Glass artist Liz Rowe from Milwaukee sent me this fabulous image of a winestopper she made.  I hope that someday Liz will have a website so that we can see more of her gorgeous work!

Liz writes:
The Lampwork glass vessel wine stopper is made with Italian glass 104 coe. After annealing the vessel, Lily pads, and top I applied my PMC3 design and re fired it according to the PMC3 schedule. The vessel is sitting on 3 Lily pads, one of PMC3 and two of glass. The Top that looks like a the sorting hat in Harry Potter is …read more

This brand new publication, specifically devoted to metal clay and the artists who love it, is due out in October 2009!  You can get in on the action and pre-subscribe right now if you’re a metal clay junky.  Metal Clay Artist Magazine, coming very soon.

Artist: Linda Allard A.J.P.
Jewelry By Heart 2 Heart
Jewelry By Heart 2 Heart blog
Linda is a  certified crystal healer and she incorporates that along with reiki into each piece that she makes.   Her focus is on creating spiritual jewelry from precious metals and gemstones. Linda loves to find the meaning behind each stone and uses her GIA knowledge to educate her customers about their stones.  Her blog is all about information on stones.
Linda writes:
These first two pieces are Oms.  When I started practicing Yoga I learned about the sound OM and starting wearing one to help me calm myself as it …read more

Kristi Bowman is the owner of Dream Some Designs, a lovely shop on Etsy.  Amazingly, Kristi has been working with metal clay for less than a year…I know you’ll be surprised when you see her work!  She is enjoying working color into her designs by incorporating different stones and beads.  Nature and rustic artifacts are a big influence on Kristi’s work.
Kristi writes about her pieces:

The Blue Topaz and Metal Clay earrings were a special order for a friend on Mothers day, they turned out so beautifully that I will surely make some similar pieces.

The necklace titled Artifact is a rather …read more

Barbara Daoust, creator of Soul Notes, likes to share her upbeat take on life with all who come in contact with her.  Heartbreak in her own life led her to look for the type of healing that would transform her own life, and the lives of others.  PMC is one of the media that Barbara uses to spread her message.

Ladder to your Heart: The Ladder to Your Heart is a reminder to keep climbing higher and and to take life one step at a time. The intention is to live from the heart and connect to that place of loving.

Affirmation …read more

I shared Shahasp Valentine’s Modern Artifacts Collection with you last week.   Normally I don’t turn around and post about the same artist again the following week, but Shahasp’s mastery of this material is such that I felt a second post on a separate collection was warranted!

This collection is called the Organic Series of Naturally Inspired Forms.   It is inspired by nature and natural forms, including Waves, Freeform Organics, Lilies, Habitats, Knife Edge and most recently Twigs. Waves represent the cleansing and regenerating abilities of the sea. Freeform Organics are inspired by the rich shapes found the deep forest and celebrate …read more

JJ Singh is a metal clay artist based in Northern Virginia.  She creates gorgeous pieces that she says are all about the passion!  Couldn’t we all use more passion in our lives?  Well, JJ is inspired by those who enjoy boldly proclaiming who they are and who make no apologies for it.  Just look at these beautiful pieces:
Ileana earrings – fine silver metal clay plated in 22k gold with green tourmalines.
Carnival Gypsy Ring – fine silver metal clay. Colored resin, with faceted pink sapphire
Carnival Gypsy Earrings – fine silver metal clay, faceted pink sapphires and PMC granulated silver balls.
Etruscan Ring …read more

Awhile back, I compiled a list of the best books available to help you get started with metal clay.  Since we’re going to be focused on metal clay this month, I thought some of you might end up inspired enough to try a new material 
Silver leaves I made for Tammy Powley’s book, listed below
Making your own beads
In the middle of this list is a section on PMC with several wonderful beginner books listed
Enameling on Metal Clay by Pam East
Learn how to add a whole new dimension of color to your metal clay projects
Metal Clay and Mixed Media Jewelry …read more

As we get set to enjoy an entire month of lovely metal clay work, I thought I should reach back and pull forward some links for you drool over.   But beyond drooling, many of these also have great advice and information on how you can get started yourself!

Please enjoy these inspirational links responsibly: be inspired, be very inspired…but do not copy the designs of other artists!
Getting started with BronzClay
A YouTube video that will show you what you need to know
BronzClay Flickr pool
Be inspired, and share your own work
All Things Metal Clay
Elaine Luther’s most excellent site: this is a link to …read more

Joe Rissin, owner of Rissin’s Jewelry Clinic in Manhattan has been making and repairing jewelry since he was in high school.  Now his clinic is the destination for people who want their fine jewelry or even their costume pieces repaired or upgraded.  Joe also enjoys working with metal clay, and sent me a couple of shots of some custom work he’s done.

Joe writes:
These are pieces that I have designed and made. Above is a genuine butterfly wing encased in an 18KY gold frame and back with a quartz crystal on front.  Below is a back view showing a removable and …read more