Fimo and clay tips and tutorials
by Adam Savage
Now, at first Adam Savage from the Discovery channel show “Mythbusters” talking about Dodo skeletons does not seem to have much to do with polymer clay. But, just wait until about 3:15 into the video, and then you see that there is a connection with polymer clay. His enthusiasm, his love of the process, his obsession and the joy he takes in it are obvious, and ever so slightly contagious as well.
This week’s Book Review Wednesday pick is Air-Dry Clay Making Handbook by Jacalyn K. Myron, and this is another one of those crossover craft books that could easily live in more than one corner of CraftGossip.
It is not strictly a jewelry making book, but the cover does mention jewelry projects, and air-dry clay is a lovely material for making lightweight pendants, charms, ring dishes, earrings, beads, and little decorative pieces. So I’m letting it sneak into the Jewelry Making series because, honestly, half the fun of handmade jewelry is experimenting with materials that were not necessarily “jewelry supplies” to begin with.
Air-dry clay is especially appealing for beginners because you do not need an oven, kiln, torch, or specialist setup. You can shape it, texture it, let it dry, sand it, paint it, seal it, and turn it into something sweet and useful. It is very approachable, which makes it a nice option for crafters who want to try clay jewelry without jumping straight into polymer clay baking or resin mixing.
This book looks like a practical beginner guide covering air-dry clay techniques, tools, tips, and projects, including jewelry, home décor, animals, figurines, and small sculptures. I like that mix because it gives makers room to play. You might start with a simple ring dish or pendant and then wander off into little bowls, ornaments, charms, or handmade gifts.
For jewelry makers, I’d see this as a gentle introduction to clay-based accessories. Think handmade pendants, textured earrings, little clay charms, or small dishes for storing rings and earrings. It would also pair nicely with our Jewelry Making projects and the more clay-focused ideas here.
My Shellie-style take? Air-Dry Clay Making Handbook looks like a calm, beginner-friendly craft book for anyone who wants to try clay without too much fuss. It may lean more general craft than pure jewelry, but there is enough jewelry potential here to make it useful for makers who enjoy handmade accessories, gift projects, and pretty little things made by hand.
You can find the book here: Air-Dry Clay Making Handbook.
That was terrific. Very entertaining and different. I love Mythbusters and he is a hoot. Thanks for sharing!!
Wasn’t it fun? I’m almost a big fan of Mythbusters. My husband actually “stumbled” to this video and made me watch – he laughed at me getting all giggly and excited when I realized he was going to actually make a skeleton in clay!
I love his “the journey and the process is the point” kind of philosophy as well. 🙂