Magical Metal Clay Jewellery by Sue Heaser

Paperback: 128 pages
Published: 2008
ISBN-10: 071532765
ISBN-13: 9780715327654

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The first part of the book contains useful information on equipment and materials, including the different types of metal clay. 

Chapter 1 - Basic techniques
Includes information on shaping soft clay, drying the clay, pre-finishing techniques, firing the clay, finishing techniques and adding findings.

I like the fact that the book discusses all the different drying and firing techniques and there are photographs for each method, but the instructions might be a bit too brief for an absolute beginner.

Chapter 2 - Basic Projects
There are eight projects in this section and although they are described as basic, I would not have attempted some of them when I was a beginner (maybe that's just me).  They are quite pretty projects and I would try at least three of them.

Chapter 3 - Moulding
There is a double page spread on mould-making and then three projects to make.  I think I would practise these techniques with polymer clay first as they use a lot of clay and you could end up making expensive mistakes.
 
Chapter 4 - Beads and Rings
This is my favourite chapter.  There are three bead projects and three ring projects.  The beads are particularly cute and I will definitely have a go at these.

Chapter 5 - Filigree and Embellishments
There are three filigree projects, two on embellishing with gold and two on embellishing with resin.  Some of these techniques look quite tricky.  I have had a go at filigree work with a syringe and I really enjoyed it.

Chapter 6 - Using a Kiln
It is a shame that there is no information about kilns at all in this section, which seems odd.  There is a project on making glass cabochons and a couple that use paper clay.


Each project in the book has a comprehensive list of equipment and materials needed and nice step-by-step instructions with photographs. 

In my experience, a beginner would be able to attempt some of the projects in this book, but others are definitely for someone who has either attended a few courses or who has practised the basic techniques.  However, the projects have not been graded, so you just have to pick the projects that you think you could manage and have a go.

I picked this book up because I liked the look of the majority of the projects (there are 27 altogether) and because of the step-by-step photographs.

I would say that this is a good overview book for those who are interested in metal clay.  It gives a taste of what can be done with the materials and there is a good range of techniques and projects.  However, I am not sure it goes into enough detail for an absolute beginner.  I would suggest doing a beginners metal clay course and then picking up this book.

 

Wire Style by Denise Peck

Paperback: 120 pages
Published: 2008
ISBN-10: 1596680709
ISBN-13: 978-1596680708

The first part of the book contains useful information on wire and tools, followed by a brief ‘how to’ section on techniques, such as; straightening wire, making simple, wrapped and briolette loops, coils and spirals, making jump rings, making hooks and earwires, piercing and oxidising.

This majority of the book contains fifty jewellery projects from eight jewellery designers and incorporates a range of styles and techniques.
The breakdown of the projects is as follows:
Necklaces and Pendants – 22 projects
Bracelets and Bangles – 16 projects
Earrings – 12 projects

The projects are graded at three different levels: 1, 2 and 3, although no explanation is given on what these levels mean. 
The breakdown of the levels is as follows:
Level 1 – 26 projects
Level 2 – 18 projects
Level 3 – 6 projects

I picked this book up because I fancied doing something different and there are quite a few projects that I liked the look of.  There is a large, detailed photograph of each piece with a list of techniques, materials and tools used and detailed instructions, but there are no ‘how to’ photographs, which might make it a bit difficult for an absolute beginner to follow.

I would say that this is the perfect book for those who have experience of other jewellery-making techniques and want to try wire-working.  It gives a good overview of what can be done with wire, as there is a good range of techniques, including four projects on wire-wrapping and seven on chainmaille.  I think I will probably try one or two techniques and then buy a more specialised book on that technique, but for me, it is a good general ‘starter’ book.

Sam x