Precious Metal Clay: 25 Gorgeous Designs for Jewelry and Gifts

Precious metal clay is an exciting new material made from fine silver dust in a binder that can be used just like ordinary modeling clay. However, once fired, the silver dust fuses together to become pure silver. This unique and versatile material gives crafters of all levels the opportunity to design and create unique silver jewelry--a technique once reserved only for trained silversmiths.Artist Xuella Arnold demonstrates how precious metal clay can be used alongside traditional methods of jewelry making, and combined with a range of natural and manmade materials to create truly unique designs. You'll find a variety of step-by-step projects along with inspirational ideas to develop your own designs. The book contains an introduction to the tools of the trade and types of clay, as well as step-by-step instructions for mastering precious metal clay techniques such as cutting, molding, combining with other materials, and firing.Perfect for all beaders, jewelry makers, crafters and ceramicists interested in making jewelry and gifts who want to apply precious metal clay to their discipline.