Magazines to help you develop your metal clay jewellery skills

The global metal clay community is small but thriving with a real emphasis on sharing knowledge and expertise. There are some lovely, inspirational books out there but there are also a couple of really good magazines that are worth a place in your studio. London Jewellery School tutor and metal clay artist Anna Campbell gives you the lowdown.

I love books and magazines on all types of subjects. While there are currently only two magazines that focus solely on metal clay, they are both packed full with inspirational projects and gorgeous images to really get you going.

Metal Clay Artist

Metal Clay Artist  the first print magazine created by metal clay artists for metal clay artists. It is published four times a year. Articles range from how tos, artist galleries and artist interviews. It is published from the US but it is an international affair with contributors from the UK including Joy Funnell and London Jewellery School visiting tutor Julia Rai.

You can purchase a print subscription or a digital subscription from the magazine’s website and do give the website a look as there are also some free resources and videos available.

Metal Clay Today

Metal Clay Today is a digital only magazine that is published four times a year. It is currently $17.95 for a digital subscription and as a premier subscriber you receive a limited edition texture stamp, this year designed by Lorena Angulo. Alternatively you can pay per issue.

The magazine features step by step projects, tips and tricks, advice on photographing your jewellery and a rising star feature. I tend to read mine on my tablet but you can read it on any computer and I personally prefer a digital subscription because I have far too many jewellery magazines that I just can’t throw away cluttering up my house!

There are also some monthly jewellery magazines that regularly feature a metal clay project. These include Art Jewelry and the British based Making Jewellery which regularly features tutorials from UK based metal clay tutors (including LJS tutors).

 I subscribe to both the metal clay magazines and really enjoy spending time looking at the projects and ideas and always get something worthwhile from them.

Anna Campbell is an experienced teacher and enjoys different types of jewellery making including beading and metal clay. She runs her own business, Light Boat Jewellery and has made jewellery for celebrities.