Customer Reviews

Sculptural Metal Clay Jewelry

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I have been an online follower of Kate McKinnon and her remarkable journey through the beading and design world ever since I first began to create jewelry, myself.
She has always been a generous person, allowing others access to her superb designs, and to her vast fount of knowledge, with good humor. As a teacher, she is nonpareil.

This is now demonstrated when you read her latest book, Sculptural Metal Clay Jewelry, and view the accompanying DVD.

So what is this book (and DVD) about, exactly?
It contains, quite frankly, everything you need to know to chart your earliest course through the sometimes confusing world of precious metal clay.

The book is perfectly beautiful in its presentation, with excellent clear and informative photographs, whether of the tools you will require or of the projects offered. The DVD reinforces aspects of the book which you may have missed or which were not covered as thoroughly as YOU might like.

It is all a question of how much experience the reader has, because he or she holds in this offering the potential to grow vastly as a metal clay artist.

As a person who is unable to get out to meet teachers in real life, because of my family situation, I thank heaven for invigorating, elucidating jewelry design books like this! On the other hand, even if I could get out, I would want this book in my library of jewelry inspiration/information/ how to books.
As Kate McKinnon says in the opening lines of her introduction, "This book is a poem to the possibilities of pure fine silver, which is too often overlooked by traditional metalsmiths."

She is going to grab you, right there, by your heart and soul, if you have any interest at all in this medium. And if, like me, you love this medium but at times find it confusing, she is going to simultaneously clarify all your questions and urge your creativity until you are on fire.

Whether you are a beginner or have experience in this medium, this is the book to own if you love the look of handcrafted, organic, textured or smooth, beautiful metal clay. This is also the book to own if you love amassing ideas which will aid your personal search for further experiences in this arena.
The chapters, or sections, go as follows:

1) Basics: the essentials required for you to have a proper studio to work with metal clay. This includes tools, tips and techniques.
2) Elements: such a great choice of words as it encompasses so many concepts! So does this section. The reader will learn everything from making circles and rings to clasps, toggle bars, bead caps, a sculptural S clasp, charms and branches, band rings of many sorts (I suggest her DVD section on this especially for further understanding--it is great to watch her work!) and MORE. What more, you may ask. Well, drawing a bead, which is essential, fused wire chain, metal clay chain, and so very much more, I am out of breath, as well as breathless.
3)Projects: This section really gets down and gives the reader as much as he or she can handle in the way of the author's integrity and creativity combined. Kate McKinnon's beautiful stacked rings are among the projects, as well as a gorgeous "Circlet of Flowers Necklace", the beautiful "Skyscraper Ring", an evocative "Returning Ring"," which I found really lovely, as well as a terrific "Bird on a Branch Necklace", which has a variation which is great and tips which are really fun. I loved all the projects and these are only a few of them.
4) Terms: in this section are the words which allow the reader to reabsorb and process further the lingo of metal clay, which is a must as he or she comes to the fullest understanding of the medium possible.

As a person who has worked with metal clay, I never thought, " Oh, I am going to know all this! I don't need this!", before I read this book.

However, having now read the book and viewed the DVD, I think with great excitement, "I WANT TO KNOW ALL THIS, AND I want to know MORE!"

Kate McKinnon is a teacher who really ignites sparks!
As far as I am concerned, you will not find a better book than Sculptural Metal Clay Jewelry by Kate McKinnon out there in the marketplace if you are interested in learning all you can about this fascinating subject.

And then ... expect to want to get going, having fun using your new information to create beauty, with fine metal clay, in the right way, yourself!

additional info about Kate: she won the Saul Bell Award from Rio Grande in 2005 for her Spiky neckpiece, and then placed again in 2006 with the first submitted metal clay chain, a double neckpiece assembled with, amazingly, no solder.

This book and DVD video are a "must have" for anyone working in metal clay! The Elements section focuses on basic techniques not covered in most certification classes and introductory metal clay books. Techniques for creating rings, bead caps, clasps, chain, prongs, connectors and rivets are taught in an approachable and conversational manner. Kate has a gift for making what was once mysterious or overwhelming easily understood. Many of the books I already own are good at explaining what is shown and encourage me to make something similar. Kate's book goes a step further and motivates me not to copy her work (although I could if I wanted to - such beautiful work in the Projects section), but to take the ideas in my own creative direction. I feel confident doing just that, because I now understand the how's and why's of the techniques shown. I guess that's the difference between good teachers and GREAT teachers. By far, this resource is the best on the market. The bonus DVD is worth the price of the book alone! I highly recommend Sculptural Metal Clay Jewelry and the bonus DVD before considering an expensive certification class which at best skims a few of the elements presented.

There is something to be said for an artist who focuses entirely on one medium with a relentless specificity. What happens is an alchemy of sorts, a magic that can only be forged from patience, tenacity and the willingness to dig deep and make glorious mistakes and in the process make amazing discoveries. Saul Bell Design Award winning artist Kate McKinnon is that type of artist and her work with metal clay has changed the way people approach the medium and inspired countless other artists in the process. Kate is a straight shooter and a smart cookie with a wonderfully wicked sense of humor. I don't know any other artist in the instructional jewelry making world who has such a singular dedication to her medium and a willingness to share what she's discovered with others with such generosity of spirit. Her new book Sculptural Metal Clay Jewelry for Interweave Press is the most comprehensive, concise and detailed exploration of this medium that I have ever seen. If you're interested in metal clay, you absolutely have to add this book to your shelves.

Not only is the book stunningly gorgeous, it's meticulously written and every aspect of working with metal clay is covered in painstaking detail. Kate takes you through tools, kilns, torches. You'll learn the properties of this unique medium and how to achieve success while working with it. You'll learn how to create bead caps, soldered metal rings, metal clay rings, head pins, charms, clasps, prongs, rivets, armatures and much more. Kate is a huge proponent of safety and she shares what she's learned about the proper way to fire and finish your pieces to avoid exposing yourself to toxic fumes or particulate matter.

This book is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to an art form. You will benefit from Kate's journey and you will come out of the other side altered forever. The writing is extraordinary, the photographs are stunning and the addition of a 60 minute DVD with key techniques taught by Kate in her studio makes this an unparalleled value. Kate's approach to design as a dimensional exploration appeals to me immensely. I'm particularly smitten with her kinetic designs that incorporate spinning elements and images and her tiny skyscrapers. This is a book lovingly created by an inspirational artist and writer that speaks to the artist in everyone. It's a lovely gift and one from which everyone who reads it will benefit.

Margot Potter
Author The Impatient Beader Series, Beyond the Bead and Bead Chic

Kate McKinnon begins her book, Sculptural Metal Clay Jewelry, by saying, "This book is a poem to the possibilities of pure fine silver..." Like many good poems, her book is based on structure. Expression is built upon an armature of ideas and fundamental building blocks. Kate's poetry is a passionate investigation that thoroughly examines metal clay from the particle up and manifests itself in a series of truly inspired pieces.

The book is broken down into three major sections and amended with helpful terms and resources. The three major sections cover the basics, the elements and the projects. A DVD accompanies the book and expands upon some of the information found in the book.

The first of the major sections deals with getting to know metal clay. Here she addresses often asked questions and provides a primer on how to cleanly, safely and intelligently handle metal clay. What I love about this (and what makes it different from many currently available titles on the same subject) is that she tells you why things are done a certain way and what the effects will be. There is a genuine generosity with the information. She holds nothing back, empowering each person who picks up Sculptural Metal Clay Jewelry (and who decides to work in metal clay) to do so in an informed way.

The second (and largest) section delves into the elements of metal clay jewelry. She shows how to make simple components and supplies invaluable techniques. These techniques really form a backbone of ideas, from which more can grow. It's here, in this section, that her in-depth understanding of metal clay as a metal really shines. It's easy to forget when working with metal clay in the earlier stages, using the same hand-building skills as a ceramist, that metal clay is indeed a viable form of metalwork. She explores the material as a metalsmith does: stressing the importance of work-hardening, demystifying riveting, shaping, dapping and forging, and demonstrating fusing (without the necessity of solder). Approaching metal clay with these techniques and component-creating skills, provides the solid basis for a thorough working toolbox for creating sculptural jewelry out of fine silver that will last.

In the third major section, Kate brings everything together. The toolbox is opened and she unleashes her creativity, showing the reader what she can do with her working knowledge and understanding of fine silver. All throughout the book her voice can be heard, but it's here that she clearly can emote her poetry in ten stunning projects with countless variations. Whether inspired by a favorite literary character who wears a flower in his vest, desert blossoms adorning prickly sentinels, or a dream she shared with a recently departed friend, Kate showcases how to utilize and expound upon the foundations laid in the previous section. Kate captures the spirit of this section best when she says, "Experiment, because each choice you make will change the look of your piece." From her hands, skyscrapers rise, birds fly and buildings wave. With hammer and anvil, rings, rivets and circlets are made.

All trades and crafts own their own jargon. Metal clay and fine silver is no different. I would suggest reading the terms first, before diving into the book. Although Kate does an exemplary job of explaining as she goes, reading the lingo beforehand provides a deeper and more in-depth understanding of the material covered by the book without having to flip back and forth. Even if you're a seasoned metal clay veteran, there are several tips, tricks, and humorous euphemisms (like the Crock-Pot-of-Doom) to be found. I would suggest that the supplemental DVD be watched as you go or as needed as a visual assistant.

I would definitely recommend Kate McKinnon's Sculptural Metal Clay Jewelry to anyone interested in metal clay. I would also recommend Kate's other self-published book on metal clay, Structural Metal Clay. The latter is more like a textbook and is spiral-bound for easy use as a bench reference. Also be on the lookout for Kate's new mixed-media jewelry book (also from Interweave Press), The Jewelry Architect.

I recommend this book for anyone wanting to work with metal clay. I had almost given up on working with metal clay because of the expense and because I used to have to set aside an entire day to design, sand, file, and fire a piece. Also, since Kate is a metal smith herself and understands the mechanics of working with metal, her techniques allow the artist to work with the final piece of jewelry or component just like a piece of sterling or fine silver. She incorporates fine silver wire into several of her projects because fine silver can be fired at the same temperature as the metal clay, which ends up as fine silver once the binder is burned away.

I love that Kate recommends firing fragile pieces that need support in a simple, easy-to-find clay pot with vermiculite, instead of using alumina hydrate which is hard to find and has to be handled with care. I also love that the Kate McKinnon's book inspired me to make my own findings and headpins for my own metal work.

I've had Sculptural Metal Clay for over a month now, and it's without a doubt one of the most informative metal clay books available. Like so many others, I have a huge stash of books on metal clay, but none of them stay ON my bench like this one along with Kate's other book, Structural Metal Clay. I've received two metal clay certifications, but didn't learn from those classes what I've learned from Kate's books. The DVD alone that comes with this book is something in itself that belongs in your DVD library.

I've changed the way I work with metal clay since coming to know about Kate McKinnon. Sanding, sanding, sanding and using slip have pretty much become a thing of the past. Kate shows you how to use techniques that make these two steps almost obsolete, and that makes my life easier. Not only does it make working with metal clay much easier, it never occurred to me until Kate pointed it out, that these are much safer techniques to work with. No more breathing all of the metal clay dust after sanding, or getting slip all over my hands only to be absorbed into my skin.

I thought that I knew all of the basics to working with metal clay, but Kate McKinnon and her book(s) have shown me that there are better, smarter, and safer ways to work with metal clay. The toggles, the bead caps, rings, building structures, rivets, and the list goes on. Her techniques make these things so much easier to make, and I don't waste ANY metal clay anymore. She teaches how to use every single bit of metal clay, and not a pinch goes into the slip jar because it's no longer necessary to keep one.

I don't have a metalsmith background, so work hardening wasn't something that I was aware of. Kate has opened my eyes to the importance of this step. She gives numerous tips on using metalsmith techniques that I was never taught, and they only enhance the integrity of my pieces.

This book is a must have if you take working with metal clay seriously. It really will take you to another level of working with this amazing material!

There are many, in my very large library of metal clay books, that I receive and then find that I look at the, always beautiful, photos, or just check a page or two for information. I did just go and count and I have 23 metal clay books, possibly more hidden in my studio (that is a lot of metal clay money in books!). Well, let me tell you that this is the book that will truly make you confident that you can do every single thing that Kate talks about and do it with your own vision, your own creative bent. The DVD alone is empowering and enlightening. I feel I have had a private class with Kate and not a short one. There is no extraneous information here. It is concise because you will learn the right way to end up with structurally perfect pieces. There is only one way to properly fire metal clay and Kate explains why. There is nothing in this book that will possibly compromise the integrity of a piece on which you have worked. All of her ideas are presented in a way that will stimulate your creative juices to create your own unique art. What a wonderful gift she has given us. Kate's concern for safety is inherent in the book but in a way that makes your piece cleaner and more structurally sound. You will be so happy if you purchase this!

I don't usually write reviews on the books I buy, but this is a great, not to be missed book. If you are interested in learning to work with metal without a lot of frustration, this is the book for you. The book is clear and well written, the projects are detailed and easy to follow. Oh, and the pictures are wonderful, inspiring, and there are plenty of them! I tried working with silver clay before but all the slip and goo you were suppose to use to put things together just resulted in a sloppy mess for me. It was frustrating, disappointing, and made me return to more traditional metal working. All the while I was thinking of things I could make in metal clay if only I could figure out how to use it. Well, Thank You Kate! The dvd walks you thru the basic tools then covers the projects, it's like a private lesson with Kate. The book is great, the dvd a bonus and the price is unbeatable.....which is good because after you start making metal clay Kate's way you'll be needing more clay....lots more clay.

With this book, Kate has achieved what so many others have failed (in varying degrees), to do. She has, generously, given ALL the information that you will need to create some fabulous pieces that will also be extremely durable. For one of Kate's techniques, alone, is worth many times the price of the book!!! The DVD is a joy to watch; whether you are a beginner or a more experienced Metal Clay user and the 'priceless' technique is expertly demonstrated here. (Love it!!)
I have quite a few Metal Clay books, in my library, and I can honestly say that if I could keep only one, it would have to be this one. It is true that there are other very good books, but they are just not as comprehensive as this.
I also, heartily, applaud Kate's concern with safety. Having worked, for many years, with Porcelain clay and glazes, I understand the implications of working with materials and procedures that can be harmful to health. It is not something that should be ignored, particularly if teaching. You would certainly know that you would be well looked after in Kate's classroom!
Read all of the "Absolutely Fabulous" 5 Star reviews here, buy the book, settle down for the evening and enjoy!

Kate McKinnon's new book, Sculptural Metal Clay, is a one-stop source for anyone who is interested in taking up working with metal clay. She starts out with a great section on tools and follows that with a description of basic techniques such as handling the clay for optimal results.

The bulk of the book is devoted to projects which allow you to develop your skills in various areas such as rings and chain. Each project is illustrated step-by-step with excellent photographs. The beauty of these projects is that you can easily envision transferring the techniques learned to your own work.

Throughout the book, Kate provides tips and tricks to make your metal clay experience better, including advice on how to conserve both clay and time.

Now, all of this would be enough to make this a great book as it stands, but there's more.

I am an experienced crafter, but a metal clay novice. As I was reading through the book, Kate anticipated the short-cuts I thought of, and explained ever so gently why one should not do those things. This raises the book to sheer genius, in my opinion. I would have been unhappy with the results if I had gone ahead with my ideas. I am not at all averse to making mistakes, but with the price of clay being what it is, metal clay isn't the medium I want to waste.