67 of 71 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Book Review by Mary Timme, Rocky Mountain Bead Society, rockybeads.org, October 10, 2005
This review is from: Metal Clay Magic: Making Silver Jewelry the Easy Way (Paperback)
First let me tell you I'm not a metal clay artist, but I do pretend sometimes. Metal Clay Magic has joined a heavy hitting line up of books on metal clay. I like the techniques in this book and the explanations of different types of heat applied to metal clay and the results you get from that. The tools and materials section is really good, because it shows the little `hot pot' techniques up to the most wonderful of kilns. I also like the division of projects, meaning the one chapter is for beginners and then next chapter is intermediate and goes on to using more advanced techniques. There is a section for inspiration, resources and suppliers and suggested reading that I find not really long, very well presented. I also liked the idea of using sheet metal clay in what seemed to me unique ways, and of combing metal clay with glass and gemstones. I'd never thought of making a metal clay ring and that was fascinating also. This seems like a good book for the metal clay enthusiasts.
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50 of 52 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspiring!, March 10, 2006
This review is from: Metal Clay Magic: Making Silver Jewelry the Easy Way (Paperback)
If you love unique silver and gold jewelry but don't want to become a metalsmith, read Metal Clay Magic. With the development of metal clay, only your imagination limits what you can create in quality silver and gold.
Metal clay consists primarily of pure silver (or gold) in tiny particles smaller than 20 microns (less than half the diameter of a human hair). These particles are mixed in an organic binder and water formula. During firing, the binder burns away and the precious metal particles sinter leaving just the precious metal, which can be hallmarked as .999 silver or 24K gold.
The price for the clay may vary with gold and silver prices or suppliers however, the day I checked online, I found: Art Clay--gold was $149.56 per 5g pkg; Art Clay--silver, the standard was $26.88 per 20g pkg. (this amount will yield 10 or so, small, simple earrings)
You have minimal waste, because you recycle your mistakes, reducing the cost risk compared to the rewards.
If you enjoy working with polymer clay, this is probably your next step in the creative evolution. Make one-of-a-kind heirloom jewelry and more, with tools you probably already have in your home. (You will need either a small inexpensive butane kiln for small projects like earrings to a more expensive programmable electric kiln to fire certain projects needing longer firing times.)
The instructions are easy to follow and the large color pictures inspire. If you follow the step-by-step lessons, you should have a finished piece within the day. (I would agree as long as you have sculpted clay before.)
Good news: The metal clay is non-toxic (it conforms to ASTM D4236) and it doesn't go bad. Polymer clay has to be conditioned; metal clay does not.
With 25 easy projects, including beads, earrings, pendants, and unique origami items, it should be easy to find one for your skill level. There is also a handy guide for resources and suppliers, a
Armchair Interview says: Metal Clay Magic will inspire you to create your own signature pieces of gold and silver jewelry.
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19 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Showing beginners how to create beads, brooches, and more from this new Japanese material, January 2, 2006
This review is from: Metal Clay Magic: Making Silver Jewelry the Easy Way (Paperback)
Nana V. Mizushima's Metal Clay Magic: Making Silver Jewelry The Easy Way provides a solid introduction to metal clay, showing beginners how to create beads, brooches, and more from this new Japanese material. Lesson plans are based on over twenty easy projects and provide everything from shaping and use tips to hints on how to fire metal clay with a butane torch, use an electric kiln, and more. The inclusion of Internet resources and a bibliography round out the how-to facts, which are packed with step-by-step color photos for easy demonstration of technique.
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