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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