Having been a potter for 20 years who worked mainly in porcelain, I really looked forward to reading CeCe Wire's book Creative Metal Clay Jewelry.

CeCe begins with a clear explanation of the three formulas of metal clay, their different qualities and how to make a choice between them. Her list of tools and equipment is clear and concise with explanations how each may be used, along with important safety instructions.

The photographs and drawings accompanying the step-by-step instructions are particularly helpful and each project lists all the supplies needed to complete the piece. CeCe takes the reader from the very easiest projects to the most difficult. The first project is called "Silver Snails": earrings that require 6 tools or equipment and can be completed in 5 easy steps. The last project is a "Perfume Amphora" necklace that requires 18 steps to complete. In-between there is a wide selection of bracelets, necklaces, rings, pins, earrings, sculptural pieces and buttons and beads -- something for everyone at every level.

I found the photographs very attractively done and before I was half way though the book, I was already planning the pieces I could make.

I think this book contains everything needed to begin your journey into the wonderful medium of metal clay.

-Jean Cohen

While this book doesn't use polymer clay for its projects, there's no reason not to!

Makin's Clay is a non-bake clay that mimics polymer clay in all but the curing process. The projects in the book -- from book covers to teapots -- are all well-suited to polymer clay. Especially useful are the last several pages, which detail various Makin's Clay tools that are perfect for polymer clay. Cutter sets include the alphabet and numbers, geometric shapes, bugs, animals, kids, and leaves. There are also clay texture sheets, a roller and cutter set, and push molds.

I haven't seen these products in the stores, but a quick check at your local art may turn them up!

--Deirdre F Woodward