Review: Vintage Redux

by Sister-Diane on November 25, 2008

This is an intriguing book – I’m always attracted to the idea of deconstructing and reconstructing jewelry components, but get intimidated. So I’m digging all the great ideas in Vintage Redux: Remake Classic and Collectible Jewelry.

Brenda Schweder not only has a great collection of reconstructed jewelry designs, she’s also written the book around the fact that you may not be able to find the same components in your local thrift stores. So the project instructions are flexible enough to accommodate whatever components you end up working with.

In each project, she shows the “Before” pieces, which are often the sort of costumey things you’re used to seeing in thrift stores. The transformations are pretty incredible – and there’s a whole slew of techniques at work: some drilling, some image transfer, some stringing, some wirework, a little sewing . . . .

I think this ring bracelet is an ingenious idea. Kind of a new take on the charm bracelet. And it could easily be expanded into a cool choker.

This book definitely makes me look differently at brooches! Don’t you love these bracelets?

The book has a good guide, by the way, to cleaning old jewelry pieces, and a very nice set of photo how-tos for basic jewelry-making techniques. I’d say there are definitely projects here for a first-time jewelry-maker, as well as more advanced stuff (i.e, that drill.)

Lots and lots of innovative designs involving mixing various kinds of chain. I love the asymmetry here, and the cameos.

I’m probably showing you some of the simplest designs in Vintage Redux – which is just my taste. There are chunkier, wilder projects as well. One thing that struck me as I was reading was that, even when a project wasn’t something I’d personally wear, if I dug into the instructions, I’d pick up at least one great technique or design idea.

This just about makes me weep – it’s a vintage bag, dressed up with a mix of silk flowers and earrings. Fab-u-lous.

Dang! I forgot to photograph the thimble pendant! It’s lovely – take a look next time you’re in the bookstore.

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celia

Oh!!!!!! My!!!!!
What a book!!!!!!!!

bridget

Another awesome book suggestion Diane!! Miss you and the old days of Church of Craft. Best wishes as the holiday crafting begins....I cannot find your e-mail address so write to me some day!!
Bridget

Linda

Brendas book is avaliable at a beading or craft stores near you. For those of you who prefer to order on line try www.kalmbachbooks.com
ENJOY THIS FUN BOOK!

digibudi

Oh my goodness Diane! This must be the most perfect book about jewelry I've seen in a very, very long time. I adore every picture you showed here. But the two most wonderful things must be the Camé necklace (so simple but so lovely) and that bag with the flowers! This makes me want to get back to work and make things right now!! And the colors, beautiful rosey vintage, like a faded skintone on a vintage painting.. Love, love, love it! Thanks so much for the great ideas and inspiration. xoxoxo

Corvus

Oh, that looks fantastic. I've been itching to go thrifting lately- partly because I'm feeling crafty and partly because I'm dead broke. The book looks absolutely inspiring- maybe I'll add that to my christmas list.

Chris

If you're not going to include the thimble pendant, what is the point, really?

(just kidding)

This reminds me of my partner's mom's jewelry box and purse collection. Just fabulous stones everywhere and cool colors like Frost or Ivory Mist or Smoke. Not really what I snuggle up to, but great to look at and muse upon.

To blab on, I am forever trying and wishing I could wear bracelets like this, or are they cuffs, or bangles, whatever, but I can't. They get in the way too much because I'm always writing. That's why I tried that pipecleaner cuff, and it is softer, but still a problem. Is there any wrist which does not look more lovely with a pretty cuff on it? Love that.

The ring bracelet is beyond great. That's something to just display or add to an assemblage, it's so awesome!

I would love to write more in this comment, but I am very busy.

Brenda Schweder

Thanks so much for reviewing my book! I'm glad you liked it -- it was great fun to write (and even more fun to collect all the great finds to redux!)! Take care!