Getting started.

You don't need to spend a lot of money to get the basic items needed to work with metal clay.

1. flexible kitchen cutting mat.  They are a great size and not very expensive.  If you don't have a cutting mat, use a plastic page protector.

2. 100% organic hand balm instead of olive oil.  It is easier to control the amount I use and doesn't make my surface or clay too wet.  A small container will last you a long time.

3. pvc pipe for a clay roller. 

4. straws.  I used straws a lot!  Get as many sizes as you can find.  They are great for cutting small holes and winding your metal clay around.

5. cookie cutters and clay cutters.  Shop around the stores and look in not only craft areas, but cooking areas and hardware stores.  You can find many items that will inspire you to create a beautiful piece of jewelry.

6. texture mats.  You can purchase these easily in craft stores, but also look around your house for pieces of lace, rubber mats, cloth - you will be amazed at what you can find in your home.

7. freezer paper.  Use freezer paper to put your pieces on while you are working with them.  Place your piece on the shiny side of the paper.  You will find moving your pieces around is much easier and safer!

8. glass jars.  Clean out an old glass jar and fill with about an inch of water.  You can now store your unused containers of clay syringes, it keeps the tips from drying out.

Think outside of the box and look around at what you already have at home, if you look hard enough, you will find several new ways of using common household items.