Review: Felt, Fabric, and Fiber Jewelry

I have a couple of cool fiber jewelry books to share with you this week – this one is by the talented Sherri Haab, I’m such a fan of jewelry made from non-traditional materials. . . . Well, let’s face it – I’m a fan of anything made from non-traditional materials.

Anyway, Felt, Fabric, and Fiber Jewelry incorporates those eponymous materials in some very ingenious ways, and the book’s design is lovely. I really like these dimensional felt flowers on the cover.

Also a big fan of this fabric treatment for wooden beads – very elegant, and this simple stringing on the cording really lets the beads shine.

This is probably my favorite project in the whole book – it involves looping thin fabric strips into a burlap background. The technique is simple, but yields this rich, vintage-y brooch. (Excuse my fingers there.)

Each project, by the way, has nice, clear step-by-step photos. And there’s a great variety of techniques here – needle-felting, crochet, sewing/quilting, embroidery, and knotting.

Speaking of crochet, I was excited to see a wire crochet flower! And even more excited to see the wire embellished with cotton.

*raising right eyebrow, tapping fingertips together, looking meaningfully at wire and cotton stashes*

Got some ‘sploring to do….

This Kumihimo-style ribbon cord is lovely, and I really like the combination with a polymer clay pendant. They contrast so nicely together.

I’m pretty hopped up about fabric charms lately, and I loved these – the subtle colors make them very elegant.

A note about the complexity of the projects in this book – I think it’s perfect. When I shop for a craft book, I’m always a little disappointed when the projects are too easy. The whole reason I’ll buy a book rather than look things up on the internet is to savor projects that will stretch my creative muscles a little. All these projects have exciting twists to them.

Anyway – there are lots more pretty things in here that I didn’t show you. Give it a flip-through next time you’re at the bookstore.

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deb

October 1, 2008 at 3:33 pm · Reply

OMG. Those fabric charms?? I’ve not seen those before and MUST. KNOW. MORE.

Fabulous they are!

October 1, 2008 at 8:33 am · Reply

Bettsi

October 1, 2008 at 5:42 pm · Reply

Oh my, yes. This definitely looks like a good one!

October 1, 2008 at 10:42 am · Reply

meggiecat

October 1, 2008 at 7:22 pm · Reply

Those looped fabric pieces are wonderful. I watched an episode of Lipstick Jungle just to look at the clothes and saw a jacket with that treatment down the front. I was gaga and thought about the potential for embellishing a readymade jacket with some simple shapes.

I’m in full agreement about more complex projects and think that the publishers are looking for that too. Not every project has to be to the lowest common denominator.

Thinking of you,
Kathy

October 1, 2008 at 12:22 pm · Reply

Corvus

October 1, 2008 at 10:56 pm · Reply

Ooo. I’m going to have to try that out.

October 1, 2008 at 3:56 pm · Reply

digibudi

October 2, 2008 at 1:58 pm · Reply

That last bracelet is one of beauty, what a gorgeous sight! thnx for sharing xoxo

October 2, 2008 at 6:58 am · Reply

Pam Harris

October 2, 2008 at 3:54 pm · Reply

I am intrigued believe it or not!!!! Especially thefabric covered wood beads – would make a gorgeous garland for a mini tree!!! Must have a copy.

October 2, 2008 at 8:54 am · Reply

Brown Paper Packages Tied Up With String « The Neatery

October 2, 2008 at 5:36 pm · Reply

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