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Powell's Staff:
Five Book Friday: In Memoriam
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Every year, the booksellers at Powell’s submit their Top Fives: their five favorite books that were released in 2023. It’s a list that, when put together, shows just how varied and interesting the book tastes of Powell’s booksellers are. I highly recommend digging into the recommendations — we would never lead you astray — but today...
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Brontez Purnell:
Powell’s Q&A: Brontez Purnell, author of ‘Ten Bridges I’ve Burnt’
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Rachael P.:
Starter Pack: Where to Begin with Ursula K. Le Guin
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Customer Comments
CindyNG has commented on (24) products
Bead & Wire Jewelry Exposed 50 Designer Projects Featuring Beadalon & Swarovski
by
Margot Potter
CindyNG
, January 10, 2009
“Get ready to embark on an exciting adventure through the world of jewelry design. “ It is the appropriate first line of Bead &Wire Jewelry Exposed by Margot Potter, Fernando daSilva and Katie Hacker. Exciting because the designs expertly detail the techniques for using stringing materials that serve as the backbone of many designs, i.e., beading wire, craft wire, etc. Exciting because if you love Swarovski crystals, there are plenty of projects to create. If you’re a fellow magpie, drawn to the sparkly, the whole book will make your eyes roll back into your head. More than that, it’s a book about the exciting ways to use easily obtainable beading materials to create lovely and alluring pieces of jewelry that look high end. Now that’s exciting! One of the gems of this book is the exhaustive descriptions and explanation of use in the materials and tools sections. If you’re a beginner, this book is all you’ll need to understand how to work with beading wire. Even if you’re experienced there’s always something in a book as comprehensive as this one. I learned about the Beadlon “Scrimp” – it’s a re-usable crimp – cool! Exposed is long on projects, 124 pages to be exact. Clear written directions and photographs guide the reader through each gorgeous project. Speaking of projects, here are a few of my favorites from the book: Fireworks by Fernando DaSilva (p. 23) uses brown velour tubing which is a stringing material I haven’t used before. I love how Fernando has used it in his design. The long strands of suspending multi colored crystals is mesmerizing! Concentricity by Margot Potter (p. 38) Can you fall in love with a piece of jewelry? I don’t know exactly what it is about this design but it’s best described as alluring. The rhythm created by the repeated circles with just a sprinkle of beads – I want I can see it as a necklace – the perfect finishing touch for the little black dress. Margot’s personality and sense of fun comes through in Concentricity and in the description she’s written about the piece. Night Sky by Katie Hacker (p. 27) Night Sky Earrings. What Katie Hacker does for earrings is magic. I don’t think Katie makes a pair of earrings I don’t instantly want. Some people have a knack for gardening, so that person is said to have a green thumb. Katie Hacker has a knack for earrings – should I say she has a “crystal thumb?” Oh and by the way, that lovely piece on the cover is entitled Myth and Legend and is designed by the crystal thumbed Katie Hacker. Exposed is for jewelry designers, crafters and hobbyists. Full of inspiration and information it’s worth having in your own personal library. Inspiration and information – now that’s exciting!
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Simple Soldered Jewelry & Accessories A Crafters Guide to Fashioning Necklaces Earrings Bracelets & More
by
Lisa Bluhm
CindyNG
, December 16, 2008
There are several books on the market for stained glass technique soldered jewelry. This is THE book to buy if you want to learn the basics. Tools and supplies are covered thoroughly as well as finishing techniques. Lovely beginner projects include a Letter Pendant, Vintage Angel Ornament and Easy Retro Ornament. I can't wait to try the spiral wire bead ring. Bluhm makes it all look easy but you'll need to practice, practice, practice to make your pieces look as good as hers. Don't let that intimidate you though, it'll be fun foiling and soldering! Once you've mastered it, you'll be turning out lovely jewelry with your own unique personality
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Vintage Redux Remake Classic & Collectible Jewelry
by
Brenda Schweder
CindyNG
, November 09, 2008
How much dust has collected on the jewelry grandma gave you? It's time to pull it out and upcycle it. How you ask? Enter author Brenda Schweder who has the answer for you in her new book, Vintage Redux: Remake Class and Collectible Jewelry. Schweder begins by defining vintage and what is collectible versus "redux-able." There's a section on cleaning, repairing and storing jewelry that I found particularly useful. A re-stringing project at the very beginning gets you in the frame of mind to remake jewelry. Next are the projects organized into three major categories, New Order Redux, Unexpected Redux and Heirloom Redux. New Order Redux includes projects where vintage is remade into modern pieces. Unexpected Redux shows the reader how to use vintage buckles, buttons and even a cape closure and make them into accessories. Heirloom Redux adds modern designs to your heirlooms without altering your treasure. The "Classy Rings" heirloom project using 1940's high school rings for a bracelet was a favorite. I'm what Schweder describes as a purist, i.e., a person who likes to keep pieces intact. I'm glad to see a whole chapter dedicated to heirloom redux. I breathed a heavy sigh of relief when I realized I don't have to take every piece I own apart, drill and glue it to make it modern. Having said that, I may have to change my ways. The allure of Schweder's creative projects is almost irresistible. A couple of my favorites are "Mona Lisas' Smiles" modernizing a graduated cameo necklace with chain and "Mod Squad" that takes the big flower pins of the 1960's and makes them into cool bracelets. Each project page has a little story attached to it. Schweder shares the inspiration and/or story behind each piece making the project page more than just a listing of materials. Every project needs a list of materials and steps,however, and each is well written and easy to follow. On the right page, "the old" is shown in its original condition. Under it are the "new" additions. On the opposite page is a full picture of the finished projects. Schweder adds helpful jewelry making tips through out. Vintage Redux is so inspiring, you'll be running to your stash of grandma's jewelry or if you don't have grandma's jewelry, you'll be running to the flea market to get a stash of jewelry! Schweder's book is awesome upcycling of Grandma's jewelry!
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Wrap Stitch Fold & Rivet Making Designer Metal Jewelry
by
Mary Hettmansperger
CindyNG
, November 01, 2008
Fiber artist, Mary Hettmansperger has written a lovely book applying a fiber artist eye to metals. If you're new to incorporating metals into your jewelry, Hettmansperger has written a comprehensive introduction to tools and metals you'll find very helpful. The explicit directions on which tools and metals to buy with photos is invaluable to someone who's got the itch to use metal but doesn't really know how to go about it. Let's not forget the comprehensive section on patinas - which is worth the price of the book all by itself! I enjoyed seeing the "gallery style" pictures of art pieces using particular techniques in the chapter devoted to the particular technique. For example, Wire Wrapping is covered on page 26 and a picture of Janice Berkebile's "Lillies and Leaves #1" is included. It's a fine piece demonstrating how to use wire wrapping in a finished piece. Rather than saving it for the end of the book, it's included here where Hettmansperger describes wire wrapping. Wonderful! But Hettmansperger isn't done yet. A bonus is the gallery at the end of the book - I feel like the book is a tasty double dip sundae, with yummy surprises of finished art pieces throughout with a sweet candy confection to finish it off at the end. The gallery is full of lovely finished pieces that will make your creative mouth water! There's a good mix of photos and drawings throughout the book to demonstrate how to do each technique and project. Projects are divided according to technique and there is a chapter on Wraps and Folds, Commerical Cold Connections, Wire Work and Stitching. If you're familiar with Hettmansperger's other book, Fabulous Woven Jewelry, you'll see her fiber background shine in the chapters on Wire Work and Stitching. I admit to buying the book because of the chapter on Wraps and Folds and the Bead Shelf Necklace project in particular, I thought it was just lovely. I had to make it and did! I made it larger creating a small wall hanging entitled,"What Lies Beneath" incorporating my handmade lampwork beads. Hettmansperger's blog invited readers to post their version of her projects on it. I've posted," What Lies Beneath" over there and on my own blog. The project that follows the Bead Shelf Necklace is the Wrapped Beads Necklace, my version is currently in progress. Bending metal is almost as therapeutic as pounding it! While I was excited over the Wraps and Folds chapter, equally exciting to create are the Woven Windows pin (p. 64) where you weave pieces of metal to make a pin, or the Looped Silver Cone Necklace (p.83) using a sewing technique to create a unique pendant sewn with silver wire. One thing I haven't mentioned yet is how the directions are structured for each project. There is a large picture of the finished project, a short paragraph describing the main technique learned followed by headers: Techniques describing all the techniques you'll use in the project; Materials listing the metal sheeting by gauge, wire by metal and gauge and findings/embellishments; Tools; "What You Do" the step by step directions for completing the project. It's a very organized structure and is highlighted so it makes it very easy to figure out what you need to do the project. A definite plus. All in all, Wrap, Stitch, Fold, & Rivet is a clearly written, lovely book for the beginning to intermediate student who wants to start including metals into her/his jewelry with a distinct preference for texture and a fiber artist perspective. I find myself going through it again and again and you will too!
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Making Connections A Handbook of Cold Joins for Jewelers & Mixed Media Artists
by
Susan Lenart Kazmer
CindyNG
, October 18, 2008
Susan Lenart Kazmer's, "Making Connections" is not only a comprehensive treatment of cold joins, it's also a beautiful book to look at. Mixing simple, straightforward technical information with lovely photography and drawings, Kazmer's book is a rare find - a treat for the eyes and the mind. The tone is set at the book's beginning with a chapter on the "Alchemy of Susan Lenart Kazmer." An innovative artist using recycled and altered materials, Kazmer focuses on the process rather than the outcome. A conceptual artist, Kazmer's jewelry may not seem beautiful to some, but that's not the point, she creates to elicit a response. I would beg to differ with those who question the beauty of her work and so will you after you see this book. Nine chapters cover materials, tools and every cold join you can imagine. Chapters detail wire attachments; staples, tabs and prongs; rivets, hinges and attachments with movement just to name a few. I'm particularly inspired by the chapter on staples, tabs and prongs seeing new ways to use sheet metal with the glass cabachons I make. The tips sprinkled throughout the book are insightful and feel like a treasure she's left for you to discover. If you're serious about learning cold joins or if you're serious about jewelry, Kazmer's book wins on both. You'll find yourself looking through it again and again feeling like you're uncovering another little piece of treasure.
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Creating Crystal Jewelry with Swarovski 65 Sparkling Designs with Crystal Beads & Stones
by
Laura Mccabe
CindyNG
, October 15, 2008
Laura McCabe has written a luscious volume full of vibrant Swarovski crystal jewelry. Who among us doesn't love the sparkle and color of Swarovski crystal? Bicones, faceted rounds, rings, rondelles, one of my favorites - margaritas and rivolis! Combined with seed beads to create bezels, Laura is a master at making the beads and crystals sing with color and sparkle. Included are Laura's most notable designs, the Rings and Things Necklace, the Three-Strand Rivoli Bracelet and the Crystal Burst Ring. The book is organized into seven instructional chapters followed then by the crystal jewelry projects. Chapter one is a brief but comprehensive history of cut crystals. Chapter two is a detailed discussion of the types of seed beads and crystals used in the book's projects. Chapter three describes tools and materials. The four basic stitches needed to create the projects is the topic of chapter four. Beaders are resourceful, they can make beads mimic almost anything a metalsmith can do. The bezel is a good example. Seed bead bezels and open-back bezels are described in chapter five. The resourcefulness continues with chapter six where the reader learns to create a toggle out of seed beads. Chapter seven is like the cherry on a sundae, a final, sweet sprinkling of sparkle - embellishments and then it's on to the projects. In the chapters that teach a off loom technique, there are pictures of completed steps. It might have been helpful to include pictures of the step in progress but there are detailed written directions that may do just as well. What I love about the projects is the "Beading time" given at the top of the project. It gives you an idea of how long it will take you to do a project. There's also a little synopsis that gives you an overview of the project. Sets the tone and the direction which I find very helpful. On pages 29-31 there are guidelines for bezeling rivolis and other crystals that is worth the price of the book. The techniques in this book can be used with artbeads to vividly highlight the colors and characteristics of a special cabachon or bead. An art bead can take you in a unique and interesting direction - flameworked disks will have a distinctly modern twist. Try it, you'll like it!
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Bead Journey Jewelry from Around the World
by
Kalmbach Publishing
CindyNG
, October 15, 2008
BeadStyle offers up a book chock full of jewelry projects inspired by a trip around the world. It is signature BeadStyle magazine which means the projects are beautiful, the directions straightforward, with photos that are clear and each finished project is lovely. Thirty two projects take you from Japan (a faux pearl three strand necklace) to Afghanistan (a lapis, glass and quartz bracelet-necklace combination) to the Caribbean (a coconut and coral necklace) just to name a few. The lovely cover necklace is inspired by Morocco with gemstones that reflect the colors of the open air market. I particularly liked the simplicity of the Indian inspired earrings. This is a book that will inspire you and teach you how to create lovely jewelry. Every beader should have a copy for the bookshelf!
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Blueprint Crochet Modern Designs for the Visual Crocheter
by
Robyn Chachula
CindyNG
, October 15, 2008
After reading the other reviews of Robin Chachula's book, I felt compelled to write a review because I don't think any of them address the purpose of her book - to teach the reader how to crochet from symbols. There are alot of Japanese patterns I've wanted to buy and make but didn't because I didn't really know how to read the symbols and I can't read Japanese. I wanted a book that taught me how to crochet from symbols and Chachula's book is it! Her engineering background shows in her meticulous explanations and her charming use of the word "equipment" for yarn and hooks. I enjoyed the stories that introduced each project. There are a wide range of projects, my favorite being the "Quick Stitch Patterns." All in all, Chachula's book succeeds in it's goal, to teach the reader how to crochet using symbols through a variety of beautiful patterns. This is definitely a must for any crochet enthusiast - it will open up the world of symbol crochet and you won't have to read Japanese to make your favorite crochet pattern!
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Crochet Jewelry 40 Beautiful & Unique Designs
by
Waejong Kim
CindyNG
, October 15, 2008
Good overview of yarn, tools and stitches comprise the first few chapters of Crochet Jewelry. I'd recommend this book for the intermediate crocheter because of the small scale of the jewelry projects. Having said that, the chapter on pins are sized slightly larger and can be tackled by an experienced beginner. I particularly like the felted bracelet projects. There are chapters dedicated to necklaces, bracelets, pins, rings and earrings. There are a wide range of techniques, bead crochet, hairpin, crochet with wire, cable and finishing. The ring projects are fun and work up quickly. If you're interested in creating crocheted jewelry and want an overview of a wide range of techniques, add this book to your library.
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Zulu Inspired Beadwork Weaving Techniques & Projects
by
Diane Fitzgerald
CindyNG
, October 13, 2008
Diane Fitzgerald has written the definitive English language book on Zulu beadwork. I specify English language because I suspect in South Africa where the Zulu beadwork originates, there is a wealth of information that we in the U.S. aren't able to obtain. Thank goodness for Diane Fitzgerald who has studied beaded pieces and "backward engineered" the techniques used to make the pieces, wrote it down and then published it in this book! This is another excellent Interweave book on beadwork techniques - heavy on the technique which is just what this reader wants from a beadweaving book. The book opens with a forward and then a introduction that could have been combined into one. The Zulus and their beadwork is exhaustively covered in the next chapter. Fitzgerald includes pictures of how the beadwork is worn and how it has changed over the years. Being a history and anthropology buff, I enjoyed learning about the history and cultural uses. From there, the the author dives into the beading techniques. There are twenty two (22) beading techniques including, the flowerette chain, the triangle tube, the double weave, netted trianges and swags, netted diamonds and the well known Zulu Love Letter Pins to name just a few. If you're new to beadwork, I recommend the popcorn stitch which is worked in size 6 (or "E") seed beads, larger beads help the beginner get the hang of seed beading. Tools and materials are covered in the last chapter. Basic technique is briefly reviewed in prose with minimal pictures. If you're looking for a book dedicated to Zulu style beadwork, Fitzgerald's book is it!
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Custom Cool Jewelry Create 200 Personalized Pendants Charms & Clasps
by
Melinda Barta
CindyNG
, October 05, 2008
It's all about the pendant in Melinda's book and that's a good thing. You'll be able to create mixed media necklaces with unique one of a kind pendants and with over 200 pendants, charms and clasps to choose from, there are plenty of options. In four chapters, pendants, charms, clasps and finished projects, the reader learns how to etch, use shrink plastic, cabachons, tins and more. Small pendants are really charms which you'll learn to create in chapter two. Mixed Media is very hot right now and Melinda's book holds all the DIY secrets you'll need to create jewelry that is a personal expression of you.
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Naughty Secretary Club The Working Girls Guide to Handmade Jewelry
by
Jennifer Perkins
CindyNG
, September 21, 2008
Jennifer Perkins hits a home run with her Working Girl's Guide to Handmade Jewelry. If you love to collect little bits of junk and don't ever throw out a pair of prescription glasses, here's the jewelry book for you. Jenn's book is chock full of techniques, from using a high speed drill to embroidery to sewing, each technique is used all to make the funky jewelry projects. I love the tips throughout the book that will give your projects a polished look. Even if you don't have a Naughty Secretary style (although you should seriously reconsider if you don't), you can use all the tips, techniques and your own bits and pieces to make unique jewelry that expresses who you are. The book lists for under $20, which means you can't go wrong - it's got style and kitsch that will make you smile!
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Designing Jewelry With Glass Beads
by
Stephanie Sersich
CindyNG
, August 31, 2008
Colorful, fun and funky - that's the jewelry style of Stephanie Sersich. Well known for her "Spiny Knotted Bracelet," Stephanie shares her youthful jewelry designs in a variety of projects. The famous Spiny is here along with easy to make knotted earrings and lovely embellished necklaces. If you haven't ever taken a class from the vivacious Ms. Sersich, this book is the next best thing.
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Handcrafting Chain & Bead Jewelry Techniques for Creating Dimensional Necklaces & Bracelets
by
Scott David Plumlee
CindyNG
, August 31, 2008
Wondering which book to pick up as your very first foray into chain mail jewelry-making? This is it! The first 52 pages are worth it's weight in jump rings. Plumlee uses the first 13 pages to explain the basics, the Byzantine chain and how to use Pi to figure out the right diameter for your jump rings. He jumps right into tools all the while keeping it simple. No fancy tools here, you can pick up your much needed mandrels at the yarn store - they're knitting needles. A chapter on wire skills takes you step by step through the winding, cutting and making clasps. Pictures accompany each step and helps a beginner to learn the process visually. Overall the pictures with accompanying directions throughout the book are superb. They make learning how to create each project virtually foolproof. I'm particularly fond of the Inca Puno Chain - it's fluidity enthralls me. It's one of three components, the Double Chain, the Inca Puno Chain and the Byzantine Chain. The remainder of the book combines these chains in clever and unique ways that you'll just have to buy the book to find out. They are all lovely! So, if you want to learn chain mail and don't have the slightest idea how to go about it - this book will reach out, grab your hand and lead the way with its perfectly executed step by step directions and accompanying photos.
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Chain Mail Jewelry Contemporary Designs from Classic Techniques
by
Terry Taylor
CindyNG
, August 31, 2008
In the last few years, chain mail jewelry has become very popular. Although I love all kinds of chain mail jewelry, sometimes pieces can look heavy and highly textured. Or at least I thought so. Terry Taylor and Dylon Whyte's jewelry projects made me re-think that statement - the jewelry in their book ranges from delicate to bold without ever feeling heavy and over textured. The book contains beginning, intermediate and advanced projects. I was particularly fond of the Crochet Mandala Pendant and Earrings designed by Dylon Whyte. Whyte's design looks like crochet but isn't - very nicely done! The Lace Mail Cocktail Collar with Pearls designed by 2-Roses made with 16 gauge wire, it feels feminine and lacey. An introduction to materials and tools is in the front. A section on patinas is a nice bonus to a book on chain mail, full of useful information for anyone working with metal, jump rings and chain. If you're wondering which book on chain mail to buy, this one definitely needs to be in your collection!
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Creating Lampwork Beads For Jewelry
by
Karen J Leonardo
CindyNG
, July 25, 2008
I'm a glass beadmaker which means I use a torch to melt glass. I tend to call my glass, "flamework glass" but historically, melting glass with a torch has been called lampwork. Although modern lampwork artists sometimes prefer to describe what they do as "flamework glass" author Karen Leonardo calls it "lampwork" - it's all the same techniques and set up. The book opens with setting up your studio. Kudos to Ms. Leonardo for writing the best set up chapter of any book I've seen on lampworking. Critical for any new flameworker is the set up of the torch. Leonardo includes pictures of how to safely connect the torch and propane tank. Once you've set up your torch you're ready to make your first bead in Chapter 2. Again, Leonardo has written a good chapter with fine basic steps. Various techniques from beginner to intermediate are included in Chapter 3. A sheep bead, a boro bead and the ever popular double helix reactive glass in fire and ice flow tab bead. The book transitions to making jewelry with the glass beads you've created in Chapters 2 and 3. First though, Chapter 4 introduces jewelry basics. Chapter 5 includes jewelry projects using the glass beads you've made in previous chapters. I like the Santorini Fossils Necklace using wire. The Deep Woods Wirewok Pin was nice too. I wonder if the silk cord in the Pond and Sea Necklace really holds the weight of the silver beads. All in all, Karen Leonardo has written a lovely book marrying how to make glass beads with how to use glass beads in jewelry.
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Jewelry Studio Wire Wrapping
by
Linda Chandler
CindyNG
, July 25, 2008
The team of Linda Chandler and Christine Ritchey are back with another fabulous book on wire. Part of Interweave's Jewelry Studio series, Wire Wrapping is the only book you'll need to learn wire wrapping. The authors go over tools and materials in Chapter One and then on to Wire Fundamentals in Chapter Two. Chapter two includes explanations on straightening wire, making jump rings and a catch and clasp. Basic Projects such as a basic bracelet, dress-up bracelet and my favorite, Celtic Knots are included in Chapter Three. The book ends with Chapter Four that describes projects to take you to the next level in your wire wrapping skills. There are projects instructions for making a ring and using patterned wire. A list of resources and index at the back of the book are very helpful. The photographs demonstrating the techniques and project steps are clear and detailed. Shots are close up so you can see exactly how the work is done. Good how to photographs are a hallmark of Linda and Christine's books. Perfect for the self taught wire wrapper.
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Getting Started Making Wire Jewelry & Mo
by
Linda L Chandler, Christine Ritchey
CindyNG
, July 22, 2008
Making Wire Jewelry and More by Linda Chandler and Christine Ritchey is part of the Getting Started Series from Interweave Press. This is a nice introductory book on the basics of making findings and jewelry. The first three chapters explain where to find materials, basic information on tools, wire and wire gauge, beads and an often overlooked topic, safety. Bravo to the authors for teaching beginners about being safe in crafting. The remaining chapters teach the reader how to make jump rings, head pins, french ear wires, simple clasps, toggles, and some basic projects like bracelets, knot rings and even a wire embellished greeting card. A nice list of resources is provided at the end. The steps to creating the findings are clear and can be easily duplicated by the reader. Some things you can learn from a book because the authors include pictures you can easily follow - this is one of those books. Perfectly illustrated and written for a beginner. As an advanced jewelry maker and glass beadmaker, I picked up a few good tips from the book too! If you're new to jewelry making and need a good resource to teach you to make basic findings, this is the book for you.
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Handmade Jewelry Simple Steps To Creating Wearable Art
by
Carol Grape
CindyNG
, July 22, 2008
My friends describe me as "quirky" and when they say that, they mean it in the best way possible - strikingly unconventional. So, around 1996, I decided I wanted to start making my own jewelry. I didn't like what I saw in the stores, so I wanted to make my own. I was living in Tucson, Arizona at the time, home of the world's largest gem, jewelry and bead shows and the area was and still is always full of ideas and raw materials. Carol Grape's Handmade Jewelry: Simple Steps to Creating Wearable Art was the book I picked up. It's the first book I ever bought on jewelrymaking and although a bit dated now, it's quirky, DIY style was and is just right. In Chapter one, step by step photos for basic construction such as making a headpin, glueing a pin back, opening and closing jump rings and more are perfect for the beginner. Chapter two uses Found Objects and Hardware in the designs - very trendy now in 2208 and ahead of its time in 1996; Chapter three uses Paper, Fiber and wood in its projects while Chapter Four uses Plastic and Rubber. The last chapter in the book incorporates Polymer Clay into the jewelry. In total, there are 43 projects in all different kind of media. Some of my favorites are: Fancy Resistor & Bead Necklace (pg 28) - a project you could make today by recycling old electronics; Layered Tissue Paper Earrings & Pin - can be updated by using recycled wrapping paper or making your own paper (pg 52); Fabric Collage Pins (pg 54) - can be made with the bits and pieces of fabric left over from a sewing or yarn project. Handmade Jewelry was worth every penny I paid for it in 1996 and it's still forward thinking and quirky today.
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Beaders Color Palette 20 Creative Projects & 220 Inspired Combinations for Beaded & Gemstone Jewelry
by
Margie Deeb
CindyNG
, July 22, 2008
Margie Deeb hits a home run with The Beader's Color Palette, a lush 192 page book full of inspiration, color palettes and jewelry projects. The book opens with an introduction followed by brief sections on how to read the palettes and creating palettes. Margie then jumps right into five gorgeous chapters entitled, The Elements, Artists' Historical Palettes, Cultures of Our World, This Gorgeous Planet, Living Color. The book ends with a chapter on inspiration and techniques including a gallery full of lovely artisan made beaded jewelry. The jewelry projects are rated which I found very helpful. Margie includes the inventory/color number of the Delica seed beads used in the projects. If you're looking to create the jewelry exactly as Margie has written them, this is just the information you'll need to make an exact replica. If you just like a particular color, you'll have the inventory number so you can get the beads in the color you desire, a detail not always available in a jewelry project book. Lovely pictures, great information, gorgeous color palettes, what more can a beader want?
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Glass Bead Workshop Building Skills Exploring Techniques Finding Inspiration
by
Jeri Warhaftig
CindyNG
, July 05, 2008
Welcome to my studio...so begins the first line of Jeri Warfhatig's new book entitled, Glass Bead Workshop. I've met Jeri and talked to her a few times at bead shows. She's a friendly supportive colleague and has written a beautiful and informative book on glass beadmaking. The table of contents includes: Welcome to my studio; The Basics; Session one - Falling Leaves Bead; Session two - Beach Bead; Session Three - Geode Bead; Session Four - Off Mandrel Galaxy Pendant; Session Five - Blown Hollow Bead; Session Six - Twistie Pendant; Session Seven - Hollow Vessel Bead; Session Eight - Wreath Bead; Session Nine - Rune Bead; Session Ten - Rose Bead; Appendix A - Sandblasting; Appendix B - Gridning and Polishing; Appendix C - Near Misses. Jeri explains all of the "basics" such as studio set up, torches, safety, ventilation, etc. Hopefully, there's nothing new here for an intermediate beadmaker but if the beginner picks up the book, it's all important information. Once the studio set up and safety is discussed, it's on to the projects or sessions. I really like the set up of the sessions. The header,"What Will This Session Teach?" begins each one and gives you a quick overview of the bead you'll be making. For the experienced beadmaker, it allows you to skim and look for particular techniques. The header is followed by a section listing tools, material and any special tools or materials used. Good photos of the tools, materials and finished bead. Throughout the book, there are good, clear, close up photos of the techniques and steps. I feel as though I'm standing next to Jeri as she teaches a class. The section on making the bead is followed by "Further Explorations" where variations on the technique is described with a photo or two. Each session ends with a "Gallery" comprised of various glass art beads made with the same technique. As an experienced beadmaker I'm sometimes jaded wondering what a new book will have to offer me. The tips and further exploration were worth the price of the book alone. The photographs are lovely and enhance the instructions. Jeri has written a classic for the modern intermediate beadmaker. A lovely book from a fabulous beadmaker!
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Links Inspired Bead & Wire Jewelry Creations
by
Jean Yates
CindyNG
, July 05, 2008
I love stories. As an artist, most of my work is sold with a story. My customers love stories and I gravitate towards a good story. But it's difficult to write a jewelry making book based on stories. I mean there's the dry instructions you have to write and how can you put those into an interesting story? It can't be done, right? If you feel like I do, then you will be elated when you pick up Links by Jean Yates. Jean has achieved the unachievable and has written a jewelry making book full of stories, clear instructions and lovely projects. The table of contents tells you this is no ordinary jewelry making book. Contents include: Family and Friends, Nature, Bead Box and Color. In the front of the book, Jean discusses materials and techniques and shares resources at the end. Each project has a charming title, for example, "Alice's Cosmopolitan Necklace." Materials and tools are listed so you'll know what to purchase. A large close up of the finished project is included along with instructional pictures. The pictures are large and clear so if you're trying some of the techniques for the first time, you can see how to do it. There is a tip and of course, the wonderful story about Alice, Jean's sister. There's more where that came from! The entire book is a story told from Jean's point of view - if you take the journey with Jean, you'll end it with beautiful jewelry and a smile on your face.
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Ceramic Bead Jewelry 30 Fired & Inspired Projects
by
Jennifer Heynen
CindyNG
, July 01, 2008
Can I get a YAY! for the first ceramic beadmaking book to hit the market?! Jennifer has written an elegant book on the basics of making beads from clay. A must have for the crafter who likes to try everything!
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Pretty Little Things Collage Jewelry Keepsakes Trinkets
by
Sally Jea Alexander
CindyNG
, June 27, 2008
Sally Jean Alexander has written one of the best first lines in all of literature, "there's a playground inside each of us." The first line draws you into a book full of collage jewelry, trinkets and keepsakes. Kudos to Sally and the publisher, Northlight books for creating a luscious book for the eyes yet not skimping on the details such as the project instructions. Good photographs of the important steps in each project. Sally takes the reader on a visual tour of her studio where she shares some of her favorite things. Then we move on to the techniques and projects. There are a wide range of projects, bracelets, pins, ornaments, shrines, even a magic wand! In the first chapter, Sally provides directions on how to cut glass, solder, stamp, smudge and more. If you love the look of antiques and recycled art, "Pretty Little Things" is the book for you! A great addition to any creative person's library.
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