Reviews (9)

Silversmithing Book
Some great information in here... Not a lot about jewelry, however. Great for learning use of tools, polishing, etc. More geared towards large items like silver bowls and utensils. All black and white, maybe not as appealing as full color photos. Nice reference book.

oops, not for jewery
The 3 stars represent disappointment on applicabiity, not the quality of the book.I did find some useful instruction which will apply to my size scale, like bending flat strips, raising, tensioning and a few other things, but if you are looking for something on the wear scale, this ain't it unless you want to do really tiny teapots and bowls.

silversmithing on your own
Good book, good photos and explanations. Nothing takes the place of a good teacher but this is worth the read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. General    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Metal Arts And Crafts    5. Metal Work    6. Silverwork    7. Technology & Industrial Arts    8. Art techniques & materials    9. Gold & silversmithing   

Reviews (1)

He's the Master
Tim McCreight writes a book that is useful for beginners as well as more advanced students of metalsmithing. The information is presented in a manner that is easy to understand. Once you have mastered the technique the book is a wonderful reference tool. This is a must have for your metalsmithing library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Metal Work    5. Crafts & Hobbies / Metal Work    6. JUVY-NON FICTION - JUVY-NON FICTION   

Reviews (4)

Creatively Inspiring
This book has beautiful illustrations, detailed and well chosen content and a nice cross section of the artists' crafts in wire.Best of all, it inspires the creative spark.

Must have for your wire library
This book is a wonderful look into the world of wire jewelry and other wire made products.If you are a serious wire artist then this book will hold your interest.If you are just buying it for wire projects then I would not recommend you buy it.Although the projects are laid out well and easy to follow they are not the best collection of projects I've seen.I was more impressed with the content of the beginning of the book the delves into the world of wire working and design.BUY THIS BOOK if you have a love for wire.You will not be disappointed.

First rate book on designing with wire
Above all, this book shares with us a detailed article (with pictures!) with one of the most influential wire jewelry artisans of the past decade - Lynne Merchant.IMHO, the recently popular thick, oxidized silver, tribal/ethnic, coiled/wrapped style starts with her.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Metal Work    5. Wire craft    6. Base metal & ironworking    7. Sculpture & other three-dimensional art forms   

Reviews (4)

Not very useful
I bought this book thinking it would show/describe common techniques for art related projects (some do's and dont's). Or even a bit on brazing (for welding with exotic meatals like copper and brass). Instead, it is just a step by step for several really uninspired projects. And then mostly tack welding. Not much serious welding.It does cover some very basic information on the different welding processes, but you can get that online for free. I would suggest saving up for weekend welding classes at your local community college. At least you will learn proper welding techniques from pros. You can then determine what equipment is best for you for your needs.
Welding for Arts and Crafts
I was very dissatisfied with this book. I was expecting a book that explained the idea of and how to do Arts and Crafts by welding. It gave very little information about which welder might be best and then a bunch of old outdated projects. I found this book mostly usless.

It does not hold up to the title
This book is not even close to be what the title suggests. There are just a few pages devoted to a very basic review of the various methods of welding. The rest of the book is about building projects based on welding techniques that are not explained in the book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Counseling - Vocational Guidance    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. General    4. Metal Arts And Crafts    5. Metal Work    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Technology & Industrial Arts    8. Welding    9. Art Forms, Treatments & Subjects    10. Business & Economics / Careers   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Jewelry    5. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    6. Metal Work   

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques/Collectibles    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. Asia - India & South Asia    5. General    6. Metal Work    7. Silver, Gold & Other Metals    8. Base metal & ironworking    9. Ethnic studies    10. Gold & silversmithing    11. India    12. Jewellery & jewellery-making    13. Oriental art   

Reviews (5)

Great reference
This book is chock full of illustrations! It has gates, doors, door arches, stair railings, and fence sections. It runs the gamut from simple to very intricate designs. If you are a designer, this is a great resource. If you just appreciate design, you will enjoy browsing through it.

Very interesting reference
I enjoyed this very much.I wish there could have been more photographs, but that would have been a different book.This is almost exclusively line drawings. Beautiful Work
I have a different use for this book than perhaps the typical buyer. I bought it because I love adapting these iron designs into borders or patterns for my pen and ink drawings and paintings. Each page was such a delight when I discovered this book I bought it immediately. You need not use it as a home furnishings book. It works just as well as an inspiring art book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architectural ironwork    2. Architecture    3. Art    4. Clip Art    5. Decoration & Ornament    6. Design - Decorative    7. Metal Arts And Crafts    8. Metal Work    9. Art / Clip Art    10. Art techniques & materials    11. Base metal & ironworking   

Reviews (10)

Very Good Book.Clear and Concise.
This book is well written for the layman working with metal for many purposes.Covers forging, tempering, grinding, reusing old, broken, worn out, or discarded tools and material.Definately has a scrounger in mind when discussing materials.Illustrations are well done and instructions are thorough but not over-simplified.
Decent book
This book contains somethings that are practical, as far as forging and tempering blades for wood working, and a few other various tools. Older technical manuals such as shopwork on the farm by Mack Jones, elementary forge practice, and most other blacksmithing manuals show how that Mr. Weygers has completed certain tasks, plus the steps are more clearly defined. On one note. The anvil that Mr. Weygers made shows his ability as a smith. The only problem is that it is too small for most forging jobs, I would reccomend this book to a starting smith along with several other manuals and pamphlets. Either commonly available, or from my own personal library. Let the anvil ring call you to the shop, and be prepared for the next project. Thanx.

Good Information but Somewhat Dated
I think Alex Weygers is an amazing man, artist and engineer.This book has a LOT of good information on basic smithing but has a few small technical errors.The only drawback is that some of the items upon which he goes into great detail are things that most people would prefer to just buy, rather than make.However, the TECHNIQUES used to make some of these items (like a waste water pump) can be applied to other things.He is a world-class scrounger and tries to identify good sources of junk metal. However, the world has changed since he wrote this book and the composition of some of the junk auto parts he recommends has changed considerably. It is a book worth owning if you are interested in smithing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blacksmithing    2. Career/Job    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Metal Work    6. Sociology - Rural    7. Technical & Manufacturing Trades    8. Tools    9. Animal husbandry    10. Other Technologies    11. Other manufacturing technologies   

Reviews (7)

Virgina Locksmith
I have several editions of "the Complete Book of Locks and Locksmithing."They're all good.I've learned a lot from them.But the sixth edition is by far the best.I especially like the sections on lock picking, impressioning, and selling safes.

Far from a complete guide
I wasn't terribly impressed by this book - it was missing a great deal of basic information, had very incompletely coverage about such traditional skills such as picking locks, manually cutting keys, etc. Instead the author emphasises circumventing locks through alternative methods (for example by shearing off retaining bolts/screws and pulling a core). I found the coverage of large number of locks helpful for locks that I have not come in contact with, but overall I was not very impressed by this book.

Not for beginners or the curious
I'm not sure just how this book earned such high praise from supposedly learned people.Or perhaps that's the problem: they already know enough about locks and locksmithing to have no need for the basic information that is so severely lacking in this volume.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Locksmithing    5. Metal Arts And Crafts    6. Metal Manufacturing    7. Metal Work    8. Metallurgy    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Metal Work    10. Engineering: general   

Reviews (3)

Great Book for both mediums
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The pictures and ideas for projects were new and very inspiring...not easy when there are so many books out on the subjects. A good review on the different types of metal clay and how each can be used. This book is a valuable addition a metal clay and beaders library and well worth the price.

Great Resource for the Beaded Jewelry Enthusiast
In addition to providing a very good introduction to metal clay, Irina gives a fresh perspective to the medium in the projects section. Projects offer inspiration for jewelry designers along with practical applications. This is a very nice resource and a welcome addition to my library!

Perfect for beginners to metal clays.
I especially liked the comparisions for the 2 major clays out there.Having had a preference for one over the other, I now see that both have a usefulness in future projects I am planning. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Clay    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jewelry    7. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    8. Metal Work   

Reviews (3)

Excellent book
Mr. Blanford Writes of experience. He makes you feel welcome in the world of the blacksmith. Is on my must read book list for my students.

Percy W BLANDFORD: Practical Blacksmithing and Metalworking
As a beginner blacksmith with a professional engineering background I bought previously Alexander G Weygers: "The Complete Modern Blacksmith" largely because it had many "excellent" reviews. However, Blandford wins on most points. I have found Blandford very helpful on specific details, on leading me through principles and methods, with much clearer illustations properly referenced in the text, and with a wider scope of nedded information. In contrast Blandford has much better information on welding, and detail on forges and on aprons and is far better indexed. I have learned a lot from both books, but if I had to choose one it would be Blandford.

General Introduction...Worth Owning
Percy Blandford writes on a lot of shop craft topics and has clearly thought about them a lot.He writes well.This is a general introduction to metalwork primarily from a smithing perspective...that is, carbon steelwork.It touches on other areas but really isn't suitable to the beginningwelder, sheetmetal worker, or tool and die hobbiest.It would be best forthe person who wants to make historic replica items from a forge who onewho wishes to supplement historical replica woodworking with some basicmetal work in brass or iron/steel. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blacksmithing    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Ironwork    6. Metal Work    7. Pottery & Ceramics    8. Technical & Manufacturing Trades    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Metal Work   

Reviews (4)

When Fiber Becomes Metal
Though not the end all, be all of the technique (I wish she'd come out with a good project based how-to book on the subject), you will find tons of inspiration in the gallery and in the descriptions of the basic techniques! For those looking for a way to add to their current jewlery work or jump from textiles to jewelry, you'll find lots of help here.

A Veritable Encyclopedia of Fiber Techniques for Metal!
This fascinating book can't be just read and set aside. Instead the reader finds themself sketching designs then working to duplicate the processes described in intricate detail both in print and with photographic illustration.
Inspires new creative ideas and works
An excellent guide inspiring ideas for both metal sculpture and jewelry. A beautiful, as well as a thoughtful presentation of textile history and techniques adapted for use with metals. The photographs are elegant andeloquent in the information that they alone convey. A remarkable bookuseful to both students of jewelry techniques and to masters of metal work.Five Stars to Arline Fisch! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Metal Work    5. Metal cloth    6. Metal-work    7. Textile Arts - General    8. Textile crafts    9. Base metal & ironworking    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Metal Work    11. Handicrafts    12. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games    13. Jewellery & jewellery-making    14. LITERATURE - LIT CLASSICS TRD PB   

Reviews (16)

Outdated, maybe?
I got this book from the library and didn't keep it for long. As a wire beginner I found the designs easy to do since there are sufficient instructions in the beginning. The jewelry pieces are very basic, and I noticed that some of them can easily snag on hair or clothing. This will pull the designs apart. I tried making a few links of some of them and found this to be true. I also found some of the designs to be way "un"-designs, I don't find they have artistic integrity. There are a few nice ideas, but I would not buy this book. Maybe it is outdated?

Great Book for Insperations
Im a beginner wire,jewerly person and this book was recommened on one of the jewerly lists im on.Im not disappointed I got it by far but it does require lots of practice,love of the craft and talent..Im hoping to aquire more of two of the above for I have the love as the author of this book as all Three.. worth having.Mrs.C.

Disappointing
I found the wire design projects in this book to be redundant when comparedwith the projects available online and in some other books. They are not just similar - they are exactly the same. For one project that I like enough to attempt, the instructions are unclear and seem to be incomplete. After reading through them several times, the only thing that was clear was that I'd either have to figure it out for myself or forget about it. I'm at the lower intermediate level, so this book is definitely not suitable for beginners. There isn't much to get excited about and I'm rather disappointed in this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Beadwork    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jewelry    7. Jewelry making    8. Metal Work    9. Art techniques & materials    10. BG-JUVENILE PROP - BG-JUVY ACTIVITY    11. Handicrafts    12. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Enamel and enameling    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Metal Work    6. Pottery & Ceramics    7. Technique    8. Enamelling   

Reviews (6)

Foxfire 5 is excellent.
The information contained within Foxfire 5 has come in handy for Duane many a times for learning how to do stuff. Most of the old methods are now lost to the current generation of Americans. It is a good reference for someone who wants to learn hands-on skills, such as blacksmithing and other independent living skills.

Not what I expected it to be
I have the Foxfire two book which goes into detail about how to take sheep's wool, card it, spin it and make something. It also tell how to build a horse wagon. There are lots of pictures and drawings.
Another "MUST HAVE" for your bookshelf
If you enjoy the Appalachian culture, you'll love theFOXFIRE books. Volume No. 5 covers bear hunting, blacksmithing and gun making. If you've never read these books, it may be difficult, since the text is written in the vernacular of the mountain folk, but this adds to the charm and "character" of the books. The bear hunting stories wer entertaining, but I really enjoyed reading about Hacker Martin and Hershall House. If you want to know how life really was in the Smokey Mountains, read this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Appalachian Region, Southern    2. Country life    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. General    5. Handicraft    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Metal Work    8. Nature    9. Nature / Field Guide Books    10. Social life and customs    11. United States - State & Local - General    12. Crafts & Hobbies / General   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Hobbies/Crafts    3. Metal Work    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Woodwork - General    6. Technology: General Issues   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Embossing (Metal-work)    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Metal Arts And Crafts    6. Metal Work    7. Metal foils    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Metal Work    9. JUVY-TODDLERS - JUVY-BABY NOVELTY   

Reviews (6)

A great investment!
I bought this book when I took my first jewelry making class. The book was extremely helpful. It's descriptive, precise, and has great photographs. It's good for a beginning jewelry student because it doesn't involve soldering. It's also good for someone who wants to focus on learning techniques instead of working on original designs. About a year after purchasing this book I looked through it again, and it's still inspiring! Now that I know some more advanced jewelry making techniques and am proficient at soldering I sometimes forget about the basic cold-connections covered in this book. After looking through the book again I came up with some new and original designs. Anyone interested in making jewelry should own this book (& the series of books by Tim McCreight).

One of a Kind!
I love books, but this one had a spell on me! I was smiling with everytime page turn! Is like I commanded someone to create a cool jewelry book and Joanna just did it!
jewelry rave
This book is a must have for anyone who wants to create beauty with metals, but does not have safe access to a torch.I live in a condo, and had to find an available 'lab' whenever I wanted to complete a piece of jewelry.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Jewelry    5. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    6. Metal Arts And Crafts    7. Metal Work    8. BG-JUVENILE PROP - BG-JUVY ACTIVITY    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry   

Reviews (18)

Braid wire in a day!
I found the authors' instructions to be very clear.I had no trouble following their instructions, and made a bracelet in a day!I especially liked the way they showed photos of common mistakes and how to fix them.The section on precious metal clays was very interesting and I am looking forward to trying PMC.I have been braiding wire ever since I got the book, and have received many compliments on the braided wire bracelet I made from the book.My one disappointment is that the authors' showed many beautiful styles in the gallery, but did not include instructions on those braiding/weaving techniques.I would recommend this book for anyone interesting in learing how to braid wire.

dissapointing
pros: elegant designs
Clever, clear and not for the beginner !
Let me start by saying that if you are interested in making jewelry. You should learn to solder! It is not that difficult, nor has to be that expensive. You can purchase a butane torch that is refilled from the same cans that refill lighters. Add to that the three different solders, hard, med and soft or easy. These are different melting temperatures solder needed. with the flux and one or two tools you have you can silver solder form $30 to under $100.U.S. It will expand your work and range more than anything else you can do. As to the book in question. First is if you want to learn these techniques but balk at spending the money for the silver wire. Just replace it with bare copper wire or brass wire from the hobby or home center. The bare copper wire sold in the electrical dept is called ground wire and they have a number of gauges.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Jewelry    5. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    6. Jewelry making    7. Metal Work    8. Wire craft    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry    10. Handicrafts    11. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Reviews (11)

Not for the visual learner
This is not so much a "how to" Book, but it would be great for anyone simply researching the subject.

My two cents
Alex Bealer's text on the subject of blacksmithing is not only of experience, but also the experience of others. In his book he talks quite a bit about the late Sam Yellin. About smith's that he knows, and about his own smithing experience. It may be long winded to some, or may be pompous. Yet Mr. Bealer is sharing not only knowledge with you. But opening doors to the same past we came from. I have been a hobby smith for 16 years, and this book is one of the finest books on the subject out there. Let the sparks fly, and the anvil ring.

Enjoyable read - not a primer
I love this book. There is a lot of interesting information presented in a very readable format.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Career/Job    3. Careers - Job Hunting    4. Metal Arts And Crafts    5. Metal Work    6. Sale Adult - Crafts / Hobbies    7. Art techniques & materials    8. Base metal & ironworking    9. Other manufacturing technologies    10. Sale Books