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Mixed Metal Jewelry Workshop by Mary Hettmansperger (Lark Books $24.95 US; $31.95 CAN) shows how to not only mix different types of metal (silver, copper, and bronze) but also different metal media (clay, sheet, wire, and mesh). Known for her work as a mix-media and fiber artist, this is Hettmansperger's third book. In it, she provides a workshop-style format, much like the live workshops she runs at various art schools and jewelry shows.

Tools and Techniques

About the first half of the book is dedicated to the introduction of the materials used, the equipment and tools required, and then an explanation of techniques. There is also a short section on studio space and safety.

The entire book is full of color images, including lots of inspirational pieces sprinkled throughout, all from various jewelry masters. At the end of the tools section, after going over them in some detail, the author provides a "sheet metal kit" and "metal clay kit" list.

The techniques section also includes a lot of photographs throughout, both demonstrating the techniques as well as showing finished pieces of jewelry. This area of the book is pretty large, and covers all kinds of methods helpful for working with metal sheet, wire, and metal clay. While some of the equipment used in this section may be a little out of the reach for beginners or hobbyists, like a rolling mill, most are pretty common like using a drill press. She also discusses different ways to coloring metal by using fire scale (yes, using it versus cleaning it off) and creating patinas.

Projects

Twenty projects are included in this book, and all of them include variations as well. One of my favorite projects is the "Silver Screen Earrings." In it, she embeds silver mesh into silver metal clay, and then fires the piece, darkens it with liver of sulfur, and you end up with some amazing texture in the finished earrings.

Instructions for the projects is a mix of color photos and drawn illustrations from the author. In all of them, she combines metal sheet, clay, and wire in different ways. So you end up with a mix of metal fabrication, metal clay, and wire wrapping. While some metal is heated, it is most often used to create fire scale, not to solder. Therefore, many of the jewelry pieces can be made without the use of a torch.

Final Thoughts

The jewelry pieces, both those shown as inspiration as well as those included in the project section, are all what I would consider to be art-jewelry. They all show off the author's obvious talent and knowledge; however, some are more wearable for everyday use than others. I think that is really the only issue I can think of with this book. The pieces have a very rustic and artistic look to them that may not appeal to everyone. At the same time, even if all the jewelry is not to your personal taste, this book definitely opens a door of possibilities for anyone who has worked with metal sheet, metal clay, wire, or mesh. By showing how these can be combined, this book is sure to get your design wheels turning in your head!

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