Make Your Own Silver Jewellery: Using Everyday Tools and Easy to Obtain Materials

“Jewellery-making is rewarding and engaging in equal measure,” writes designer Weber-Butler in her precise and comprehensive debut, a guide to using silver metal clay. The material, the author explains, was developed in the 1990s and is “made of pulverised pure silver particles suspended in an organic binder, thus making the silver malleable and accessible to all.” She begins with safety precautions (with instructions for protecting one’s eyes, nose, and hands), then outlines materials, tools, and basic techniques (such as how to roll, fire, and rehydrate clay) in detail. The projects include simple minimalist earrings, a colorful gem-adorned heart pendant, and textured necklaces. One particularly inspiring “Aspects of Design” chapter encourages readers to keep a visual journal of their ideas and creations, while another offers instructions on how to create textures and imprints from plants and wedding flower petals. Readers will quickly realize that making silver jewelry at home is no joke—in addition to the extensive list of jewelry materials and tools to invest in, one will need to set up a home jewelry station (which includes a fire extinguisher). Less stalwart crafters need not apply, but those serious about silver need look no further. (Nov.)