Make professional-looking metal jewellery and accessories without investing in silversmithing tools, equipment and training, with this essential guide to working with precious metal clay. Metal clay is a magical material: real metal in clay form that can be modelled and then fired to turn it into pure metal. It has taken the crafting world by storm in the past 20 years and its versatility and accessibility means it is used by professional jewellery makers and hobbyists alike. Metal clay is available in many different types - silver, copper, bronze and even steel. It can be sculpted, modelled, moulded, rolled into sheets, cut into shapes, woven, braided and carved to produce an endless array of forms and effects. Equipment needed is minimal and you will probably have most of the simple tools in your home already. This book concentrates on silver clay which is the easiest kind to use because it can be fired without a kiln. After drying the clay, it is fired using either a small blow torch, a gas hob, or camping gas and in five minutes or less the clay becomes pure 999 silver that can be hallmarked. This book will show you how to master all the basic techniques of working with metal clay while later chapters cover more advanced techniques. Twenty gorgeous projects are shown in detail with clear step-by-step photographs. There are pendants, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, charms, brooches, beads, cufflinks and rings and many of the projects give alternative ideas for developing your skills. Embellishment techniques are shown in detail from setting stones and gilding to enamelling with resin, adding inlay, engraving, and oxidising for luscious colours. Whatever your skill level and whatever your craft style you will find this a rich and inspiring guide with tried-and-tested techniques explained in detail, as well as the cutting edge of metal clay creativity and materials. A few projects that need kiln firing are given at the end of the book to show what can be achieved if you decide to go further with this fabulous material. Author Sue Heaser is a prolific crafter who has written over 18 books on the subjects of jewellery making, polymer clay, metal clay and miniatures. Her expert guidance will give even the beginner the confidence and the inspiration to start a love affair with metal clay and all its creative possibilities.

Polymer clay is one of the most popular and versatile mediums available to crafters, lending itself to a variety of applications ranging from decorative boxes, mosaics and miniature models to beads, buttons and jewellery. This comprehensive book features step-by-step instruction in over 50 techniques, including exciting ways to work with new materials such as liquid and metal clays.

Large, clear photographs demonstrate basic skills such as rolling, colour mixing, marbling, and baking, progressing to more challenging methods of shaping, molding, and sculpting clay to make a wide range of projects.

Create intricate patterns using millefiori techniques; embellish your work with metallic powders, gold leaf, stamps, and paint; choose from dozens of recipes for creating faux effects such as jade, amber, lapis lazuli, turquoise, antiqued metal, and mokumé gane.

All tools and techniques are clearly explained, and a gallery of work by internationally renowned polymer clay artists demonstrates what can be achieved and provides inspiration for your own work.

"Jancey lifted her arm protectively as the great head came down and then gave a stifled gasp of fear as the lioness gently closed its mouth around her right forearm... the teeth gripped tighter..." Avocado Lodge in the 1970s - a dilapidated fishing lodge on the shores of Lake Naivasha in Kenya's Great Rift Valley that caters for visiting tourists and the expatriate British and American community. Local farmer, Simon Farrant falls for a new arrival, young Jancey Frazer. As the plot develops, a toxic mixture of witchcraft, prejudice and seduction propels the main characters towards potential disaster. Sue Heaser combines a dramatic love story with high adventure in this thrilling novel about a beautiful and wild country.

From curtains, blinds and drapes, to pelmets, tiebacks and valances, everything you need to create inspirational window dressings for our dolls' house is included here. Over 25 step-by-step projects show how to make a variety of window treatments. Further variation ideas, illustrated in colour, allow you to adapt many of the project to suit your dolls' house. A section on the basic tools and equipment used offers practical guidance on choosing fabrics and miniature haberdashery such as silks, cords, fringes and trimmings. Essential techniques such as making a pattern, fabric pleating and making tassels and cords are included and guidance on installing your finished project is also covered. Easy-to-use templates are provided where necessary, and inspirational colour photographs show the finished curtains displayed in situ.