Ever wanted to add more pizzazz to metal jewelry? Or wonder, as one reader asked, if a torch could be used for enamel work? Then Mary Hettmansperger's new book which I received for review will definitely pique your interest and answer a few questions.
Heat, Color, Set & Fire: Surface Effects for Metal Jewelry
is the latest book by a superb mixed media artist whose creative mind knows no boundaries. It is one of the few books where I found just the basic techniques section to be worth the price of the book. The 21 projects which follow are some of the most free-spirited designs I have ever come across.
The avant-garde approach really does inspire those of us who aren't that experienced with metal smith techniques to experiment. For example, it doesn't matter if you can't use a jewelry saw. Mary's preference is actually metal scissors and sometimes using a hammer and screwdriver for cutting metal.
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| Blue Pencil Metal Paddle Necklace |
Mary covers several cold connection methods including brads, rivets and even nuts and bolts. She does not use a kiln for the hot techniques - just a torch. She uses it for a number of different purposes such as balling wire (add a round bit to the ends of wires) and torch firing powdered enamel. She instructs on how to fuse different metals together and shared her quick and easy way for
"Keum Boo" a Korean technique which fuses a thin layer of gold foil onto sterling silver.
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| Dots and Loops Necklace |
She really lives up to her mixed media art reputation as she uses color pencils to add hues and even uses grout and cement! Did you know embossing inks and powders work well on metal too? I didn't.
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| Variations of Resin Brooch |
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| Stitched Keum Boo Enarrings |
There are a couple of free PDF tutorials which will give readers a sense of what the book is like. The
Etched Copper necklace is truly one of a kind due to its subtle etchings and patina. Doesn't the patina and copper go well together?
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| Etched Copper Necklace |
The second tutorial is the
Liquid Enamel Pendant. It is a most interesting technique because the wire coil element is dipped into liquid enamel. The coil rests on a beveled disc which has been painted black using auto paint!
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| Liquid Enamel Necklace |
Even if Mary's rustic style of jewelry making is not your cup of tea, her book is still a treasure of wonderful ideas and tips to really rev up your own designs.
Disclosure Before You Go : ______________________________
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