Customer Reviews

Magical Metal Clay Jewelry

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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 books, 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. 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!

Sue Heaser has done a great job of pulling together a number of creative techniques for working with metal clay, including some I've seen nowhere in print before. working with metal clay, and combining it with firable stones, dichroic glass, resin, polymer clay, oil paints and gold, she shows how to use all the major metal clay types (the only thing missing is ACS Silver overlay paste). Beads, pendants, rings and bracelets are all covered with clearly written descriptions and photographs. the gallery at the endo of the book contains striking pieces from artists around the world. this is definitely a keeper

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.

I loved this book. I am a beginner in the metal clay form of jewelry making and I found this book to be real helpful. Good instructions and real nice pics of finished pieces. I would recommend this book to others who are interested in metal clay.

It's refreshing to see a book with some new and exciting ideas. I love this book. It's well written, well illustrated, the instructions are clear and concise, and the photos are outstanding. I love the way the author shows several ways of finishing the same project. This book is great for everyone from beginners to experienced artisans.

Received promptly, new condition. Easy to read and follow directions, exciting ideas. Could hardly wait to make jewelry.
Nicely presented. Excellent pictures.

I am new to PMC and I found this a very helpful primer, showing all the necessary tools needed to start working with PMC. Then a list of needed tools for each of the projects in the book. Great step by step photos. This is a very good beginners book.

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!

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.

This is a very good book for someone just starting out in the PMC world, (like me). There are step by step instructions, that take you through the process of macing Jewelry with Metal clay. Each project builds on what you learned before.
I highly recomend it.