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Art
Clay Silver & Gold by Jackie Truty You will be amazed at what you can do with art clay. A certified senior instructor in art clay, Jackie provides 18 projects carefully elected to introduce the reader to a wide variety of techniques for creating beautiful, original pieces of silver jewelry and jewelry components. Jackie’s book, Art Clay Silver & Gold is sure to be a hit with beaders, silversmiths, jewelry makers and many other crafters. Art Clay Silver & Gold presents a history of Art Clay and a thorough discussion of its properties and necessary tools. The detailed description of the process and methods of use includes techniques of incorporating other materials, and step-by-step descriptions of forming, drying and firing the material. Taking into consideration the cost of 22k gold clay, Jackie covers several alternatives to working in solid gold clay; hollow forms, vermeil and hot embossing using gold foil (KUMBU). Several features make the book user friendly. The highlighted tips, definitions and notes emphasize critical information. I also appreciate the chapter on repairs. We all know how frustrating "surprises” can be. The author believes that there is nothing - no crack break, over-filing, under-filing, drilling or other error that cannot be fixed. The instructions for fixing breaks, forgotten findings, this spots and cracks are invaluable as are her suggestions for minimizing post-firing breakage. The projects are presented in an orderly succession of skill sets. Beginning with a rollover bail and appliqué pendant, a pendant using leaves and face molds; the projects gradually progress through techniques such as setting stones and cabochons, making hollow objects, free-form objects, adding patinas, braiding and fan-folding shapes. Those who work with warm glass will be excited with possibilities when using silver clay to enhance the design of a specific fused glass piece. I am especially drawn to the heart pendant using cork clay. The possibilities offered by this clay that burns to ash in the kiln exciting. The lidded pendant is an advanced project, as is the old lace bezel brooch with stones. Included are two basic projects using gold art clay. Throughout the book, Jackie encourages the reader to use the projects as a stepping-stone towards their own original designs. Her instructions are clear and very detailed. I believe that she has accomplished her goals of inspiring the reader, and of providing sufficient instructions for one to strike out on their own. A glossary of terms, list of resources and index are provided plus the appendixes chart of selected gemstone characteristics is a very useful addition. How nice to have a chart showing which gemstones can be safely fired with different types of art clay Review by Diana Norris |
