Creative Metal Clay Jewelry: Techniques, Projects, Inspiration

by CeCe Wire

Imagine a material that looks and feels like clay and yet, when fired, becomes pure, solid gold and silver! That’s metal clay, and here are the fabulous techniques and instructions, lavish photos and projects that will open up endless creative possibilities to every crafter. With this versatile product, metalwork becomes easier and faster, and it’s simple to create meaningful gifts or add techniques to the forms you’ve already mastered. Combine the clay with lampworked and fused dichroic glass, enamel, and beads. Make exquisite jewelry, sculpture, carvings, and more. Try a great new liquid gold for coating silver objects. Among the glittering, gorgeous an African Mask Pin, Groovy Flower Earrings and Ring, Puzzle Piece Bracelet, and a Twig and Leaf Condiment Spoon.

Genres: Jewellery, Jewellery Making, Nonfiction, Art, Crafts

144 pages, Paperback

First published March 28, 2003

Reviews

[Ligaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

CeCe Wire's metal clay jewelry books are all very solid and well organized, this one included. She is a wealth of experience and inspiration and her enthusiasm for the product shows in her writing. Plentiful photographs and concise step-by-steps, the author moves from simple to more complex pieces as a means for us to build on our new-found skills. I hope to soon take the plunge, but meanwhile, I'm working in a traditional manner jewelry-wise and understanding how to translate to this newer medium.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve looked at a few how-to books on metal clay jewelry, and “Creative Metal Jewelry” is by far the best. The progression of the book makes it easy to follow, and Ms. Wire down-to-earth descriptions and enthusiasm inspire the would-be clay artist to get started. The many color photos illustrate the techniques she describes, and show a rich variety of exciting pieces made with these techniques. As a rather jaded traditional jeweler (soldering, casting, etc.), I’ve often thought of metal clay as “cheating” or “not as good as.” Ms. Wire’s book shows me that metal clay has great potential for artistic designs on its own or combined with traditional jewelry techniques. I can’t wait to get started!

The beginning of the book consists of short sections of general information and techniques. Different clay bodies and their firing requirements, different forms of clay and typical uses for each, setting up the workspace, tools, working with clay and slip, repairs, setting stones, firing, finishing, patinas, and a few traditional jewelry-making techniques are covered. Then, 40 projects, in order of increasing difficulty, are detailed with how-to instructions. Drop and post earrings, linked and charm bracelets, simple and complex pendants, large and small rings, several unique pins, buttons, beads, salt cellar, filigreed box, spoon, and mini-amphora are included, with bonus instructions for setting stones, applying gold accents to silver, and enameling. Within these pages are photos of professional jewelers’ pieces that employ techniques similar to particular projects.

Anyone who is interested in making metal clay jewelry, or thinks that they might be, will enjoy this book. It tells everything one needs to know without being overly wordy. The color photos are inspiring. Instructions are laid out clearly, with tools and materials needed, color photos, step-by-step instruction, and illustrations for difficult-to-explain details. Even if you don’t choose to make the exact projects described, there is plenty to borrow from other projects to create your own customized variations with confidence.

[Wendi WDM · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really awesome book, but I just can't afford, right now, to buy a kiln *lol*. Very clear instructions on how to get started, what materials you need to purchase. Lots of patterns and images. Good read if anything. If I ever do get a kiln, I'll have to look at this book again.

[ZUICY · Rating 5 out of 5]

CeCe Wire's books are all inspiring. The pictures, explanations are ones that I keep drooling over....one day may be I'll take the plunge and experiment with metal clays.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy cow, the clay really is metal...fabulous.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drool. So much inspiration here!

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good resource