Book review - Sculptural Metal Clay Jewelry

I've been not very well for a week or so, and while wrapped up in many, many layers of clothing and a duvet, I had time (between naps) to read the new book by Kate McKinnon, Sculptural Metal Clay Jewelry*. Carole Morris of the Bead Society of Great Britain asked me to review it for the next newsletter, so let's hope I've made the deadline!

* sorry for the American spelling, it isn't my choice...

This is the review:

"Before I get into details, I must confess that I am a dilettante - bead-weaving, wirework, lampwork, even mixed-media techniques get a look in, but I haven't done a great deal with metal clay before, beyond the odd piece with some scrap clay from my grandmother. Kate McKinnon's style is eminently helpful and friendly without being patronising, and it seems that all of her instructions have been carefully tested before being included in the book, which is a refreshing change from some of the other metal clay and beading books I've seen. The one thing I didn't find here is my personal favourite tip, courtesy of my secondary school art teacher (who was kind enough to let me use her kiln in the interests of this review): make a test first. That way you won't be wasting expensive materials!

Sculptural Metal Clay Jewelry provides plenty to get your teeth into, with chapters covering not just the basics, like tools and safety, but also a huge variety of elements as well as the to-be-expected projects (covering rings, chains and pendants). There is also a proper technique section, from basic through to more advanced ideas, which makes the book accessible even to beginners. Personally, I loved the elements sections, as I am always looking for new and exciting ways to finish my work. My new-found skill with metal clay has opened up a whole world of custom-made clasps, connectors, ring bands and bezels, and I can’t wait to start putting the principles into practice.

My favourite aspect of the book is the DVD. For something like this, being able to watch a video is an enormously helpful bonus, and I wish I'd done so before trying my polymer clay test piece. After watching the DVD, my second test piece – and my final 'real' piece – came out beautifully, and look likely to last (unlike my pre-McKinnon pieces, which all cracked within a day or so).

All in all, this must be one of the best books around for those who want to start out in metal clay, or even those who know what they're doing but want to pick up some new techniques and tips. Definitely one for the reference shelf!"