Reviews (8)

Jewelers Review
The book is well presented and easy to access with information covering all aspects of jewelery making. it has loads of pictures which make the difficult concepts understandable. Good book for beginners and as a reference book.

super book
This book is a wonderful overview of most of the techniques of metalsmithing. The professional edition is sturdier for the most part than the older edition the book is designed to lat flat on the bench it is obvious it was designed by someone who designs functional objects for a living. It is the first book I recommend to anyone getting into metal work, from blacksmithing to jewelry making. It is a definite must-have and a classic of its kind. This said, if you get into any one technique more, specialty books are helpful, but this is the best overview out there. I dont give five stars often but this was womderful.

Mixed Blessing
Pros:This text covers alot of techniques, has a good intro into metallurgy, and it has a great appendix.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Metal Work    5. BG-REFERENCE - BG-REFERENCE    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Metal Work    7. JUVY-YOUNG READERS - JUVY-FICT HC YNG RDR   

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 (5)

The best on the subject !
Being relativelly new to the subject of Japanese swords and fittings I was quite impresse by two things:
Very Good Buy!
Very amazing photos, and quality information on each photo and sword. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

A modern book on japanese sword fittings
This review is a joint effort with Laerte E. Ottaiano
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Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Catalogs    4. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions - General    5. Design - Decorative    6. Exhibition Catalogs    7. General    8. Japan    9. Metal Arts And Crafts    10. Metal Work    11. Sword guards    12. Sword mountings    13. Swords    14. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles   

Reviews (3)

Must have,
This book is unparalleled in its information about precious metals. I would almost trade all my other metal books for this one alone. Well worth the cost and indispensable to a Goldsmith. If you want to work in metal, from iron to platinum, you need this book. Very technical but the information is invaluable and can be applied to any metal medium. My copy has some duplicate pages in the 50-60 range, but nothing was left out. That is my only complaint and I am sure it was just a binding error that may be in only my book as none of the others I have seen do.

great book
The depth and amount of information in this book is staggering. The translation is great it doesn't seem stilted as a lot of translations do. It was edited by Tim Mcreigth of "the complete metalsmith" fame and was translated and published by his company. It gives way more information on the reason of why and how techniques work than any other book I have seen. In some ways it is the prefect companion to "the complete metal smith" it has a lot of the same information as it and a lot more depth. My only caveat is it can be a little dry and some times overly technical. but still it is a great work.

This is the best theoretical book in jewelry
The Brepohl's book surely is the best book about the theory of the jewelry's affair's that I know, but isn't a project book. Is a textbook well written, with a very good english translation (the original is in german).The theory of metalurgy, that is lacking in the others books on the field, is update and well presented.In the end of some chapters there are few examples of student work, but their level is very high, and isn't showed all details of how to get it. If you want to know why and not only how, you must have this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business/Economics    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Goldwork    4. Metal Work    5. Reference   

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   

Editorial Review

To take something as ordinary as wire and present it as a trueart form is an amazing achievement, and this book does exactly that.According to Suzanne Slesin, the story of wire as a component of usefuland decorative household objects began in Slovakia in the 17th century,where tinkers used thin strands of iron to repair household pottery.The art of wirework flourished and traveled throughout the Austro-Hungarian Empire during the next century, becoming highly developed andquite popular by the end of the 1800s; utilitarian objects such asbaskets, bottle racks, serving dishes, plant stands, trivets, andbirdcages were both made of and embellished with wire. Sadly, wireornamentation as a decorative art is mainly a thing of the past, butbecause these objects are so sturdy, they can often be purchased asantiques. The book has a long directory of European and Americansources for wirework. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Comprehensive historical and technical book
As an artist and metal worker, I've found this book comprehensive. Great illustrations and historical documents. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques / Collectibles    3. Antiques/Collectibles    4. Decoration & Ornament    5. General    6. Interior Design    7. Metal Arts And Crafts    8. Textiles & Costume    9. Wire craft    10. Wire in interior decoration    11. Antiques & collectables: gold & silver (other than jewellery)    12. Antiques & collectables: jewellery    13. Decorative arts & crafts    14. Home furnishing & decoration    15. Metals technology / metallurgy   

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 (1)

Excellent book - companion cd is "okay"
This new "pro" edition of The Complete Metalsmith is everything you would expect it to be. Detailed, accurate, and filled with many useful diagrams. It is a significant improvement over the regular edition in terms of topic depth and scope.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Hobbies/Crafts    3. Metal Work   

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 (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 (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 (17)

The one book for any art metal/jewelry artist
This edition or any of the other versions of this book is a must have. I have seen this book in one edition or another sold in the most different locations with only one thing in common. That is METAL you can use it no matter what you are doing if its with metal you can use this book. I have a large number of books in my collection and find that I use this one to answer questions and get quick info. I would suggest that you get the pro edition at some point as it comes with a disk with some small programs for a PDA and books on the computer only. I own it in three different editions.

Who's the audience?
This book is strange because it goes back and forth between seeming to be for beginners and advanced metal smiths. I think if the author had defined his audience before constructing the book, he may have done a better job. Another problem is that full chapters are crammed onto one page, with illustrations that sometimes do, sometimes don't relate to the text. And the text is so abbreviated that it's hard to get any real information out of it. I wish I could recommend a better book for the the beginner metal smith (which I am), but I have yet to find one.

Outstanding - Service
I was amazed at how quick this book arrived.They were in excellent condition. I will always come back. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manual    2. Art metal-work    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Metal Arts And Crafts    7. Metal Work    8. Metal-work    9. Metalwork    10. Art techniques & materials    11. Base metal & ironworking    12. Crafts & Hobbies / Metal Work    13. STUDY NOTES - SparkNotes   

Reviews (3)

Inspiring!
If you love unique silver and gold jewelry but don't want to become a metalsmith, read Metal Clay Magic. With the development of metal clay, only your imagination limits what you can create in quality silver and gold.
Showing beginners how to create beads, brooches, and more from this new Japanese material
Nana V. Mizushima's Metal Clay Magic: Making Silver Jewelry The Easy Way provides a solid introduction to metal clay, showing beginners how to create beads, brooches, and more from this new Japanese material. Lesson plans are based on over twenty easy projects and provide everything from shaping and use tips to hints on how to fire metal clay with a butane torch, use an electric kiln, and more. The inclusion of Internet resources and a bibliography round out the how-to facts, which are packed with step-by-step color photos for easy demonstration of technique.

Book Review by Mary Timme, Rocky Mountain Bead Society, rockybeads.org
First let me tell you I'm not a metal clay artist, but I do pretend sometimes.Metal Clay Magic has joined a heavy hitting line up of books on metal clay.I like the techniques in this book and the explanations of different types of heat applied to metal clay and the results you get from that. The tools and materials section is really good, because it shows the little `hot pot' techniques up to the most wonderful of kilns.I also like the division of projects, meaning the one chapter is for beginners and then next chapter is intermediate and goes on to using more advanced techniques.There is a section for inspiration, resources and suppliers and suggested reading that I find not really long, very well presented.I also liked the idea of using sheet metal clay in what seemed to me unique ways, and of combing metal clay with glass and gemstones.I'd never thought of making a metal clay ring and that was fascinating also.This seems like a good book for the metal clay enthusiasts.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Jewelry    5. Metal Arts And Crafts    6. Metal Work   

Reviews (21)

Excellent
Lots of great ideas and tips. A wonderful book for any artist seeking to expand their skills. This book will stay on my desk
Very Comprehensive!
I'm a mixed media collage artist, which very regularly implements metal into my design, this book is amazing! It shows different transfer techniques as well as giving your metal a patina (either with ammonia or patina kits that can be purchased at Michaels).
Nobody beats the O'Briens
It's finally here: a book by Linda and Opie O'Brien.If you ever wanted to work with tin, or metal and wondered how, this is the book for you. Linda and Opie O'Brien take you through each and every step, clearly, precisely and flawlessly enabling you to reproduce anything in the book. It is unlikely that any other two artists are as generous and forthcoming as the O'Briens as they work their magic and share it fully. I have had the privilege to take several classes with Linda and Obie, and it was as if I was in the same room with them as I walked from one project to another hearing their voices as they alternate between the art of using a punch or rivet gun, and then switch gracefully into demonstrating the mysteries of image transfers.
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Subjects:  1. Art metal-work    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Metal Arts And Crafts    6. Metal Work    7. Metal-work    8. Base metal & ironworking    9. Handicrafts   

Reviews (8)

Good for Beginners
This is my 1st year to pursue blacksmithing.I have read a number of books on the subject, but I am not a seasoned smith.
Great book for the self-starter
Jack Andrews' "New Edge of the Anvil" is a great book for getting started in blacksmithing.It has clear text, detailed pictures, and inspiring blacksmith's profiles.I find myself referencing it often.Highly recommended.

One of the best for beginning blacksmithing
I am a beginning blacksmither and have been getting books from our library.This is one that is so good, I wanted to own a copy.
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Subjects:  1. Blacksmithing    2. Metal Work    3. Metallurgy    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Technical & Manufacturing Trades    6. Technology    7. Technology & Industrial Arts   

Reviews (10)

Good Instructions - Beautiful Pictures
I've been working with wire a couple of years, but can always find new ways of working with wire.They have some traditional wire skills along with new ideas.I found the instructions easy to follow.I even reviewed some of the traditional designs made for a beginner and used them in teaching a beginners class.Worked like a charm.I highly recommend this book for all levels of wire wire except maybe the most advanced.Most all designs were new and not published elsewhere.

Beautiful!!
Very good book for wire work!The instructions are pretty easy to understand and the pictures are very helpful.The jewelry in the book is beautiful!
Bead & Wire Art Jewelry
I've learned a few new techniques in the book.Well illustrated.Thank you. ... Read more

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

Reviews (19)

Greatest swordsmith?
This is the book which introduce many people outside Japan to understand modern Japanese sword making. It also helped Yoshindo Yoshihara to become one of the most recogniseble face amongst swordmakers in the West. Even so one must point out that although Yoshindo is very highly ranked in Japan he is by no means the finest swordmaker as we speak. His brother Shoji Yoshihara (who appeared in the Last Samurai)is considered more skillful and he is not alone amongst swordsmiths. However one cannot underestimate the contribution the author and Yoshindo san has made for swords by being involved in this wonderful publication.

Yoshindo Yoshihara Sensei
I known this swordsmith in Turin - Italy (April 2005): will showcase some of the phases inherent in the forging of a traditional katana (Japanese sword) using a forge built for the occasion by the master himself.
just what i was looking for
a great book in english not only for the old blade collector: it gives you a detailed idea of the stages involved in the creation of a nihonto and also takes a picture of moder days swordsmiths. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Asian    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Japan    6. Metal Arts And Crafts    7. Metal Work    8. Military Science    9. Swords    10. Base metal & ironworking    11. Militaria, arms & armour   

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