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I circle back to wire crafting pretty regularly. Wire is such an intriguing medium for jewelry, and doesn’t require any special soldering or cutting skills. And, thanks to The Complete Guide to Wire & Beaded Jewelry, I can see just how many cool possibilities it has.
Clearly, Linda Jones knows her wirework backwards and forwards, and she’s created an awesome book for beginners and advanced students alike. (Follow that link to her website to see even more pretties.)
The book is organized into several categories of projects, working from beginning to advanced.
I especially loved how the beginner projects were vastly more innovative than beginning wirework projects I’ve seen all over other books. Like these rings, which are made from a single strand of wire. You can add beads, or not.
This brooch is a great beginning project, too – and I could see the same concept incorporated into a pendant.
I have to give Linda props for her absolutely clear step-by-step photography. I learned a ton of new wire techniques just browsing her photos.
I also learned that I really, really need a steel block and hammer! Here’s why:
…So I can make things like this!
And this!
I should say that there are plenty of projects in the book that incorporate beads – some are elaborately bead-y, and some are simpler. But I was most attracted to the purely wire pieces.
With more than 50 projects, there’s room for lots of variety. I should say that there’s no way for me to represent the wide diversity of these projects here.
There’s a whole section of wire link projects, which I adore. Isn’t this a gorgeous dimensional chain?
And this is just charming. Like the pieces on the cover.
There’s a great Tools and Techniques chapter to help beginners with basic looping and such. And again, it’s expressed in fabulous photography as well as clear text.
This one’s a keeper! Mom, I know you’re adding it to your wish list right now….
that last piece shown is gorgeous! :D looks like an interesting book :)
Ooh–I'm not even a jewelry maker and this book looks really interesting, because I love metal. (That sounds weird, but I bet you know what I mean.) This book may tempt me next time I'm at Powells.
I wonder – is the wired used for the hammered pieces the same stuff I can get at the Mega Box Craft Stores, or is it something special?
Also, nice review — but any chance the Publisher gives a release date? I hate storming a bookstore with a list and coupons only to find the treasures I want (need! now!) aren't available just yet. Thanks!
I wonder – is the wire used for the hammered projects the same stuff I can get at the Mega Box Craft Stores? Too cool.
Also – any chance the Publisher gives a release date on these new books? I hate running to the bookstore with a list and coupons of the books I want (need! now!) only to be turned away because they haven’t reached the seller just yet. Thanks!
Hi, Liz – the book is actually out now.
Basically, according to the book, colored craft wire won't hammer well
- it's usually made of copper, with a color coating that would be
damaged in hammering. But it looks like gold-plated or silver-plated
wire, which I've sometimes seen at the big-box stores, would be fine.
If you need a good source for wire, I love Fire Mountain Gems: http://www.firemountaingems.com
thanks for the review, I keep buying and returning wire work books because it's so hard to get an idea of what level they're pitched at, and what the design sensibilities of the author are, without seeing the book. I really love wire projects that don't *look* like wire in the finished project. The little block and hammer are worth getting for sure. I do have a bench block now, but worked perfectly happily for ages using the head of a block splitter/axe thing as my block (just laid on a tea towel on my desk).
Beautiful book and review. Like you, I need a steel block too.
Any ideas where to find them?
Also, I have a question for you regarding book reviews…
wondering how you get the photos? – I frequently review books on my blog too.
Wow! This book may lure me away from my obsession with papercrafts back into jewelry-making again! Great review of what looks to be a super fun, innovative book!
I even have a miniature anvil to use in place of the metal block… yay!
(thanks for visiting my blog the other day — I feel so honored!)
Molly
http://mollylee.etsy.com/
http://mollyleecards.blogspot.com
Thank YOU! (And, I love your blog! Congrats on your studio re-do!)
awesome! Now I want a steel block & hammer of my very own.
You are right! But I don't want to put it on a wish list! I might have to wait until Christmas or something and I don't want to wait! I want it NOW!
For those of you who don't know, wire is how Diane brought me back to crafting. I love working with it. From what I can see – yes this IS a keeper for sure.
Oh! And I need a block and hammer too!
You are right! But I don't want to put it on a wish list! I might have to wait until Christmas or something and I don't want to wait! I want it NOW!
For those of you who don't know, wire is how Diane brought me back to crafting. I love working with it. From what I can see – yes this IS a keeper for sure.
Oh! And I need a block and hammer too!
omg now i want a block and hammer. Im really loving the patterns with the wire. Im just gettin into jewellery making and it is my new addiction I am always working on something even when im out walking with my family.LOL. but hey its better then the other bad addictions that i could get myself into but i decide to do this instead…but i love the ideas on these sites..thanx crys
lilcrystalsjewellery@hotmail.com