful, numerous and helpful. And the projects themselves are just dazzling -really beautiful designs. I've had trouble letting go of some of my pieces, they're too gorgeous to sell or give away, I want to keep them for myself!At the end of the book are what I think are essentials in any how-to book: a gallery (for inspiration), resources (for shopping!) and she's kind enough to give us some templates to work from.This is one well put-together book, a must for any metal clay artist. Go ahead and get it, you will absolutely love it!

I am an experienced metal clay artist and certified Senior Instructor. So many metal clay books are just a rehash of the same old thing. The reviews of this book made me think this one might be different, and it is. It is full of great 'tricks' and techniques many of which were new to me. And, while some of the project ideas have been around for a long time, there were some interesting new project ideas and projects that treated familiar pieces in a new way. The pictures were well done and the organization is excellent. At a quick glance, the instructions appear to be easy enough for a novice to follow. In addition, techniques for drying and firing without expensive equipment are demonstrated proving that you don't need a dehydrator and expensive kiln to complete beautiful metal clay projects. (Too many times newbies are left with the impression that only very, very simple projects can be fired without a kiln.)This is a book I will be recommending to all my students!

Sue Heaser explains the various aspects of working with metal clay and gives several projects that are not difficult to do. Projects range from simple pendants to creating glass cabochons and the fittings to use them in jewelry.She shows how to work with low-fire silver clay and paper to the more complicated kiln-firing of silver clay. She even shows how to create inlaid pieces using gold clay, polymer clays, or resins to make some stunning and complicated-looking pieces. It all makes this an excellent book for anyone that has moved beyond the basic beading processes and wants to create pieces that are much more personally satisfactory.

It is a nice book, with a lot of different designs and well explained. Pictures look beautiful, looking forward to know if we can make all those things :).

GREAT book! The designs are very classic and lovely, very much my style. It's clear to understand and a great resource for trying new techniques and getting ideas. It's especially nice because many books assume you have the use of a kiln, which I don't. Having so many project/techniques ideas solely for the torch is very very helpful! Love it!

This author is very inspiring with her sculptures and unique disigns. She uses a wide range of techniques and materials. I like going into a new hobby with lots of ideas, it keeps you from getting "stuck" and frustrated. This book definitely helps push you in a creative direction.If you are already an experienced metal clay artist I wouldn't get this book. This is very good for the beginner who wants to dive in.

The book clarifies questions that you wanted to know about creating metal clay and getting started on your own. Saying very complete, means just that, now you can feel confident on your own or when you go to your first class. Lovely complete illustrations with words that explain the process. Thank you for all the hours you and your editors worked to produce this comprehensive book on Metal Clay. Metal clay will satisfy silver makers that do not have the time to silversmith hard metal, and those that do, can incorporate the two skills.

I bought this book after learning about metal clay jewelry making. The book is very informative for a beginner such as myself. The "how-tos" were easy to follow, and effective.

great to learn some technics

Es hat lange gedauert bis es endlich kam, aber es lohnt sich total. Alles ist gut erklärt, die einzelnen Schritte sind zusätzlich in Bildern dargestellt. Absolut empfehlenswert, auch für Anfänger!

A good “beginners” bookTechniques are basic

L'ouvrage correspond exactement à ce que je souhaitais. Je le recherchais et je suis très heureuse de l(avoir obtenu. Merci.

This book provides a great deal of information on equipment and basic techniques with good accompanying photographs on what each piece should look like as it is progressing.The projects are clearly explained and cover a wide variety of techniques, some of which incorporate other types of media with the suilver clay, thus producing a range of challenges not just for the beginner but also for the more advanced solver clay artist.The photographs throughout the book are truly inspirational and encourage the reader to want to get started. This book is wel written, beautifully illustrated and excellent value.