Description

Make professional-looking metal jewellery and accessories without investing in silversmithing tools, equipment and training, with this essential guide to working with precious metal clay. Metal clay is one of the most popular materials used by commercial jewellers and hobbyists alike and for good reason! Metal clay is an accessible and incredibly versatile material that can be moulded, folded, shaped, cut, woven, braided, carved and worked like simple modelling clay to produce an endless array of forms and effects. Rather than needing expensive kiln firing, it is then simply baked in a domestic oven, to hardened it into an alloy of silver and other metals. It is a truly magical process that can be enjoyed at home with the minimum of tools and equipment. This book will allow you to master the core techniques of working with metal clay from your kitchen table, and show you how this material could keep you creatively engaged for a lifetime of jewellery making. Every technique is shown in detail with clear step-by-step photographs, demonstrating all the techniques you will need to set with stones, decorate with enamels, create textural effects using engraving and much more. Whatever your skill level and whatever your craft style you'll find this a rich and inspiring guide with tried-and-tested techniques explained in detail, as well as the cutting edge of metal clay creativity and materials. In this comprehensive guide, you will not only learn these simple metal clay techniques, you will also see how to put the skills to use with 20 gorgeous projects to create your own fine pieces of jewellery. Projects include beautiful charms, decorative settings for pendants, elaborate faux wirework, creative carved and stamped pieces, stylish cabochon settings, pretty metal beads and more to create gorgeous necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings that will be worn and admired for generations. AUTHOR: Sue Heaser is the author of 15 major craft books. She specialises in jewellery making, polymer clay, metal clay and miniatures. She is a qualified Art Clay Senior Instructor and has taken Master classes in the subject in Japan. She founded the British Polymer Clay Guild in 1997 and Art Clay World UK Guild in 2005. She is an accomplished artist working in watercolour, oils and pastels as well as other media, and teaches regular art classes. 250 colour photographs