Metal Clay and Mixed Media Jewelry is written by Sherri Haab and published by Watson-Guptill Publications.
Like a lot of beaders, I've been facinated by the silver and gold clays for a while now. Also like a lot of beaders, I don't have regular access to a kiln. This book is about making jewelry using clay like PMC, PMC + , PMC3 and art clay.
Author Sherri Haab has written a lot of wonderful books on techniques and different mediums to make jewelry in, like her wonderful The Art of Resin Jewelry. This book is as detailed and as good as I've come to expect of her books.
It starts with an overview of the clay types, firing methods, and instructions for finishing pieces,it explains the kiln types, and what will work best for the sort of piece you are making.
After you know the clays, tools and methods, there are a lot of projects. The projects are varied and inspiring. A wide range from simple pieces made with clay, to pieces that mix the clay with other mediums like polymer clay, enamel, resin and even concrete and cement!
The detail in it is great, color photos and examples that illustrate very clearly how to do everything, including the best and easiest instructions I've ever seen for torch firing the metal clays. It defines the steps to start with the wet clay and end with a lovely piece of jewelry, and the descriptions of the clays are complete, firing times, the strength and shrinkage you can expect.
I was very impressed with the book, the layout is logical, the projects are lovely and the explanations are clear enough that I went out and bought a torch this weekend. I feel very secure now trying these wonderful clays and plan to make necklaces with my children this weekend.
