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 (4)

Another great reference by McCreight
I found the section on hinges to be worth the price of the book, and another section on catches is almost as good. Many other topics are covered as well. The color photos illustrate what can be done with the techniques and materials being discussed. A wide range of styles is portrayed, and not everyone would find all of them to be attractive, but that really does not matter. You can create something in your own style using the techniques described. This is a reference work, but I also consider this an instructional book with a number of projects anyone can pursue if he or she owns the basic tools for metalworking.

Another Excellent McCreight Instructional Book
After having enjoyed his "Jewelry: Fundamentals of Metalsmithing", I decided I definitely wanted to purchase Tim McCreight's book on boxes and lockets.I had no doubt that this book would be as informational and interesting as the previous book, and I was not wrong.This well-written book excels not only in its specialized instruction in hinges and catch mechanisms, but also in its foundation of basic and intermediate metalsmithing.In addition, the wealth of color photographs of works by many other artists in addition to the author provides a veritable trove of inspiration for one's own original pieces.The appendices provide helpful information and numbers pertaining not only to fabricating boxes and lockets, but to all silver and goldsmithing in general.I must concur with the general consensus that McCreight's book are all essential resources for the metalsmith.

A "how-to" book that really shows you "how-to".
Tim has gathered beautifully photographed examples of remarkably intricate and creative boxes and lockets.However, rather than intimidate the novice, his instructions are so clear that one can turn out a modest success quickly.This book is to box making what Stark's book is to chains. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art metalwork    2. Box making    3. Boxes in art    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Crafts / Hobbies    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Lockets    8. Metal Work    9. Metal-work   

Reviews (6)

Lovely designs, avoid his methods
This was the first book I bought on knifemaking, and my copy is falling apart (it's 28 years old!)I absolutely love David Boye's sense of design, and his work has inspired my own considerably.That said, I learned a great deal about knifemaking from other sources, and I use few of his methods.Specifically, I would never use a wheel grinder on knife steel, it generates a great deal more heat than a belt grinder, isn't nearly as accurate, and the cutting surface is smaller.I would NEVER cut out blades with a cutting torch, unless you wanted to grind away at least 1/4 in from the cut edge, you're messing up your steel's microstructure doing this (see p. 111 under grain growth!)I appreciate the lengths he's gone to to describe heat treating, but had little luck with it myself; I would strongly advise against trying to heat-treat complex steels like D2, 440C, or 154CM yourself, unless you like throwing your work away.Finally, though I absolutely love the acid etchwork in the book, the beeswax/asphaltum etching ground recommended here is a very tempermental one, I would use commercial etching ground if I were doing this.Since messing with aqua regia at home is not the safest thing, I'd suggest looking into some of the other methods, such as electrochemical etching.So, I would say to the beginning knifemaker that I'd use this book for inspiration, but go elsewhere for methods.If at all possible, talk to someone who's been doing it a while.

Excellent Book to begin knifesmithing
I got this book out of my local library and I can't wait to get started making a knife.I've recently ordered a copy for myself.It will be edgeworn soon.This book is an excellent place to start making knives for the beginner, since Boye uses recycled steel.His explanations and diagrams and photos of the process are invaluable for this endeavor.I only wish he wrote one on folding knives.

Stock removal knife making and etching.
This book primarily covers making knives (mostly kitchen knives) by starting with thin plates of steel (HUGE bandsaw blades), cutting out a knife blank, and shaping the knife by grinding it.I personally far preferforging a blade, which this author does not even touch on.Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Crafts & Hobbies / Metal Work    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. General    5. Power Tools    6. Antiques & Collectibles    7. Crafts & Hobbies    8. Knives    9. Metal Work    10. Metal-work   

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 (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 (2)

Traditional techniques very different from ours
Men have always decorated their weapons. The main items being decorated in the United States have been guns. But in Japan it is the traditional Japanese sword. Being more of a land of tradition, the Japanese sword became more or less standardized in shape as long ago as the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries and polishing the sword had to have followed shortly after that.
A very good introduction to sword polishing
I wish I had this book 20 years ago when I first started to investigate the art of polishing. This book provides a wealth of information on the technigues, the material and the different ways that can be used to get a sword polisihed. In fact, the diversity of the art is highlighted by the book and certainly dispells the notion that there is only one way to restore a blade. The section on foundation polish discusses how to achieve the proper shape without removing too much material. The different stones are described and how each is used to establish and refine the shape. The finishing section covers the range of materials and tools used to bring out the grain and tempered edge unique to the Japanese sword. It also shows the burnishing and how to highlight the boshi.
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Subjects:  1. Asia - Japan    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Grinding and polishing    4. History - General History    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Japan    7. Metal Work    8. Reference    9. Swords    10. Art techniques & materials    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Metal Work   

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   

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)

Not horseshoes!
Very detailed book that takes you from setting up your forge to creating pieces.Excellent photography and instructions. The text is witty and interesting. Highly recommend!

A Treasure
I have found this book to be invaluable both as a resource for my work & an all around good read.
The Backyard Blacksmith
Well put-together book. Descriptive & accurate. Nice to see an abundance of quality photos that help in illustrating the topic. Useful anecdotal info coupled with solid technical knowledge. One of the best books on blacksmithing I have. Highly recommended for anyone interested in blacksmithing, especially the beginner. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Blacksmithing    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Metal Arts And Crafts    7. Metal Work    8. Technical & Manufacturing Trades    9. Crafts & Hobbies / General    10. Handicrafts   

Reviews (5)

Another of McCeight's winners
Don't let the sub title Studio Reference throw a scare in you. With its lay flat binding and clear and concise steps, you will be using it in the studio as a ready reference book. As somebody who owns and have read over 25 books on casting and foundry work. This book was a light read compared to some it doesn't get bogged down in to much tech for tech sake. If you just want to find out about what it takes to do a little casting or jump in and go all the way this is the one bok for you. I own it.

Excellent summary of studio casting techniques
This book, like McCreight's other books on working metals, divides the subject into easily digestible portions and treats each topic separately (often on a separate page) with a short discussion. Line drawings help clarify important points. The focus is on the tools, materials, and techniques of lost wax casting, but also covers sand casting, the use of flexible molds, using the services of a foundry, and other topics of concern to the studio metalsmith. It's a great reference tool if you need to look up the proper sequence to use in a particular technique, or a formula for making your own crucibles. Learning to cast almost requires hands-on instruction, and this book alone cannot provide that. But if you're already familiar with casting, it's a wonderful reference.

Another McCreight Gem
Tim McCreight's books are always excellent, and PRACTICAL CASTINGRead more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Investments & Securities - General    5. Metal Work    6. Base metal & ironworking   

Reviews (3)

Excellent book!
I own every PMC book known to mankind, and Louise's new book fits right up there among the best! Louise is a fantastic artist who shares her knowledge well... Thanks, Louise!

Solid instructional book
As a PMC teacher and owning every book on the market! I was happy with this purchase, a good variety of techniques that will satisfy beginners and intermediate level artisans. Good projects using a variety of mixed media too. I particularly liked the sheet clay "origami" earrings. Clear instructions and photos. Won't be out of place on your shelf amongst your other books.

Fantastic Metal-Clay Book, Innovative & Creative Projects!
Precious Metal Clay and Art Clay Silver are just about the hottest new craft materials of this decade, and for good reason! Imagine a material that you can sculpt and mold just like other clay, but the end result, when baked properly in a kiln, is pure silver! New worlds of creative possibilities have been opened up to jewelry artists with the creation of this product, but finding a good book that not only introduces readers to the basics but also challenges intermediate to advanced artists is not easy. Louise Duhamel's new book, Metal Clay Jewelry, does just that.
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Subjects:  1. Clay    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Jewelry    6. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    7. Metal Work    8. Techniques - Sculpting    9. Handicrafts    10. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crocheting    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Jewelry    6. Knitting    7. Metal Work    8. Needlework - Crocheting    9. Needlework - Knitting    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (4)

Great book for beginners
This book is great for newbies to Metal casting, it provides great details in creating molds, furnaces, and the do's and don'ts.
solid.
This text is great for the sand molder.There is a depth of knowledge that few others can illustrate in a clear manner.Also notable is the glossary of casting terms that takes up the last half of the book with drawings and clear language.I would recommend that every beginning metal caster buy this item, and every experienced caster peek at it when nobody is looking.Thumbs Up!
Metalcasting
This is a big thick paperback book, that you might think goes into great detail and has a lot of descriptions. Unfortunatly, there is just some background and and brief descriptions of different things. Also, almost half the book is devoted to a glossary. If you want to find out about sand casting, "The complete Sand Casting Manual" also written by him though still not complete, is the book for you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Founding    2. Foundry Metallurgy    3. Metal Manufacturing    4. Metal Work    5. Metal castings    6. Metallurgy    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Technical & Manufacturing Trades    9. Technology    10. Technology & Industrial Arts    11. Art techniques & materials    12. Base metal & ironworking    13. Crafts & Hobbies / Metal Work    14. Metals technology / metallurgy   

Features

• Illustrated

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Metal Work    5. Art techniques & materials    6. Base metal & ironworking    7. Decorative finishes & surfaces    8. ENAMEL AND ENAMELING    9. Enamelling    10. Handicrafts    11. Technology / Technical & Manufacturing Industries & Trades   

Reviews (9)

This is probably the number one beginners book out there.
This book is of the style that McCreight has become associated with. For good or bad, Tim's books are either hated or loved. That is just the way it is. This book was published in what could be called the dark ages of the metal clay movement. It is truly a beginners book. In the sense it is for beginners and it was at the beginning of metal clay. It covers one brand of the two major players in the production of precious metal powders in a clay binder/carrier. The projects are simple, small and easy. As they should be for new people and a new medium. I can not judge the projects merit, because as with most things. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. When you open it up it will lay flat on a table. The projecct pictures should be larger. As the PMC title is not onlt a descriptive generic nomenclature along with a trademark. It does cover the basics of working with the clay of both types.The tips are as always good to know. the tools are of the type that can be constructed by anybody with little handywork skills or tools. It touches the surface of a new material and what the possiblities of it holds. I own it.

Very imformative
I love this book as a reference, it is written very clearly and easy to understand. Very well organized also. If you are in to PMC I would highly recommend this book.

Good start!
I have to admit, I skipped all the projects and headed straight to the back for tips and tools.For the information provided on both subjects alone, I give this book 4 stars.It is indeed a beginner's guide of sorts, not for someone with experience looking for creative ideas.Spiral bound makes it a wonderful working reference. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Clay    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Metal Work   

Reviews (2)

Fantastic plates from original portfolios with examples of 1
It is difficult to find an original porfolio full of plates illustrating the work of the French "ferroniers" in the twenties. This inexpensive booklet lets one admire these marvelous and rare examples, many of which no longer exist.

Art Deco Ornamental Ironwork
This book is a collection of 670 illustrations. No text is included with the illustrations, butcould be a good resource for someone interested in seeing the various types of design used in what was mainly cast iron.Thebooks groups the ironwork into handrails, window balconies, railings.banisters, drapery screens and door panels etc. For someone looking for acopyright free set of graphics this would be a good choice. For thoseinterested in finding out how this ironwork was made and by who it would bea bad choice. These is no explanation of who, when or how in this book -just a collection of detailed illustrations. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Art    3. Art deco    4. Art metal-work    5. Catalogs    6. Crafts / Hobbies    7. Decoration and ornament    8. Design - Decorative    9. General    10. History    11. Metal Work    12. Antiques & Collectibles / General    13. Art Nouveau    14. Base metal & ironworking   

Reviews (3)

A collection of techniques for metalsmiths
Wow-this book was a treat!Are you ready to add another dimension to your jewelry making?
Metals Technic
This is a great book for advanced metalwork.It is a guide of decorative techniques and some forming of metal.I would recommend this book for anyone who is interested in learning some interesting and fun techniques for decorating and creating their jewellery.It also includes a short history of where some of the techniques evoloved.The instructions are clear and include drawings and diagrams.I wouldn't recommend this book for beginners because having some prior working knowledge of the metals is definately needed for using this book.A Great book and reference!

A good look at several metalworking methods
Each chapter in the book provides a short lesson on a different technique in decorative metalworking.There is a lot of good detailed information; enough to get you interested and started with some ideas.The chapters range from patina recipes and application methods to anticlastic raising tomaking your own tools (and several things in between!).As a beginner inthe metalworking field, I found the subject matter fairly accessible, anddefinitely tantalizing.I want to get in there and start hammering away! Avery helpful and inspiring book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Jewelry making    3. Material Science    4. Metal Work    5. Metal-work    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Technology   

Reviews (1)

A good biographical book on Hector Aguilar and his influence
This book is well done. But, it is not a Morrill and Berk book on an overview of Mexican Silver and Taxco. It is more narrow in scope that its title would suggest concentrating in depth on Hector Aguilar and making himmuch more a personna than Morill and Berk do in their book, where he isdwarfed by Spratling. The photos in this book are of homes and people. Thephotos there are of silver of the Taller are good but do not again expectthe detail to the Morrill and Berk book. This is a supplement and to loversof Aguilar and those who wish to know more about the man and his life bothpersonal and professional. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Aguilar, Hâector    3. Antiques & Collectibles    4. Antiques / Collectibles    5. Antiques/Collectibles    6. General    7. History    8. Metal Arts And Crafts    9. Mexico    10. Silver, Gold & Other Metals    11. Silversmiths    12. Silverwork    13. Taxco de Alarcon    14. Taxco de Alarcâon    15. Aguilar, Héctor    16. Antiques & collectables: gold & silver (other than jewellery)    17. Antiques & collectables: jewellery    18. Gold & silversmithing   

Reviews (5)

A great insight and concept book
First off ,I agree totaly with david barnetts views.its a insight book .Just read the title and it says what the book is all about.To me it shows what can be done and whom has done it.Grant you id love to see in the book a way to contact the artists.As a artist IMHO its sometimes very helpfull to see what can be done in order to open up my mind to new ideas.Tim does have some very helpful information in the front..I have not seen a book of Tim McCreight's that i have not liked very much as I have learned alot from..I have bought many of Tim's books as they are done very well....
great resource
This book gave me a lot a great techniques and insights into coloring metals!

Where did all the color go?
50 artists share insights but the techniques seem to be limited to a brief explanation and a footnote at the bottom of a picture listing the material used. While many of the photos are great examples of what "can" be done with color, you won't be finding out "how" with this book. But hey, you will get to read 50 esoteric explanations of abstract principals, the kind that artists throw in their bios to make their work seem more interesting than it really is. As a coffee table book it's fine but the useable information is extremely limited. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Art metal-work    3. Catalogs    4. Color Theory    5. Crafts & Hobbies    6. Crafts / Hobbies    7. History    8. Hobbies/Crafts    9. Metal Work    10. Polychromy    11. Technique    12. Art techniques & principles    13. Base metal & ironworking   

Reviews (5)

kRoy Dunlap Gunsmithing
This book is okay. I bought it after buying several others and it has added to my knowledge about some guns and techniques. Not a bad book at all but it could use some better and more frequent illustrations in my book.

one of the best books on this subject
I agree with other reviews that this book is a bit outdated looking at subjects like modern semi- and full-automatics. But this book is very well written indeed and a must have without a doubt for every learning and experienced gunsmith and or smaal arms designer. I have a lot of books on this subjects and this one one of the very best on my shelf. Absolutely advisable!

A Keeper
My Dad and I shot with Roy in my preteen years. I was impressed with him as a shooter then, and as a gunsmith now. Someone mentioned "out of date" photos and dead authors. This issues are NOT relevant, as the knowledge encompassed in the book are not dependent on photos......Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. General    3. Gunsmithing    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Metal Work    7. Shooting    8. Handicrafts    9. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games