While working on my next book project, a how-to on making jewelry with low-fire metal clay, I thought it would be interesting to include a chapter on how to set up a work area as well as show where other metal clay jewelry artists work. So, I'm looking for anyone who might want to send me pictures of their metal clay setup.

Now, it does not have to be a super fancy set up at all. In fact, I hope to show that you don't have to have a big time studio to do this type of jewelry making. Heck, I use my guest bathroom to form my metal clay pieces because it's one of the few places I can keep my cats out of! Cat hair and clay do not mix!

Below is my updated Call for Entries, which includes a call for artists to share pictures of where they form and fire their metal clay. I'm starting on this chapter really soon, so please feel free to send me your pictures asap, and forward this to anyone you think might be interested. I think it will really add a lot to the book, and it's an excellent way to promote yourself too boot.

Call for Entries

Book Title: Picture Yourself Making Metal Clay Jewelry: Step-by-Step Instruction for Forming, Firing, and Constructing Finished Jewelry
Publisher: Thomson Course Technology
Series: This text will be part of the publisher's "Picture Yourself" series.
Author: Tammy Powley
Contact Information: tammypowley [@] yahoo.com

Estimated Publication Date: May/June 2008

Call for Entries Deadline: There are two deadlines: studio/work area pictures December 10; projects/gallery pictures January 7, 2008.

Book's Focus: The focus of this book is super simple to make metal clay component projects (charms, pendants, beads) teamed up with basic jewelry techniques resulting in projects which allow readers to make finished jewelry pieces showcasing their metal clay creations.

Audience: The audience is the interested hobbyist who has very little if any metal clay or jewelry making experience.

Project Descriptions: All metal clay projects will be designed to use low-fire metal clay (either PMC3 or Art Clay 650) and will be small enough to allow firing by either a hand-held butane torch or hot pot. The projects will include instructions for both making the metal clay component (such as beads or a pendant) as well as incorporating this item into a finished piece of jewelry (such as earrings or a necklace). Therefore, other jewelry techniques including basic bead stringing and wire work will be covered as well.

Studio/Work Areas Submission Instructions: One chapter of the book will describe how to set up a place to form metal clay items and one to fire metal clay items. Therefore, I am looking for artists to share pictures of where they work, from the super simple to the ultra fancy from neat as a pin to messy as all get out. Images must be sent in digital .jpg format, min. 300 dpi, emailed to tammypowley [@] yahoo.com by December 10, 2007. Please include "metal clay book" in the email subject line.

Gallery Format Submission/Instructions: All items submitted for the gallery must be sent in digital .jpg format, min. 300 dpi, emailed to tammypowley [@] yahoo.com by Jan. 7, 2008. Please include "metal clay gallery" in the email subject line. Along with the image of the finished jewelry piece, include type of clay used, form of firing used, and any other materials information. Though low-fire clay items are encouraged, since that is the focus of this book, other types of clay items will be considered for gallery inclusion. Those artists selected for the gallery (included in the final published copy of the book) will be required to sign a release for publication form and will have their names and contact information (if desired) included in the gallery section.

Project Format Submission/Instructions: Though the author will create the majority of projects for the book, some projects by guest artists may be included if they are deemed appropriate for the scope of the book. Entries should include projects using low-fire metal clay (either PMC3 or Art Clay 650) and should be fired using either a butane torch or hot pot. A list of supplies and basic techniques should be included along with step by step digital color images of the process. (The author will write up complete instructions for any accepted projects.) Images should be clear, high quality, .jpg format, min. of 300 dpi, and emailed to tammypowley [@] yahoo.com by January 7, 2008. Please include "metal clay book project" in the email subject line. Those artists selected for the projects section (included in the final published copy of the book) will be required to sign a release for publication form and will have their names and contact information (if desired) included in the text. The author will also send them a free copy of the book when it is released for publication.

Disclaimer: The author will accept submissions in good faith and as she deems appropriate for the book; however, this does not in any way guarantee publication since other issues such as space, page numbering, page breaking, etc. can require the publisher to make alterations to the finished text without the author's knowledge.