Metal Clay Magic by Sara Dutton (2009-09-25)

Creating silver jewellery using traditional silversmithing techniques is difficult, time-consuming and requires a great deal of skill. However, it is possible to create beautiful pieces of silver jewellery without the need for an anvil or years of training. Silver metal clay is a fun and easy-to-use medium that can be shaped and manipulated like clay but fires to become 99.9 per cent metal. Consisting of fine silver particles combined with a non-toxic binder, silver metal clay can be rolled, moulded, carved and textured as well as incorporated with other materials such as glass, resin, enamel, stones and crystals to make beautiful designs. Once dried and fired with a blowtorch or kiln, the binder burns away to leave a fine piece of silver. "Metal Clay Magic" introduces beginners to the basic techniques of using metal clay, showing how to roll and cut out shapes, set stones and findings, plus how to fire, burnish and polish your silver. Once you are familiar with these simple techniques you can try the exciting range of projects to create your own striking pendants, brooches, bracelets and rings. With clear instructions and step-by-step photographs, this inspiring book makes it easy to enjoy this fantastic craft and to greatly expand your jewellery collection.