"Mixed Metal Jewelry Workshop"

Mary Hettmansperger

Lark Jewelry


The author, Mary Hettmansperger enthusiastically endorses metal clay. She has a solid background in metal fabrication so she used this knowledge to combine the two successfully. Nothing is more rewarding than having the vision to combine various mediums to deliver a message.

The author takes the pliable clay which is like putty in her hands, and sculpts, molds, and twists to end up with multiple designs. This jewelry workshop in book form teaches one the basics of sheet metal and metal clay. Sheet metal is the choice for the first five designs. The following three sections concentrate on the large variety of metal clays now available such as silver, bronze, and copper. Each has it's own wonderfully unique properties which lends itself to various design concepts.

As my children were growing up I spent many evening exploring Playdo with them. We would twist and combine colors often ending up with endless piles of muddy chunks. As we learned to handle this material, I could then help them create visions of fancy. However, nothing was really permanent. The Playdo would dry out, a limb or two would fall off, and we then had to start again. Metal clay does not present these problems. What you see if what you get, although there is a huge price differential. This material is definitely not child's play.

All the tools necessary for working the metals are well documented in this book. Rolling, cutting, piercing, texturing, stamping, etc., are discussed. Patinas are also explored. There are also instructions regarding working with wire. Many variations on a theme are presented and the finished projects, as pictured in this book, gives one a wonderful opportunity to explore all materials in depth.

What a long way we have come in setting out on a new explorative journey with the engaging book.