Metal Clay Books

On this page you'll find some of our favourite books. If there's a book you particularly like, send us a review and let everyone know what you like about it. You can send your review from the contact page. Hover over the title to see more information from the books available from Amazon. Some books on this page are only available from the author or specialist websites.

Barbara Becker Simon - Metal Clay Beads: Techniques, Projects, Inspiration (A Lark Jewelry Book) - US Amazon link
Barbara Becker Simon - Metal Clay Beads: Techniques, Projects, Inspiration - UK Amazon link

Fantastically detailed book. A must have if you love making hollow forms.

Carol Babineau - Metal Clay Beyond the Basics - UK Amazon link
Carol Babineau - Metal Clay Beyond the Basics - US Amazon link

Brilliant book covering 24 advanced projects. Great for increasing your metal clay skills.

Cece Wire - Creative Metal Clay Jewelry: Techniques, Projects, Inspiration - UK Amazon link
Cece Wire - Creative Metal Clay Jewelry: Techniques, Projects, Inspiration - US Amazon link

Great book for beginners to advanced levels. Lots of projects, clear instructions and good photos.

Cece Wire - New Directions in Metal Clay: 25 Creative Jewelry Projects - US Amazon link
Cece Wire - New Directions in Metal Clay: 25 Creative Jewelry Projects - UK Amazon link

Another great book from Cece. Well worth investing in.

Celie Fago - Keum Boo on Silver

The definitive book on Keum Boo, an ancient Korean technique for fusing thin gold sheet to silver. This book has been updated by Celie and is a perfect introduction to Keum Boo for beginners. A great resource for more experienced artists too.

Deric Metzger - Natural Gemstones in Metal Clay

Natural Gemstones in Metal Clay Quick Field Guide is a guide book for Metal Clay artists. Inside, this pocket sized book details 107 unique natural gemstones and dozens more varieties of each.

Hadar Jacobson - The Handbook of Metal Clay: Textures and Forms

Over 30 step-by-step projects, 128 pages, full color, soft cover, spiral bound. Available from Hadar's website

Hadar Jacobson - Silver and Bronze Clay Movement and Mechanisms

This is a quote from the Introduction to the book - "A book about movement and mechanisms in metal clay was under way on my desk when bronze clay showed up in the arena. My book was set aside for a while and for a few months I was totally immersed in experimenting with bronze clay. Since my first experimentations with bronze clay I have discovered ways around the problems I encountered. I have managed to fire silver over bronze and bronze over silver and my solutions are all presented in this book." Available from Hadar's website.

Read the full introduction here.

Hadar Jacobson - Mixed Metal Jewelry from Metal Clay

41 step-by-step projects for silver, copper, and and bronze clay, 128 pages, full color, soft cover, spiral bound, self-published. Available to order now from Hadar's website. The following is an extract from the introduction.

This book is divided into three main sections. The first includes projects for combining copper and bronze clay in a single piece. Copper and bronze fuse together. They can be used in the same piece while in clay state, and then fired together.

The second section of the book introduces projects for combining copper and silver clay in the same piece. In most cases, firing copper and silver in clay state results in poor sintering or alloying. Therefore, one of them has to be fired first. In most cases it is preferable to fire copper first, but it is not impossible to fire silver first, as demonstrated in one of the projects. Since copper and silver do not bond together, the two metals have to be connected mechanically, meaning that the second metal fired has to be attached to itself – either around the first metal or through a hole in it.

The third section presents projects that combine all three metals, with each metal fired separately. This section is not based on the first two, and there is no reason not to start with these projects. Most of them are based on making copper, bronze, and silver components separately and then assembling them into a single piece of jewelry. Only three projects involve firing two of the metals together.

Read the full introduction here.

Holly Gage - The Art and Design of Metal Clay Jewelry Calendar 2010
Available now!

The Art and Design of Metal Clay Jewelry 2010 published by Holly Gage of Gage Designs is available for pre-order. The beautiful 8 1/2 x 11 (11 x 17 - open), 28 page calendar features fine silver jewelry and objects from today's most innovative Art Clay and PMC jewelry artists. Each page beautifully illustrates the diversity, artistry and pure magic of transforming a moldable metal into fine jewelry. You can expect to see pieces studded with gems and precious stones, embellished with gold and rich textures, and accented with the touch of the artisan’s hand.

Irina Miech - Metal Clay for Beaders - UK Amazon link
Irina Miech - Metal Clay for Beaders - US Amazon link

Highly recommended book for anyone interested in making metal clay beads.

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Irina Miech - More Metal Clay for Beaders: 18 Innovative Projects - UK Amazon link
Irina Miech - More Metal Clay for Beaders: 18 Innovative Projects - US Amazon link

Follow up book to the first beaders book. Great resource.

Irina Miech - Inventive Metal Clay for Beaders: Exciting Projects for All Levels - UK Amazon link
Irina Miech - Inventive Metal Clay for Beaders: Exciting Projects for All Levels - US

Irina's latest book, highly recommended by those who bought the first two books.

Irina Miech - Metal Clay Rings - order from the Publisher
Irina Meich - Metal Clay Rings: Silver Jewelry Inspired by Nature - Pre-order from Amazon USA
Irina Miech - Metal Clay Rings: Silver Jewelry Inspired by Nature - Not yet available from Amazon UK  

Available from 2nd February 2010 in the USA, no UK date yet

No metalsmithing required! Easy-to-use metal clay makes the creation of fine silver jewelry possible to a huge audience of crafters and beaders. Metal Clay Rings presents step-by-step instructions for making 18 beautifully designed, wearable rings. Irina Miech applies techniques from her popular, earlier books to ring making and shares all-new project ideas. You will be amazed by the wide repertoire of skills you can develop as the projects move from easy to challenging.

Jackie Truty - Metal Clay: The Complete Guide: Innovative Techniques to Inspire Any Artist - UK Amazon link
Jackie Truty - Metal Clay The Complete Guide: Innovative Techniques to Inspire Any Artist - US Amazon link
This book is also available from Amazon in French

Great book for beginners and the more advanced too. The format of this book allows it to open flat so you can keep it open on your bench while you follow the instructions. Covers all the main things you want to know and some you didn't know you needed!

Jeanette Landenwitch - Setting Stones in Metal Clay - US Amazon link

This new book by Jeanette Landenwitch, Executive Director of the PMC Guild in the USA is available from Amazon in the US. It is packed with information about setting all kinds of stones in metal clay. Lots of great illustrations too.

Kate McKinnon - Structural Metal Clay

This book shows you clearly and concisely how to make a whole series of basic jewelry components, 3-D forms, and introduces concepts like resin fills and fine silver fusing. Make clasps, rings, mechanisms, imbedded rivets, bails, and beautiful handmade chain, all in pure fine silver. Learn the reasons for full annealing and proper firing, how to do patina, and how to make jewelry in this beautiful metal that stands the test of time.

Kate McKinnon - Sculptural Metal Clay Jewelry: Techniques and Explorations- Amazon US link
Kate McKinnon - Sculptural Metal Clay Jewelry - Amazon UK link

Beginning with an overview of the properties of metal clay, including safety information and metalsmithing terms, this thorough resource offers detailed procedures for creating a variety of components, settings, findings, attachments, 3-D forms, and textured effects. Each technique is shown with step-by-step photography to make it easy for jewelry makers at the advanced beginner to intermediate levels to learn the art of metal clay, while the enclosed DVD offers the opportunity to see the author’s signature style in action. The 12 unique projects within have multiple components made from metal clay, including clasps, chains, and settings; moveable and removable pieces; unusual textures and patinas; and unique construction and engineering. Creative tips on incorporating beads are also included. This handbook offers jewelry artists the design inspiration needed to create gallery-level pieces that are truly wearable art.

 

Linda Kaye-Moses - Pure Silver Metal Clay Beads: Techniques and Inspiration for Making Pure Silver Beads (Jewelry Arts Workshop) - US Amazon link
Linda Kaye-Moses - Metal Clay: Techniques and Inspirations for Making Pure Silver Beads (Jewelry Arts Workshop) - UK Amazon link

Precious metal clay (PMC) is an innovative material that combines the workability of clay with the beautiful finish and durability of precious metals. The material is easy to manipulate and shape by hand to make beads for bracelets, necklaces, and other jewelry. This book contains fifteen projects for creating fine silver beads and a design gallery of 25 additional jewelry pieces. Intro chapters include information about tools and techniques. Projects are organized workshop-style, to build skills cumulatively.

Lorrene Davis - Setting Gemstones in Metal Clay

This is a specialist little book packed with techniques and instructions on setting stones. Clear explanations and comes highly recommended.

Louise Duhamel - Metal Clay Jewelry: Projects, Techniques, Embellishments - UK Amazon link
Louise Duhamel - Metal Clay Jewelry: Projects. Techniques. Inspirations. - US Amazon link

Great beginners book covering all the basic techniques with clear instructions. Projects are well illustrated and easy to follow.

Marlene Richey - Profiting by Design: A Jewelry Maker's Guide to Business Success - US Amazon link

This book comes highly recommended for anyone interested in making their jewelry hobby into a business. Not available from the UK Amazon site.

Nana V Mizushima - Metal Clay Magic: Making Silver Jewelry the Easy Way - UK Amazon link
Nana V Mizushima - Metal Clay Magic: Making Silver Jewelry the Easy Way

This book has a chapter on making origami jewelry using metal clay sheet.

Pam East - Enameling on Metal Clay: Innovative Jewelry Projects - UK Amazon link
Pam East - Enameling on Metal Clay - US Amazon link

Great book focusing on enameling on metal clay. This is the only book covering this subject and is a basic and comprehensive introduction to enameling.

Patricia Kimle - Perfectly Paired: Designing Jewelry With Polymer and Metal Clays - Amazon US link
Patricia Kimle - Perfectly Paired: Designing Jewelry with Polymer and Metal Clays - Amazon UK link

Each stunning project in Perfectly Paired: Designing Jewelry with Polymer and Metal Clays explores the interplay of textures and colors by combining two beautiful media: polymer clay and metal clay. Clear, concise writing and thorough step-by-step photos make rich inspiration for aspiring polymer or metal clay artists. The elegant jewelry pieces laid out here include pendants, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, pins, and charms. More than 20 sophisticated projects include variations and ideas that showcase each medium at its best.

PMC Sheet and Origami - CD

This CD has step by step instructions for making origami jewelry from sheet clay. It's by Sara Jayne Cole.

Robert Dancik - Amulets and Talismans: Simple Techniques for Creating Meaningful Jewelry - UK Amazon link
Robert Dancik - Amulets and Talismans: Simple Techniques for Creating Meaningful Jewelry - US Amazon link

This masterfully written in-depth guide is virtually like owning two books in one. Robert’s hands-on and personal approach to teaching shines through in his soon to be released paperback.  Not only will you be given the guidance and insight to create jewelry that is embedded with personal meaning, but Amulets and Talismans also features extensive instruction on a wide variety of cold-connection techniques that can be applied to any style of jewelry making.. He offers suggestions on incorporating found objects, personal mementos and more into one-of-a-kind pieces of art.  

Sara Dutton - Metal Clay Magic- UK Amazon link
Sara Dutton - Metal Clay Magic - US Amazon link

This book 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.

Sherri Haab - The Art of Metal Clay: Techniques for Creating Jewelry and Decorative Objects - UK Amazon link
Sherri Haab - The Art of Metal Clay (with DVD): Techniques for Creating Jewelry and Decorative Objects - US Amazon link

Nicely illustrated book with a range of projects for all levels of ability. Covers tools and supplies, firing, finishing, different types of clay and goes into making a variety of different things. Rings, boxes, stone setting, it's all here. The US book also has a DVD.

Sherri Haab - Metal Clay and Mixed Media Jewelry: Innovative Projects Featuring Resin, Polymer Clay, Fiber, Glass, Ceramics, Collage Materials, and More - US Amazon link
Sherri Haab - Metal Clay and Mixed Media Jewelry: Innovative Projects Featuring Resin, Polymer Clay, Glass, Fiber, Concrete, Collage Materials and More - UK Amazon link

Great book for mixed media. Lots of techniques explained.

Sherri Haab Jewelry Inspirations: Techniques and Designs from the Artist's Studio  - Amazon USA link
Sherri Haab Jewelry Inspirations  - Amazon UK link

In Sherri Haab Jewelry Inspirations, jewellery designer, instructor and author Sherri Haab invites jewellery crafters into her home studio to learn all about what inspires her to create her fresh, charming designs, while also providing her signature comprehensive instruction on a variety of popular techniques. The book begins with an introductory section, ""In the Studio,"" which offers guidance on how to cultivate ideas and provides an overview of essential techniques, including wirework, polymer clay, metal clay, resin and image transfer, along with information on resin clay and an eco-friendly technique for etching copper. Sherri then shares her personal archives, collections and reminiscences in five chapters that each offer two sources of inspiration in 25 new projects.

Sue Heaser - Magical Metal Clay Jewellery: Amazingly Simple No-Kiln Techniques for Making Beautiful Jewellery - UK Amazon link
Sue Heaser - Magical Metal Clay Jewelry - US Amazon link

20 projects well illustrated and with good instructions. Covers all the main techniques of working with metal clay.

Tammy Garner - Metal Clay in a Day - UK Amazon link
Tammy Garner - Metal Clay In A Day - US Amazon link

Great book for beginners. 25 projects are outlined.

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Tammy Powley - Picture Yourself Creating Metal Clay Jewelery - UK Amazon link
Tammy Powley - Picture Yourself Creating Metal Clay Jewelry - US Amazon link

This book shows novice metal clay artists how to create unique wearable works of art, from concept to completion. The book also includes a 45+ minute DVD where Tammy demonstrates two bonus projects, talks about some of the tools and techniques. The book includes all the necessary basics of metal clay as well as fourteen hands-on jewelry projects.

The Syntax of Objects (revised) by Tim McCreight - Amazon.com

 In 2005, Tim McCreight wrote The Syntax of Objects, his first foray into the genre called creative nonfiction. His elegant book consists of short musings on the relationship we have with the objects in our lives. As a maker of objects, he wonders out loud about the way our memories and senses relate to decisions about what we make and how we go about making choices in the studio and in our living material world.

The revised edition uses the same text, but packages it in a smaller and thicker volume. The new Syntax augments the text with pinhole camera images like the original edition, but this book includes more of them.

Tim McCreight - Working with Precious Metal Clay (Jewellery Handbooks) - UK Amazon link
Tim McCreight - Working with Precious Metal Clay (Jewellery Handbooks) - US Amazon link

Brilliant beginners book outlining the tools and techniques for working with metal clay. Simple illustrations and instructions.

Tim McCreight - Precious Metal Clay Techniques - UK Amazon link
Tim McCreight - PMC Technic: A Collection of Techniques for Precious Metal Clay - US Amazon link

This book has a different name in the UK and the US. The content is the same. Lots of wonderful work by leading metal clay artists offering how to guides for some of the more advanced techniques. A must-have book for the serious metal clay artist.

Tim McCreight - PMC Decade: The First Ten Years of Precious Metal Clay - UK Amazon link
Tim McCreight - PMC Decade US Amazon link

This book is packed with eye candy from some of the best PMC Artists working in the medium. Every page is inspirational. A wonderful coffee table book or just browse when you're feeling uninspired - you'll soon be drooling at the artistry and bursting with enthusiasm.

Vickie Hallmark - Birdwatching, a Metal Clay Adventure

This beautiful book is full of great pictures and is Vickie's first attempt at using the Blurb bookmaking website. You can preview the book's content online and order it directly from the website in hardback or paperback format.

Xuella Arnold - Precious Metal Clay: 25 Gorgeous Designs for Jewelry and Gifts - US Amazon link
Xuella Arnold - Precious Metal Clay: 25 Gorgeous Designs for Jewellery and Gifts - UK Amazon link

Wonderful book for inspiration and advice.

Yvonne Padilla - Bronze Metal Clay: Explore a New Material with 35 Projects - Amazon US link

This book addresses how to use the original Bronzclay but the techniques and information are equally applicable to the other Bronze clays that are around. Just adapt the firing schedule for the clay you're using.

I particularly liked the question and answer format for key information and the very good troubleshooting guide. The projects are varied and range from jewelry to dishes, door knobs and house numbers. They are clearly explained and nicely illustrated. The gallery of work has some really interesting pieces. Overall, if you like the look of bronze clay but were afraid to tackle it, this book will guide you in your first steps and encourage you to experiment with this new material.