This book is full of great designs, however- I would not recommend this book for any self taught student. One can be self taught and not have to spend $300+ on a teacher telling you what you can learn on your own. Metal clay is NOT a hard product to learn. There are too many books on the market that read the same and have the same information on metal clay. My advise, free tutorials on the net are the best way to learn. Not only are the books on the market the same on metal clay, but do all of the authors have to word their instructions on every single move that their hands make? In conclusion, this book is good for the basics of metal clay and to make the designs in the book only. You can incorporta your own ideas after learning the way to execute a design. Purchase one or two great books on metal clay and leave it at that.