Reviews (7)

A good reference for beginners
This is a great reference for beginners to the jewelry-making hobby such as myself, although I found the book to be slightly disjointed in the way chapters and sections were ordered. The information was good, nonetheless, and I have returned to the book often for assistance in learning the process of making jewelry.

Tons of info. but could use a more precise index.
Tons of information and I understand that organizing such a wealth of knowledge is a daunting task.I found that I was flipping around to find the infomation where I thought I had seen it previously and the index was not very helpful there.References are made to other sections of the book but states a chapter only and not a page specifically.Overall, great book and have used it alot for a reference.

Lots of help for a Beginner
I really liked the layout of the book.I didn't understand much about beading before reading this book, but it answered lots of questions.I feel that it is well-written and laid out very well - especially for a novice. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Jewelry    5. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry    7. Handicrafts    8. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Jewelry    5. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    6. Jewelry making    7. Necklaces    8. CRAFTS & HOBBIES - BG-DECORATING/ANTIQUES    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry   

Reviews (8)

A WINNER
I bought three books on Polymer Clay, and this is the only one with all the techniques there that I want to learn.
Polymer Clay Bible
Everyone starting out in polymer clay should have this book in their library. Many newer techniques have been developed since this book came out but this book contains everything you need in order to develop your own original work. If you're looking for a "projects" book skip this, but if you want the basicsthis is the book for you. I only wish Nan Roche would write another! I still find myself refering to it and I've been working in polymer clay for over 15 years.

The Book that started it all for Polymer Clay
It was the first book about PC. It was the only book available for quite some time. Many of the most renowned PC artists started with this book and you can see the influence in their work.
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Subjects:  1. Antiques / Collectibles    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Jewelry    6. Jewelry making    7. Polymer clay craft    8. Art techniques & materials    9. Ceramic arts, pottery, glass   

Reviews (46)

I have made four items from this book-beautiful!
I was new to wire and bead jewelry making when I got this. It quickly inspired me to make several items of jewelry as shown and they are gorgeous. I am now hooked on this hobby and have, in two months, spent over $1500 on tools and supplies. I have four sets of pliers, a crimping plier, two hammers, a small anvil, numerous beads and findings which I get on eBay, several types of gold and silver wire, and let me tell you, it all adds up. It is an addiction to types like me who need to make pretty things.
Good place to start
Although new to beading this book provided some great information on the processes involved.I found it to be very helpful and will refer to it again and work on some of the projects found inside its covers.

Bead On A Wire:Making Handcrafted Wire and Beaded Jewelry
A great book - suitable for the beginner or the more advanced jewelry artist. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Beadwork    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Decorating    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Jewelry    8. Jewelry making    9. Metal Work    10. Wire craft    11. Handicrafts    12. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Reviews (14)

GREAT TEACHING BOOK!!!!
I have been researching, trying and creating with pmc for a year now and found this book to be very informative.This book gives you details about most aspects of silver clay.The projects show all the various ways of using silver clay's.

An excellent reference book for metal clay
I just received this book in the mail today.I paged through it quickly to see what was included.I will go through it more slowly later.What I did see the first time I really liked.I was impressed that firing charts for both brands of metal clay were included.
Covers her subject like a blanket !
Ms.Haab Covers her subject very well in that she gives the in formation on both types of metal clay. The temps and specfics to each brand product. The range of techniques translated in to the clay form metalsmithing follow the finished look of the original as close as possible. As a hard art metal person I found not only the descriptions clear and easy to follow but the pictures are bright so you can see the items. Not the artsy type gallery shots in some books. I haven't used any of the projects in it yet, but it is being looked at a lot. I own it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Clay    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Jewelry    6. Jewelry making    7. Metal Work    8. Metal-work    9. Precious metal clay    10. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Reviews (13)

Dissapointed - book too technical
This book was not what I thought it would be. I wanted a book that showed how to make jewelry, and actually this was a book that showed how to make jewelry components. I was looking for design and "how to" techniques on putting together jump rings, and store bought components and and this was more like how to make a jump ring etc . . I didn't like it. If you want to make jewelry components this is the book for you. If you want to make jewelry from store bought components and beads, I suggust you find a different book.

Should have been called metal smithing
As someone who makes a lot of wire/clay jewelry but doesn't work with metal, torches etc...this book will probably just collect dust.Everything in here required special tools I'm not interested in buying.Maybe if you have some knowledge of working with metals you could find this very useful but for me it was a waste of money. I used just one tip in book and the pictures did not inspire me to learn more.

Gotta have
This is probably the best guide to what you need to start and be successful in Jewelry. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Encyclopedias    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Jewelry    6. Jewelry making   

Reviews (5)

Easy to Use
Great illustrations and pictures.It's taken away a lot of the mystery - no I feel much more confident.

Inspiring
This book is great for the beginning beader.My daughter and I have great fun pulling ideas from this book and creating projects.The instructions are very clear and easy.The jewelery and other projects turn out beautifully.

Great stuff in here!
After someone gave me a bracelet recently, it was my first introduction to beading. I borrowed several beginner-beading books in an attempt to understand how to make beaded jewelry for gifts. Simply Beautiful Beading is the only book that covered everything I was looking for. It explains and illustrates different types of beads, wires, clasps, etc. and how to use them and has everything explained so well for the beginner. But don't let the subtitle of the book, "53 Quick and Easy Projects" let you think you won't find imagination and beauty in the patterns in this book. Many of the projects are ones I will actually use. Too many authors go to extremes to get something different in their books by creating things out of beads that are either just plain ridiculous, or far too expensive to make even if you wanted to do it. Heidi Boyde instead uses her imagination on designing simple projects in jewelry, accessories, and home accents that are different enough to be unique and yet be easy enough for beginners. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Beadwork    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Fashion    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Jewelry   

Reviews (23)

An absolute must for every metalsmith / jewelry designer.
In this volume Oppi Untracht offers an excellent overview of metal jewelry making. The seemingly limitless information offered is technically precise,and beautifully illustrated.
Overview versus Technical Know How
This is a good book for those wanting a broad overview of all aspects of jewellery making with metals.It contains good illustrations of finished pieces; however, it is not a book that gives step by step instructions.So, if you are looking for a 'how to' book, look elsewhere.Otherwise it is a useful reference but not essential.

MY NUMBERONE BOOK!!
It is my so called bible.I bought it 15 years ago at $50.00 from a mall bookstore and was so happy how cheap i bought it for as its return its value 50 times over since...if you had to own just one book this is it!...grant you it should be reprinted and up dated. alot of what we do does not change much but in some fields it does.color would be great. mine has many color plates (1985 ed).it seams alot for a book but if it was printed today would cost alot more(id buy a new one at what ever cost), and imho compared to many that ive spent more on do not compare..buy it,and hug it as ioften do.its a jewel!lol...i wonder if "oppi" is still liveing?. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Jewelry    5. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    6. Jewelry making    7. Metal Manufacturing    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry   

Reviews (14)

Good, but not the best
I have purchased this book to learn about the fundamentals of metalsmithing. Unfortunatelly in most cases the final product is shown and only theoretical description is provided without pictures or description of tools needed. The book is more theoretical than practical and other literature is needed in order to get a full idea of what is needed and how job gets done.

Fundamentals of Metalsmithing
This book is a required book for a college class I'm taking.
Great Introduction with beautiful pictures
This book covers basic jewelry metalsmithing techniques in a way that you can understand.The step by step instructions allow a good jumping off point for creative minds.Everything is very detailed and the images give reasonable explanation on how to create pieces.Included instructions are how to achieve heat scarring with SS, making bezels, designing boxes, and different forms of casting.With that said there are pictures that have techniques that are not included and seem very interesting; it is somewhat annoying to look at something and have no idea how to make it (Pg. 50, 81, and 86). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Jewelry    5. Jewelry making    6. Metal Work    7. Metal-work   

Reviews (3)

beautiful book
If you know nothing about resin casting, then this book is for you. Easy to follow projects and beautiful photographs make it a snap to get into the groove of resin casting.

Leading in new directions
I enjoyed Sherri's art metal clay book so I picked this one up as soon as it came out. She does cover the basic info on resin. Safety and all the important stuff you need to know is laid out a simple straight forward manner. Gives the average hobbists enough to protect themselves and complete any of the projects or some of their own designs with out hitting a wall because of something they forgot to put in the book. The use of mold making to make the Faux jewelry along with the complete guide to making the molds is worth the price of the book. The ideas about using the resin as a cap to other media made jewelry gives one ideas on what one can do with this material. Other than the use of yogurt containers for the mold frames I don't eat that much yogurt LOL.Making the frames for the molds out of cardboard shouldn't be a problem. The use of flexible candy and candle molds gives a large selection to the artistically impaired person for subject matter.
The basic keys to understanding layering, casting and other techniques for creating a contemporary jewelry style
Watch for this soon-to-be-published winner: it holds the basic keys to understanding layering, casting and other techniques for creating a contemporary jewelry style which offers a seasoned, vintage look. From producing a stretch bracelet to working with polymar clay and creating the look of faux carnelian using the appropriate colors combined with old-looking cords, THE ART OF RESIN JEWELRY involves more than just technique: it requires an eye to understanding some of the design elements which separate traditional from modern looks. Resin is the perfect medium for imitating countless materials, but it requires an appreciation for style to use effectively: an appreciation imparted in the fine techniques-oriented guide THE ART OF RESIN JEWELRY.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Jewelry    6. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    7. Jewelry making    8. Plastics craft    9. Jewellery & jewellery-making    10. Resin & plaster work (moulding & casting)   

Reviews (7)

Visual Stunner
A creative inspiration for all lampworkers & all who appreciate fine beads!Sooo many beads, so little time!You'll never need to ask "what should I try next?"

Lots of Eye Candy!
This little book shows a great variety of glass beads. I am amazed what some people can do with soft glass. The book is filled with wonderful color photos of completed jewelry. For the price it is a great value.

VERY inspiring for all artists!
I'm actually a polymer clay artist, and I've gotten more out of this book than *any* other book I've purchased/read in the never-ending quest to inspire and improve my work. There aren't any instructions or biographies, just huge, detailed photos of many, many glass beads, and some information on technique and materials.
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Subjects:  1. Beadwork    2. Catalogs    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. General    6. Glass & Glassware    7. Glass beads    8. Hobbies/Crafts    9. Ceramic arts, pottery, glass    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry    11. FICTION - FICTION TRD HC   

Reviews (4)

Inspiring
This book has so many great projects. Who know that Polymer Clay could be so gorgeous.

Inspirational
A quick thumb through told me this book was going to become my new favorite. The projects are quite inspirational and I found myself continuously saying "I have to try that". There could have been a few more step by step pictures, but the written instructions are clear and easy to follow so I can understand why they were left out. I was impressed that many projects were easy enough for beginners, yet there are others that will grab the more advanaced clayers like myself. The polymer clay basic section was short and sweet. That was another big plus in my eyes. I already have a couple dozen books that cover the basics, more basic, and yet more basics. This book is a definite must have for your personal libray!

buy this one now!
buy it for your polymer clay friends - while the author doesn't have any projects of her own in the book, she's assembled some killer pieces from some of the best known and loved PC artists into the book of the year. this book was the talke of 2 PC retreats I've attended in the past month - great photos, clear instructions, and interesting new techniques like using colored TLS to created glass and celadon china like finishes ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Clay    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jewelry    7. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    8. Jewelry making    9. Polymer clay craft    10. BG-MIND & BODY - BG-HEALTH    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry   

Reviews (8)

Best for Beginners, in my humble opinion
I first borrowed this book from the library, and now I have finally been able to order it. I have used two other books on this subject, but I think CeCe Wire's book is best suited for me. I am a beginner with this material, however, I want my finished projects to have a certain streamlined sophistication, and I feel that of all of the books I have read on this subject, this book suits my needs and goals best. Ms. Wire has a wonderful grasp on the technical aspects of working with metal clay. Her projects are great for beginners, well illustrated and explained, but the final results are professional and stylish. One does not need to invest in many additional tools or materials in order to finish her projects. I also find that her projects and gallery of finished pieces provide a great springboard to encourage the reader to envision and create their own great jewelry pieces. There is a non-jewelry piece in here, but that does not bother me at all. It encourages the reader to consider other uses for metal clay, and who says jewelry must only be worn on the body? Why not create decorative objects as "jewelry" for the home? If you do not have a kiln, do not worry. I fire my pieces on my gas stove or with a small butane torch purchased from my local home improvement store. Also, I hear that bead and jewelry stores that have PMC or Art Clay Silver classes or paint-your-own-ceramics studios are often willing to fire your pieces for a reasonable fee. So give this book a try, I hope you will be as pleased as I am!
I'm not that impressed with the projects
I just received this book today and I leafed through it and put it down.Normally with a book of this type (art instruction, projects etc) I'll just get lost in it and read it from cover to cover.I bought this book based on the reviews here and also that Ms. Wire is the head cheese at the PMC Guild, but if I had seen this book first in the store I probably wouldn't have purchased it.The jewelry projects are not my style at all, and the layout and photography isn't that exciting either.
Great Clear Photos
This book has wonderful photographs that are clear enough to see the details of the jewelry and steps involved in creating them. I highly recommend this book.
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Subjects:  1. Clay    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Jewelry    6. Jewelry making    7. Metal Work    8. Precious metal clay    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry    10. Handicrafts    11. STUDY NOTES - SparkNotes   

Reviews (10)

Yummy Chain Mail Jewelry!
Very nicely done photos and text, easy to follow instructions, and absolutely gorgeous projects!

Easy chain mail that you will love to do.
I love this book!The instructions are clear and easy to understand.I have made the Hana-Gusari bracelet that is in the book and people stop me on the street to look at it.This is a must have book for chain mailers.

Wonderful book
I found this book to be very detailed and the graphics make it easy for someone who has never done chain mail before to easily understand.I look forward to making some of the jewlery in the book.Wonderful book beautifully illustrated and explanations clear. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chains (Jewelry)    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jewelry    7. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    8. Jewelry making    9. Metal Work    10. Metal-work    11. BG-RELIGION - BG-RELIGION GENERAL    12. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry   

Reviews (8)

It is ok.
A little more basic than I thought it would be.But had some helpful hints.

It's a keeper
Being in the metal smithing hobby for over 30 years. I have purchased a large number of books on "Jewelry making". I found this book to be clearly written, well illustrated and done to the high level that I have come to expect from McGrath's books. For anyone intersted in metal smithing this is a must have.I do own it.

Jeweler's Directory of Decorative Finishes
Absolutely thrilled with this book.A good value,with useful andeasy to understand information. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques / Collectibles    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Jewelry    6. Jewelry Arts And Crafts   

Reviews (2)

New technique
I finally received my book after a long, long wait but it was worth it.This is a subject that I have never seen covered in any other book.Filigree has been a lost art.The photos of the projects looked daunting to me at first but, after reading the author's clear instructions, I found that I was no longer feel daunted.The photos are exceptional and clearly show all I need to know. I feel fairly sure that with the book at my side I will be able to accomplish the projects in this book.It's also a tease.I couldn't help thinking of all the things I could do with this technique that I had never thought of before.The book, once I master the technique, will open up a world of design that wasn't open to me before.That's the glory of learning.It takes us to new heights.
Silver Filigree Jewelry
"Patterns similar to filigree have been spotted in Viking jewelry as early as AD 800. Danish goldsmiths brought them back to Norway in the late 17th and early 18th centuries..."
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Jewelry    5. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    6. Metal Work   

Reviews (3)

Simply a Masterpiece
My wife makes me read most of her dozens and dozens of jewelry books so I can help her out occasionally, but this one didn't need more than a quick browse to get me started.
A Strong 'Must Buy' for collectors, dealers, and historians!
Finally, we have a compendium of history, facts, photos, and values. Marbeth Schon has done the research for us, and now we can put this wonderful information to work. For collectors and dealers, this is a must have work of beauty and scholarship. The organization makes it a valuable reference source, while the photographs make it an invaluable reflection on the 'Art Movement' of 'American Modernism'.
Modernist Marvel
Marbeth has the unique combination of an artistic eye, personal research knowledge and market experience that makes this book such a treasure. If you love Modernist Jewelry, this book will re-kindle your passion... and if you are not familiar with it, this book will light your fire! As a dealer and collector, I own hundreds of books on jewelry, and this is one of my top-10 favorites. Buy it now and enjoy it for years to come. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Antiques & Collectibles    3. Antiques/Collectibles    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. General    6. History    7. Jewelry    8. United States    9. Wearable art   

Reviews (12)

A Must Have for your wirewrapping/jewerly making
This is really a must have book for your library of wirewrapping,jewerly making and polymer clay.I really find myself referring to it a lot when I need insperation in beginning new projects..Im not one to follow step by step.but this can be followed very easily,but its good for just adding here and there to what your making.Thats why I like the patterns.Mrs.C

Making Wire Jewelry
Younger wire makers will appreciate this book.The patterns are simple and use only wire in repeated designs joined together.The ring section is very simple and is only for someone just starting out in wire.Do not purchase this item if you have any expierence in wire jewelry--only if just starting out.

I LOVE WIRE JEWELRY
I am a 13 year old who loves trying new art.You might think because im'm 13 the projects in this book are easy, but they aren't.Some can be challenging but there are a few easier designs.I got this book becaus it was packaged with a kit including wire and pliers for [not much money.] Anyway, After I used up all the wire (lots of it) i was addicted.I was walking through [a store] and I saw more Wire Jewelry making products called Wild Wire(made by NSI Innovations). This should solve the people who can't find any supplies problem.They sell many things that the book calls for including a jig with removable pegs and other things that I found can be very useful in my new fascination with wire jewelry(especially the bead maker, I highly recommend it).This is a great book and you should definately get it if you are interested in wire jewelry making, but beware, you may become addicted.... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Handicraft    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Jewelry    6. Jewelry making    7. Metal Work    8. Wire craft    9. Art techniques & materials    10. BG-COOKBKS - BG - COOKBOOKS    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry    12. Handicrafts    13. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Reviews (6)

Excellent Resource
Lark has a series of books presenting well photographed, contemporary fine crafts.This book is a good survey of what is being created in brooches (compared to the bracelet book, which is not at all complete or even a small survey of contemporary work and should have been a gallery brochure).If you are teaching in art history or fine crafts areas, this is an important resource for students, collectors, museums, and libraries.

EXCELLENT SOURCE OF InSPiRATION!
Amazing examples of all kind of imaginable brooches. You will startcreating your own.

500 Brooches Review
This book, as all others in this series, is put together very well.But...the brooches are the poorest examples of exemplary contemporary artwork I have seen.In my opinion, 98% of the entries are unprofessional in their initial design and completion.Most are unwearable and impractical as brooches and are the farthest stretch of someone's artistic imagination in regards to fine artwork.Putting it bluntly, the bulk of the "artwok" in this book is rubbish.Embarrassing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beauty & Grooming - Fashion    2. Beauty & Grooming - General    3. Brooches    4. Consumer Health    5. Crafts & Hobbies    6. Diet / Health / Fitness    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Jewelry    9. Jewelry making    10. BG-FICTION OVER $5 - BG-SEC FICT $5/10    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry    12. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques / Collectibles    3. Antiques/Collectibles    4. Clocks & Watches    5. Design    6. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    7. Reference - Price Guides    8. Antiques & Collectibles / Clocks & Watches    9. Antiques & collectables: jewellery