New Directions in Metal Clay: 25 Creative Jewelry Projects

by CeCe Wire

Metal clay is the most exciting material in jewelry design today: the procedures for molding and shaping are simple, the tools few, and the results stunning. CeCe Wire, a leader in the field, details all the newest innovations and clays, as well as the basics for beginners. She includes every form and formula, plus an extensive array of cutting-edge techniques that range from stone-setting to surface finishing. Numerous color photos showcase diverse possibilities, including enameling methods such as champlevé, inlaying with epoxy resin, and silk screening. Twenty-five projects—some easy, some more advanced—include gorgeous beads, a bold contemporary brooch, and stacked rings made from silver and 22 karat gold.

Genres: Art

144 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2007

Reviews

[Ligaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the introductory information on tools and techniques was a good, though brief, overview of basics that you need to know when working with metal clay. The projects look interesting and doable, but in reading through the step-by-step instructions, I realized that basic illustrations or smaller detail photos would have helped tremendously! I still don't understand how the Domino Theory earrings (p 76) came to be two-toned! Is there a step that is missing? The photos of other artist work is very inspiring and professionally crafted - hard to believe that it's metal clay!

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This isn't the best choice for a beginner. This book is best for a somewhat experienced silver smith or metal clay user who wants to know which new materials and techniques are available. It has pretty bare-bones info, without details or troubleshooting. Some of the listed projects would be easier to replicate using traditional fabrication techniques than using metal clay, and others are too advanced for most to finish.