While not a beginners' book, I found it fascinating even though I have not worked in this medium. The idea that precious metals can be worked like clay and then hardened by drying and heating is very intriguing.
The beginning chapter covers tools and materials, metal clays, fundamentals, firing practices and includes troubleshooting tips.
The next chapter is titled Intermediate skills including stenciling, scoring and breaking, repairing, carving, using a drying form to build in curves and form, paintbrush skills, and safety.
There is a chapter on designing that includes practical aspects and what will happen during firing.
The next twenty two chapters detail techniques for a variety of projects using the initial information.
Throughout the book there are lovely examples of jewelry created with precious metal clays by a number of artists. The photography is excellent, with emphasis on information as opposed to artistic layouts that are good as eye candy, but of little use to the learner.
I found the use of a leaf to create a mold with silicon that is then used to put a leaf texture on precious metal clay to be particularly intriguing.
If you are interested in working with precious metal clay, this book would be great to add to your library.
If you would like this book, leave a comment by Friday May 18th. I will randomly draw a name from those who leave a comment on this blog by Friday May 18. Check back to see who the winner is. And good luck!
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Hi Nancy
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a really intriguing book. I would enjoy looking through it and have some friends who are blacksmiths in their free time. I could then pass the book on to them and I know they would enjoy it to.
Judy
this sounds like an amazing book --- my husband works with this material, and it is amazing what can be done with it
ReplyDeleteI'd love to get this book for him --- hope I get lucky!!
This clay has fascinated me too for years...I would love to investigate further.
ReplyDeleteJan
I heard of this a number of years ago but never gave it a try. Too much great stuff out there! I'd love to know more. And I could donate it to the Gallery School Library! :)
ReplyDeleteI love working copper and wire and bronze mesh and finding ways to work it into my fiber art. I have been fascinated with both the silver and metal clay and would love to learn more and figure out how to add that to my work. The few pages you have shown are so interesting! I would love to win this book!
ReplyDeleteOH, this looks like fun! I've worked with Fimo and Sculpey, but not this kind. Lark Books are always so well-produced and helpful.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to add this to my library. Sounds like a great book.
ReplyDelete:-D eirdre
Jenny Williams is the winner of the book Metal Clay Fusion.
ReplyDeleteJenny, please send me your mailing address to my email by May 27. Take out the spaces and send it to
ngcook1 @ bellsouth. net
Congratulations, it is a terrific book.
Nancy