Clay Jewelry

Clay Jewelry
Gifted by: Leisure Arts
www.leisurearts.com
Reviewed by Gloria Uhler for AllFreeJewelryMaking.com

You've heard it before - good things come in small packages.  That's certainly the case with Clay Jewelry, a book featuring seven unique polymer clay jewelry projects that include earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and one "I can't believe you made it!" opal and filigree metal ring.

Clay is magical and an inspiring tool for jewelry making.  But the draw in this book is the colors that just seem to pop off the page.  A lot of thought was given to color scheme in designing these projects and it is evident in the finished jewelry pieces.

For a book of this size I was amazed to find how much information was packed into the tutorials.  I was also surprised by the detailed steps given for techniques like the Ikat Bangle Bracelet pictured on the book cover.  I really never expected to find something as advanced as color gradations, also called "Skinner Blends" in a diminutive book.  The blends were used to create the pretty, five petal, rich, flower earrings pictured on page thirteen, my favorite project in this collection.

I liked that some metal jewelry making instructions were included, basics that anyone making jewelry from clay would need to know.  How to properly open and close jump rings may seem like a simple concept once you've done it but it's one of those fundamental skills that should be acquired before you begin making jewelry.  The tips in this book will help beginner and even some not so new crafters understand the difference between an acceptable approach and one that promises professional results.

Four different artists share their techniques and most importantly their tools - like texture sheets or bezel and cabochon molds.  Of course you could try to produce the same effect on your own but you can't put a price on learning what tools are available for making your project more polished and appealing, and learning it from established clay artists.

 A great bonus to the tutorials is the general Instructions in the back of the book.  It lists and pictures some of the basic tools and supplies used for the seven projects. Tips for conditioning, rolling, and baking clay include little gems like how to use dowels when rolling clay by hand to change the thickness.  Some people work long and hard with clay without even thinking to do this!

You'll be amazed at some of the big ideas you'll find in this little book.

What is your favorite type of jewelry to make with clay?