Irina Miech’s first two books, Metal Clay for Beaders and More Metal Clay for Beaders, are filled with great step-by-step instructions, creative projects, and practical advice. Her most recent book, Inventive Metal Clay for Beaders, reaches even further into the possibilities of metal clay, and provides inspiration for metal clay artists and beaders alike.

Inside you can find a thorough guide to tools for every stage of working with the clay, information on the types of metal clay available (including firing temperatures and times), and great tips and ideas for combining metal clay with other materials. Irina’s included 18 projects for beginner, intermediate, and advanced metal clay enthusiasts.

Maybe it’s because summer is approaching, but the nature-inspired projects really got me excited to get out my clay and start creating. Irina is pretty fearless with using new textures and techniques, and the projects in these pages are unique and very wearable at the same time. My personal favorite is the Sunflower Pendant. Best of all, I love how Irina teaches readers to create lovely components that work with beads to create beautiful finished jewelry. The gallery sections at the end of each project show how one technique can be interpreted in a few different ways. 

Are you going to be at the Bead&Button Show? Irina will be there, at booth 401, and at the Eclectica booth, at the front of the 600/700 aisle.