Reviews (6)

Art Clay Silver and Gold 19 Unique Jewelry Pieces to make in a day
Great book.Easy to use. Great ideas for projects.Taught me things that I did not learn in a class I took

All skill level book
This art clay (trade name) book covers what everyonee should now that is going to use the Art Clay brand metal clay. The first sections/chapters get the basic stuff down so one can move on to the fun parts making the projects. The pictures are of a good size with large numbers to correspond to the descriptive blurbs. They are of the close up type with little background of the work surface visible. (I do hate it when they show more work surface than the item they are making.) The material lists are well thought out in their content. The glossary and the gemstone charcteristic chart is a nice touch. the chart really important in selecting stones to bake with the clay. I own it

A good start for metal clay
This book is a good starting point for those begining to work with metal clay. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques/Collectibles    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Jewelry    5. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    6. Metal Work    7. Equestrian & animal sports   

Reviews (1)

Everything you ever wanted to know about making metal beads.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced jewelry maker or simply a lover of beads, you will marvel at Making Metal Beads. This is simply the definitive book for making metal beads. There are just so many creative examples with beautiful photos from the author and other beadmakers, along with exceptionally clear instructions. This is a book written by an accomplished metalsmith and an experienced teacher.The book promises "techniques, projects, inspiration" and it delivers all three.The beads run the gamut from complete fabrication from metal sheet, to altering and embellishing commercial beads.Following the well written instructions you can make the beads as described, or use them as a reference for your own creative beadmaking endeavors.In addition to the instructions for creating beautiful beads, there is a section of the book devoted to finishing and stringing them.
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Subjects:  1. Beads    2. Beads & Beading    3. Beadwork    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Crafts / Hobbies    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Jewelry    8. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    9. Metal Arts And Crafts    10. Metal Work    11. Silverwork    12. BG-OCCULT - BG-ASTROLOGY/OCCULT    13. Crafts & Hobbies / Metal Work   

Reviews (15)

great text for your library
i find this book to be a great help when i am desiging necklaces, bracelets and even drop earrings.this is something every jeweler needs in their library.

Careful...it's addictive!
If you're a jeweler or metalworking hobbyist with an interest in chain making, you can't do better than to start here.This is a well laid-out, succinctly written guide to many different types of ancient chains, and modern variations on those techniques.While the black-and-white photos and straightforward layout might make this book seem a bit spartan compared to the lavish production of other jewelry books, in this case, less is certainly more.The instructions are clear and easy to follow, and the illustrations show just what you need to see and no more (unlike some jewelry books that baffle the reader with images unrelated to the text).Also, the tables provide a quick and easy way to customize the projects - don't want to use 22 ga. wire?Here's the size of rings you'll have to make for 24!On a less content-oriented note, I tend to dislike spiral bindings, but this one is self-covered, so it lies flat, but doesn't entangle itself with odds and ends on your workbench.
Excellent rescource!
This is the best chain making book available.Chain making is an art form that was in danger of becoming lost.The authors have packed a wealth of knowledge about chain making... methods, materials and techniques and then lead you on an inspiring journey of loop in loop chains.Starting out simply and working up to a some very complicated chains.The instructions are clear and precise, the illustrations are very helpful and the pictures of the chains themselves make you want to continue on your chain making journey.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Jewelry    4. Metal Work    5. Chains (Jewelry)    6. Crafts & Hobbies    7. Instruction and study    8. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    9. Jewelry making   

Reviews (5)

its all good
Any Penland book is always an excellent blend of ideas and techniques. This one bring us into21st centuryjewelry with ideas and methods for all levels. My favorite may be Heather White van Stolk's jewelry based on nature especially "Botanical fiction: trumpet flower."She also explores the poetry of nature as inspiration in jewelry design and making alignate molds. This is the only bookI have foundthat gives useful instructions on etching on silver.

A must have for those interested in metal techniques..
Loved the book.I purchased it as the book I would use for a university course-assigned "book report" in Art Studio:Small Metal Construction II.I chose to present information about the book contents to the class and then offered a review of it as a resource book for small metal artists.The ten Penland School instructors featured are masters of the techniques that they present.They offer detailed information about how they came to their favored approaches, what has influenced them in their artistic direction, and include lots of insider advice on modifications and adaptation of the techniques.I will admit that I don't always read the text of art books, but these entries were very inspiring.The step by step pictoral "HANDS ON" sections of one application of each artist's technique give the kind of detail that is hard to come by in most art books (e.g., 25 steps--as a student learning about small metals, this is reality based if you want a final result that looks as wonderful as these artists' end products)!The reader gets a really good sense of the many things that must be considered in applying the technique skillfully.The gallery sections in which each artist has asked colleagues they admire to provide other examples give the reader a sense of the breadth of the application of the technique.At the end of my book review and after looking at the book themselves, several people in the class said they were going to buy it for themselves.What a wonderful book!Go Penland!

some different expresions of the metalsmithing...
good inspiration for starting to expres our own ideas in metalsmithing ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Jewelry    5. Jewelry making    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry    7. MEDICINE - MEDICAL REF TRD HC   

Reviews (6)

Mixed Media
Mary Hettmansperger has created a very user friendly book, covering a huge array of techniques and combining them with different products. There is something in here for everyone from beginner through to the more accomplished artist. Certainly will be entered on my list of suggested texts for students.

Great source of woven jewelry pattern
This book is easy to follow. The pictures are great. Instructions make it fun to make these lovely patterns. Thanks

Very disappointed
I found this book very disapointing.I think it was about 99% metal and 1% fiber, and since I am a fiber artist, I found very little of use to me.I think the title is misleading, and the picture on the cover is probably the best piece in the book.I wish I could return it!If I had been able to thumb through the book before purchase, I never would have bought it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Fiberwork    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jewelry    7. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    8. Jewelry making    9. Wire craft    10. BG-JUVENILE PROP - BG-JUVY PRESCHOOL    11. BG-TRAVEL/REGIONAL - BG-TRAVEL/INTL    12. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry    13. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Reviews (31)

Really easy diagrams to follow
This book is great reference book for many of the various techniques used in making wire jewelry.Good pictures, easy to follow.

Great book
I am very much a beginner in jewelry making and have found this book to be a great help.It is written so simply and very well illustrated (even my 11 year old is using it).

On Time and On Point!
Fast service. just as described.Excellent condition.Great Seller and great service. Definitely buy again.Thank you.! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Beadwork    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jewelry    7. Jewelry making    8. Reference    9. Wire craft    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Reference    11. Handicrafts    12. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games   

Reviews (5)

An Excellent Enameling book for beginners
I had been enameling for several months when I came upon this book. It provided answers to my many questions. I enjoy the historical highlights and the fast facts helpful hints. I also love the projects provided which teach beginners and those more advanced the various techniques.This book has been a definite plus to my library.

Outstanding Enameling Book!
I have three or four other enameling books. This book is the best by far. The things that make it great are the wonderful tips, clear descriptions, sharp photos and interesting projects. Everyone I show this book to goes out and buys a copy for themselves.

The Best Enameling Book Ever
This beautiful book is the most comprehensive enameling book yet.A novice could follow the teachings in this book and end up knowing more than enamelists with experience.The Hot Tips and Historical portions are fabulous.I have not referred to any of my other enameling books since I got my hands on this masterpiece.Thank you Linda Darty! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Enamel and enameling    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Jewelry    6. Metal Work    7. Pottery & Ceramics    8. Technique    9. CRAFTS & HOBBIES - HOLIDAY CRAFTS TRDHC    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Metal Work    11. Enamelling    12. Handicrafts   

Reviews (2)

Ah, at last - Noble Beads!
In Japan, this same book is called Noble Beads.This is a great book, just like the previous Bead Fantasies (I-III), the book is clearly illustrated with bead & thread paths.Beautiful photography of the finished projects.Very little $$ for the wonderful projects you will want to do over & over again.Appropriate for the intermediate beader - or for a begining beader who does not mind following threadpaths.

Another Bead book must have
The fourth book in this series is my favorite so far.The jewelry keeps getting better and better.The color palettes too are absolutely Divine.I eagerly await the next book in the series. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Jewelry    6. Art & Architecture | Art Instruction    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry   

Reviews (7)

A book to turn the beadworld on its ear!
I have been doing beadwork, writing about beadwork, researching beads and beadwork, devoting my master's degree work to beadwork ... everything I have ever done these past 10 years seem to relate to beads ... even vacations with my wife center on going to specific bead stores, collections and museums.
Blending history and an overview of cross-cultural beading traditions with artist profiles and fun projects
Beadworkers have traditionally received less volume and detail in their guidebooks than quilters, but the genre is growing and has been enhanced by the addition of Valerie Hector's The Art Of Beadwork: Historic Inspiration, Contemporary Design. Valerie Hector is a famous jewelry designer who invited several artists to use a piece of beadwork from another time or culture as inspiration for creating a new piece: The Art Of Beadwork celebrates this effort, blending history and an overview of cross-cultural beading traditions with artist profiles and fun projects for creating necklaces, earrings, pins and more. With the world as its inspiration, The Art Of Beadwork features inspirational pieces from around the world, with diagrams and easy project notes assuring relative newcomers will be able to duplicate the polished results.
FABULOUS!!!!
I waited months and months and *months* for this book after seeing the author's work in person and nearly fainting on the spot over her inexpressibly luxurious Xhosa double scallop stitch pieces (technique included in this book). Every few months I'd check on the status, and find out the publication date had been set back, and I thought I'd expire from desire before I got it.
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Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Beadwork    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. History    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Jewelry    8. Jewellery & jewellery-making    9. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (10)

BEST CABOCHON BOOK OUT THERE!
I Tried and Tried To Learn How To Bead A Cabachon By Following Other Book's Instructions. My Cabachons Came Out SO Bad I Had To Take Them Apart. This Very Well Done Book Did It For Me. Beautiful Color Pictures and Detailed Black And White Drawings, Can Make A First Time Beader Pleased With The Results. The Second Chapter On Beading Basics Is Simple To Follow WIth Great Results. Her Chapters Start Out Simple And Advance You Into Creating Works Of True Art. All The Finished Cabachons She Shows You Are Detailed Enough To Actually See The Beadwork Unlike Some Books I call "Teasers" Which Show Off Their Work SO You Can See It But Not Well Enough To Imitate The Beadwork. This Is A How-To Book I am Pleased To Own!

Wonderful book
Reading the book is a pleasure. Easy to follow instructions. Wonderfully inspiring photographs. And a good part of the book has specific projects. For anyone interested in beading with cabs, this is a great place to start.

utterly brilliant
this is a fabulous book.
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Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Beadwork    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jewelry    7. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    8. Jewelry making    9. Crafts & Hobbies / General    10. JUVY-WORKBOOKS - JUV WORKBOOKS    11. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Reviews (16)

Findings & Finishings: A Beadwork How-To Book
Findings & Finishings is one of my favorite books on beadwork.The Sharon Bateman provides a wealth of ideas for making your jewelry your own.The instructions are very well done and Bateman also includes basic instructions for the most popular stitches used in beadwork.Her diagrams are excellent and easy to use.The information in the book is good for beginners and more advanced beaders.

Great book to take your beadwork to the next level!
The opening chapters give a simple but thorough overview of beads, threads, wires, tools you'll need, and the basics of working with beads and wire.
Findings & Finishings
It is pretty but I will probably just put it in a pile.It is not a book I would go back to again and again.Had I had it in my hand at a store, I would have put it back. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Beadwork    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Finishing    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jewelry    7. Jewelry making    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Needlework    9. Handicrafts    10. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Reviews (3)

Creating Wire & Beaded Jewelry
Great book for beginners.Absolutely best price on the internet or in my town!

Spectacular learning aide with even better examples
I think the title of my review says it all.This book is exceptional in defining different techniques and applying them to the projects in the book.And each project has a variation pictured so you actually get two products per technique.And every design is wearable.Great for beginner or intermediate users.

A Great Gift for a Craft Maker
I found this book totally inspiring!If you've never made jewelry before, this is a perfect starting point!Using 3 simple pliers, a spool of wire and some beads ... you can get started.Beautifully photographed with step-by-step images (just like a good recipe book), the pages walk you through each stage of fabrication.It is packed with design ideas that would inspire anyone interested in using wire and beads.A perfect gift for a craft maker! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Jewelry   

Reviews (14)

Best Bead Book Ever!
Blows the other bead books out of the water.I love this whole series.The projects are much more pretty than any other book and chock full of huge inspirational full color photos on every page.Directions are clear and concise and to the point.I have looked through many other bead books and none can hold a candle to this one!

A MUST HAVE
The book is a must-have for beginners to beading. The book covers all; neclaces, bracellets and a few earrings. A beginner who doesn't know yet if beading is for them, certainly can just purchase this one book. The instructions are very clear and easy to follow and the models although are simple, but have a classy touch.I bought 3, it is a very appreciated gift.

Fantastic Beading Book
The book has been great & I have been going through the book over & over again, I will be starting on the first project from the book, I'm just gathering the materials. I cannot wait for the next book to come out. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Beadwork    3. Children's All Ages - Crafts / Hobbies    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Crafts / Hobbies    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Jewelry    8. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    9. Jewelry making   

Reviews (4)

Great book and worth the money!
This book is inspiring for the depth and innovation of the projects shown.I expect the projects of professional artist to be pushing the limits of what can be done in the medium.I would not be interested in buying a "how to" book that showed me how to make ordinary things -- go to Michael's craft stores for such "make and take" classes.This type of book, with such a variety of projects, is meant to be used as a basis to make your own, unique pieces (not to make copies of other's designs).

Not What I Expected
I was very disappointed in this long awaited book.I teach wire crochet at a local craft store and had this book on my wish list for months.While the book had good clear instructions on the various techniques involved in crocheting wire, I found the projects to be way too bizarre to have any use for the average person.As a teacher of this technique, I feel that the person new to wire crochet will be overwhelmed with the oddness of the "over the top" designs featured here while the experienced wire crocheter, will feel let down by the perhaps one or two new techniques they may find as well as the designs being virtually non-usable in the average person's wardrobe.I am definitely feeling as though I wasted my money on this book, and as a previous reviewer stated, it is definitely headed for eBay VERY soon...

Disappointed
I was very disappointed in this book.The instructions were very detailed in explaining the basic stitches -- however, the projects were not what I was expecting.The projects were all above and beyond what the average person would attempt, or wear if achieved.I will be selling this on ebay soon! Sorry! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Jewelry    6. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    7. Jewelry making    8. Metal Work    9. Needlework - Crocheting    10. Wire craft    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Metal Work    12. JUVY-TODDLERS - JUVY-BATH / SOFT   

Reviews (7)

More Beautiful and Easy Beading patterns
This 2nd book contains more excellent beading instruction and continues to give the beader wonderful color palettes to all the beading designs.Another beadbook Classic.

hard to follow
I'm an experienced beader and these instructions are difficult to follow, the pictures with the faded parts help some, to follow the thread paths, but I certainly wouldn't reccommend this book to someone that has problems following directions without someone to show them how it's done or the inexperienced.

Disappointing
I bought Bead Fantasies and Bead Fantasies II at the same time after reading the positive reviews; I wish I had looked at them before buying. There are pretty motifs that I will incorporate into my beading projects but I find the small typed directions overly simplistic and the diagrams are too small. I'm glad this isn't my first beading book or I would feel totally discouraged from trying any of these projects. I won't be buying Bead Fantasies III.The Art and Elegance of Beadweaving and Coraling Technique remain my favorite beading books.
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Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Beadwork    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jewelry    7. Jewelry making   

Reviews (3)

What I was looking for!
Just the type of diagrams and instructions I've been looking for, clear and easy to follow!Thank you Glen Waszek.This is a must if you are just getting into chains.

Beginning Metalworker Must-Have
This is an excellent book for a novice to intermediate metalworker. The instructions, diagrams, and photographs are very clear and are presented in a logical order. First, Mr. Waszek walks you through descriptions for tools and materials. Next, he explains the basics of working silver. Don't be intimidated by the processes of annealing, pickling, and soldering! The step-by-step instructions and tips make it easy. Instructions for professional finishing are provided, so your chains will be smooth and elegant. Once the basics have been introduced, you're ready for the projects. You'll learn to make trace chains, curb chains, circular link chains, loop-in-loop chains, and fancy links, plus you'll learn how to make your own findings to fasten your chains. Valuable resource for chainmakers
One of the few books devoted just to chainmaking, Glen Waszek's book is a wonderful instructional and reference book.Detailed instructions with clear photographs and diagrams are given for a large number of both classic and unusual chains.The opening chapters on tools and techniques are clear, concise, and well presented. While I found this book somewhat intimidating as a beginner (most of the chains are soldered), it is truly a valuable resource for intermediate and advanced level chainmakers as well.Mr. Waszek offers continued challanges and inspiration to all levels of serious chain crafters.Two thumbs up!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chains (Jewelry)    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Jewelry    6. Jewelry making    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry    8. Handicrafts    9. Jewellery & jewellery-making    10. STUDY NOTES - SparkNotes   

Reviews (7)

Nifty Hand Made Chains
This book is very professionally done.The photos are excellent, and so is the text.The instructions for the interesting projects are concise and clear.

A must have for anyone interested in making jewelry
A wonderful, well thought out book of refreshing and inspirational chain designs. A must have for anyone, beginner to advance worker. Well written instruction, with clear photos. A nice introduction for the beginning chain worker. Highly recommend!

Creative Silver Chains
This is an awesome book! Beautiful silver jewelry. Well worth anyone's collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chains (Jewelry)    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Jewelry    6. Jewelry making    7. Metal Work    8. Silver jewelry    9. Technique    10. BG-FICTION OVER $5 - BG-ANTHOLOGY $5/10    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry    12. Handicrafts    13. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Reviews (2)

Recommended reading with minor caveats - 4.75 stars
This book is a visual feast and factual whopper! With vintage Indian Jewelry gaining popularity, this 200 page hardback book is a 'must read' if, for no other reason than to enjoy the pictures . . . fabulous! Also, much credit is deservedly given to artisans; it was refreshing to see the old timers names alive once again. The price guide is nice but very wide ranging. I spotted one or two factual errors but in a book of this scope, they are minor. I am always concerned about 'back scratching' when a high volume of the photo credits go to such a limited number of sources (owners/collectors/sellers), which is prevalent in this volume; otherwise, I believe you can rely on the very well written facts and figures. The historical overview is excellent and detailed. But most important, if you have any old Indian jewelry similar to those found in these pages, you have something of significance and value. You can bet online auctions will be replete with references to this beautifully illustrated book. Like I said, must read . . . even more . . . must own!

Southwestern silver jewelry
I like this book.I have other books by Paula Baxter, and I new that this one was going to be just as good. I make Indian jewelry and I'm always looking for picture books on the old Indian jewelry and this book is "chuck full of pictures of old jewelry and tools that were used to make the jewelry". The pictures are clear,clean,and big. If you like the way the indian jewelry looked back in the early part of the 1900's this is the book for you. Paula, did a vary nice job and I wish to thank her for this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques/Collectibles    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Indian silverwork    5. Indians of North America    6. Jewelry    7. Silver, Gold & Other Metals    8. Southwest, New    9. Antiques & Collectables    10. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

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

Reviews (5)

Could not wait to return the book
Really did not like the book -- half of the pictures of such ugly strange unrealistic jewelry... Returned the book at once... Highly recommend this one instead: Techniques of Jewelry Illustration & Color Rendering by Adolfo Mattiello.

Best Book for learning Quality Design
It was a true friend that recommended me to get this book. It's relatable information and loads of examples that I craved. I appreciate the intellegent 'you've got to work for design' approach - it affirms that good design is not just a lucky happen chance - but a skill to be refined and appreciated. Elizabeth Olver gives you the tools to aquire the skill. This book will always be at my side!

Great for the art approach!
I purchased this book and found it to be very helpful and inspiring.It truly gives the artistic approach to designing jewelry.There are no step-by-step instructs, it's not that sort of book.Instead, it really opens up your mind to get you thinking of your OWN steps to the creation of your OWN ideas.It covers essential design tools; stages of the design process; elements of design, and creative concepts and is all wrapped up in a beautiful presentation!For someone completely naive to art in jewelry design, pay attention to what it is teaching because it contains valid points.To someone coming in from a point already understanding jewelry, it is a book still worth having because it will make you stretch your creative process and you just may find yourself creating something unique, fresh and new! ... Read more

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