2 comments about 500 Pendants & Lockets: Contemporary Interpretations of Classic Adornments (500 Series).

1. With few exceptions, I enjoy the Lark "500" series of books, Pendants and Lockets is no different. Sticking to the photos only with minimal wording publication concept, this is not a "how to" book it simply showcases a veritable smorgasboard of amazing contemporary designs. The enormous range of materials used to create these pieces is appreciated, nothing seems to have been left out. Of course all the to be expected precious and non precious metals and stones are there, now add plastics, textiles, papers, glass, all the clays, resins and found objects.
   
   Continue with every possible technique you can think of, and then some, with design concepts that for the most part are also extremely wearable ( and yes there are some that leave you with a what the?? feeling )and you have a great book. Make no mistake here, this is contemporary jewellery, don't look here for the traditional or you will be disappointed.
   
   Everypage is a highlight, with Jacqueline Ryans Untitled ( pg 14) gold and enamel pod looking so real it was stunning, Jin a Jung's - A dot of Illusion was incredible, visual illusion of geometric patterns done so well and Karen McCreary's Geode Pendant in Acrylic, gold leaf and silver were both elegant and fluid with stunning colours. These may have stood out for me personally, and I am sure everyone who views this will have favourites too.
   
   Whilst there were some well known artists showcased it was great to see so many new names and better still I had not seen over 95% of the photos before.
   
   I have been left in awe of the designers who have created pieces that challenge your thinking, delight with their interpretations, playful and serious and leave you knowing you have just witnessed Pure Magic. Well done to both Lark and the exceptional job the jurors Mike Holmes and Elizabeth Shypertt have done. This is a book that will be my night time reading for many days ahead.



2. What a pleasure to open a book and be awed by its quality and content, delighted

5 comments about Simple Soldered Jewelry & Accessories: A Crafter's Guide to Fashioning Necklaces, Earrings, Bracelets & More.

1. I was curious about making the soldered pendant shown in this book and this book did not disappoint my expectations - just detailed enough, plenty of great pictures, and thorough in its instructions, leaving me with the feeling that I can definitely make these pendants to go with the beaded jewelry I make. I highly recommend this book.



2. I WAS NERVOUS ABOUT TRYING TO SOLDER, BUT AFTER READING THIS BOOK I THINK I CAN HANDLE IT. EASY TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS AND GREAT IDEAS!



3. I have purchased five books on soldered jewelry. I continue to return time and time again to this book! The instructions are crystal clear and easy to follow. Soldering can be intimidating...not here. You will be ready to go to the iron and get started after just one pass through this book! I just can't say enough about it. THIS IS THE ONE.



4. Highly recommended for those new to soldered jewelry making. The author clearly outlines a list of necessary tools and provides simply and easy to understand instructions for completing each of the projects listed in the book. I have purchased several hundred dollars worth of books on soldered jewelry making and this book is by far the best one to date. Instructions are clear, accurate and easy to follow. Projects are attractive, modern, and marketable in today's venues. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.



5. This book is by far the best if you want to learn how to solder jewelry pieces. I loved the way it is written, easy to understand, and the projects are a blast to learn, with wonderful color photos throughout the book. I highly recommend it for your craft library.

5 comments about Jewelry Making & Beading For Dummies.

1. I have never purchased a book in the Dummies series but I happened to be at a bookstore and noticed Jewelry Making and Beading for Dummies. I was just starting out in beading and so I began to peruse the pages and decided this was the book I wanted! To me this book should be THE BIBLE for any one just starting to bead. Ms. Powley starts her book with easy projects, which gives the novice beader confidence, her instructions are easy to follow, and there is a glossary of terms in back of the book that is quiet useful. The book also has plenty of pictures so you get a chance to see how your jewelry looks as you follow her directions.
   
   As a side note, the librarian at our local library knows my passion for beading
   and asked what book the library should have for the novice beader. I said "Jewelry Making and Beadiing for
   Dummies". It now graces the bookshelf at the library. It is getting dog eared but still it keeps on beinging checked out. It also graces my book shelf and I often reach for it. Worth every penny of my hard earned
   money, and if you can get it on sale, with the money you saved you can buy more beads!
   Sharon (Wannabe Beader)
   Some where in Texas.



2. The problem with the "For Dummies" series of books is that they are too simple for advanced users, but leave out the incredibly basic information that is essential for beginners. "Jewelry Making and Beading for Dummies" is no exception to this rule. This book provides supposedly step-by-step instructions for making a number of jewellery projects but glosses over many of the details that are essential if you have never used some of the techniques before. For example, I purchased this book because I was interested in pearl knotting. Although this book does include a small section on this topic, it does not include instructions on how to attach the clasp to the string. It merely tells you to do so.
   
   Other drawbacks of this book are that the pictures are in black and white (with the exception of a small number of colour plates), and techniques are demonstrated using difficult to understand illustrations rather than actual photographs. Oh, and none of the projects in this book are particularly exciting either. Many of them depend on being able to obtain a specific type of bead to look any good, which my recently acquired experience has taught me is easier said than done.



3. This book is full of information as the Dummies series always is. I always trust that I'll get a good product when I order a Dummies book. A+



4. Not good! I was hoping for ideas for beginners. I'm not to creative and thought it might have some examples or ideas. Totally dissapointed.



5. I have 4 or 5 beading books and this is my favorite. It really answers the questions you might have if you are a beginner beader unlike many of the other books that claim they are for beginners. Great Book!

5 comments about Jewelry: Fundamentals of Metalsmithing (Jewelry Crafts).

1. Another great product and great service. Thisa will prove to be a 'bible' for years.



2. 
   excellent book for the beginner. It explains at length how to do the job.



3. ...and goes well with his DVD. The text is definitely geared toward beginners. However if you're new at this, the photos of jewelry (albeit lovely) are a little intimidating. I'll use this book as a reference source for techniques, but I'm looking to Stephen O'Keeffe's "Jewelry Making" for projects I can actually achieve.



4. I would like to begin by also suggesting The Complete Metalsmith by the same author. There have been several comments regarding the lack of step-by-step projects. Many other books have them, and it's nice for a visual reference I suppose, but it also leads to a lack of creativity on the part of many readers as they will just go through the entire book reproducing the projects laid out for them as opposed to using them as a jumping off point. In my opinion, the author intentionally left out the step-by-step projects to allow and encourage free thinking by the reader. Assuming this book is going to be used by artists, or people marketing themselves as artisans would dictate that they have their own creativity and artistic vision- which is not following a set of instructions to complete a particular project for production. Generally, people reading this book have their own ideas they would like to see come to fruition and would like to know the technique(s) to get to that point. So, again in my opinion, the lack of projects is great as it keeps 100's of the same piece from showing up at local craftshows and online as an "xyz original" when it is really a reproduction of a magazine or book piece. Now, please do not misunderstand my words and think that recreating an article piece is somehow derogatory. My point is many people then try to pass it off as their own original work, which is a slap in the face to any artist- again my opinion. I think this is a wonderful book and it serves its purpose. Mr. McCrieght's teaching experience shines through in his style and it is very clear.



5. Interesting subject and very well presented.
   Will be used by me as my reference guide for new area of endeavor I am beginning.

5 comments about Calder Jewelry.

1. I have always loved Calder's work and am a jewelry maker myself, yet I hesitated before investing in this book. It is well worth every cent. The photos are beautiful and depict the liveliness and earthiness of Calder's jewelry amazingly.



2. The production quality of the book is wonderful. Photos are very high quality, and there are a lot of them. The paper is heavy-duty and will stand up to all the viewings this book will receive in our house.
   
   I didn't know much about Alexander Calder or his jewelry, but enjoyed the discovery of both through this book. My only complaint (if it can be called that) is that it arrived shortly before I needed to take a trip, and the size/weight of the book precluded me bringing it along!
   
   It's a great inspiration to see those pieces.



3. It is amazing what he did with only wire.It pushes your mind to the creative edge.Every page gives new inspiration!!!! Highly recommend to all that make jewelry.



4. An absolutely wonderful book! The jewelry Calder designed and constructed is without compare. Top quality photography!



5. What a wonderful book. Beautiful photographs of wonderfully organic pieces. It's a joy for anyone who likes interesting, kinetic works of art. For anyone who works in metalcrafts and jewelry, it's also a wellspring of ideas. These pieces really help to open the imagination to the possibilities of what can be done with some wire and very little else--no solder, no kilns, no adhesives. The paradoxical simplicity and complexity of these pieces is wonderful. Not only does Calder's work inspire creativity, it rekindles the joy of creating.

5 comments about Wrap, Stitch, Fold & Rivet: Making Designer Metal Jewelry (Lark Jewelry Book).

1. I'm sorry to say that I returned this book the day after I received it from Amazon. I have Ms. Hettsmansperger's Fabulous Woven Jewelry book which I think is quite interesting, but this latest book falls flat. I thought the projects were uninspired and repetitive throughout the book.



2. I was really disappointed by this book.
   
   It should have been called wirework in jeweley. I bought it mainly for the 'rivet' part, but there's nothing about riveting in the book--if you don't consider using pre-made eyelets like me. If you are a beginner in jewelry making, it might be good for you to learn how to make jewelry with pre-made parts. But if you are hoping to learn 'new' tricks in cold connections, don't waste money on this book.
   
   The only thing that I like about this book is the artists' showcase at the end of the book.



3. This book is so well written. And the projects so innovative - not your run of the mill jewelry making book. This will stretch your borders and incorporate lots of new ideas and techniques into your jewelry making.
   
   Mary teaches you new skillsets and gives you unique projects with which to practice. It's very easy to do variations from her basic projects - she sets your mind spinning in new directions.



4. I absolutely love this book! It's heavy on organic looking design. The author does it without a lot of expensive tools, so it's beginner friendly. Her directions are written very nicely, and there's lots of eye candy for those fellow artisans who are into the organic look.



5. I bought this book because it had the word "Rivet" in its title and I want to know more about the use of rivets. While I didn't learn much about rivets from this book I quickly fell in love with the projects, instructions, and fabulous examples of work by other artists. I've created six pieces from the projects in 2 days and they are so easy and gratifying. You can take the projects and let your imagination run wild to create your own unique and very special jewelry. Absolutely my favorite jewelry technique book and I have a LOT in my library. If you are interested in creating pieces that truly qualify as wearable art (versus the safe same old same old) this book is a must for both instruction and inspiration!

5 comments about A Charming Exchange: 25 Jewelry Projects To Create & Share.

1. Each and every project in the delightful book is unique and beautiful. The writing is interesting and inspirational. If your interested in collaborative projects, this book is a great jump start. If you work alone, this book will provide you with a wealth of new ideas on how to assemble found object jewelry. Many of the techniques are shown step by step. If you love mixed media art jewelry, you'll love this book!



2. Ever thought you weren't creative? Pick up this book for unique, original and inspiring ideas and lots of fun. The authors offer excellent guidance, descriptions and beautiful pictures of their works of art. Truly amazing hand made items that make you want to start hammering, twisting and soldering right away. I couldn't put it down; nor is once enough. You will reference this book over and over. It's a must have for all those who enjoy jewelry and altered media - even if you just like to wear the pieces.



3. This book is jam-packed with ideas, fabulous photos and so many projects that I will keep rereading it and trying new things inspired by it. It uses many different techniques, making it a wealth of information for art jewelry creators. I'm so glad that I bought it. It will get dog-eared from use!



4. ~*There is no simple way to define how this book has touched my heart and mind!*~
   
   I have been a fan of Ruth's for several years now, and have always been moved and impressed by her work. From the moment that I opened the first parcel full of art work that she sent to me, I just *knew* she was pretty special! She has a unique and strong skill of expressing ideas and assembling colors and mixing materials together in a pleasing way. She is a knowledgeable designer with palpable passion for her work.
   
   Kelly has become a friend of mine and a really fun person to follow. She is witty, entertaining and oh so charming! Kelly does not divide the world of art and written expression. She molds a visual entertainment package wrapped up nicely with high quality surround sound to boot. Figuratively speaking that is!
   
   Her high octane personality is fun to interact with!
   I like her a lot!
   
   To experience these two phenoms in a single book, together along with a bevy of other online artist friends and new acquaintances, I am THRILLED.
   
   It is SO VERY exciting to experience the fruits of the harvest that came about from the gardens and fields tended by Ruth and Kelly.
   
   They planted seeds, in a most fertile ground, and what sprung forth, I believe, will bear fruit for many years to come!
   
   The visuals and examples in the book contain unique, avant guard, steampunk, romantic, techno chic, delicate, BOLD, energetic, calm and so many more qualities.
   
   There are projects fit for all types of artists.
   
   The colors are just right!
   
   The ideas are not washed down. They are IN YOUR FACE! You can SEE the details.
   
   The backgrounds and scenes for the jewelry are not overpowering.
   
   The words in the book are friendly, supportive, encouraging and REAL.
   
   This book is a MUST for all who are interested in swapping art, or starting a new avenue with your jewelry design business.
   And especially CHARM MAKERS!!!
   
   I myself feel that this publication is fresh, exciting and FUN!
   
   "Fear will stop you in your tracks and kill your creative impulses. Art is supposed to be whatever you want it to be---you cannot fail and you get to dictate your own rules. I often remind myself to get out of my own way. I suggest you do the same; let go of all inhibitions and create with ridiculous amounts of glee." ---- Kelly Snelling
   
   Yes!!! GLEE!!!!
   That is the BEST!
   
   Thank you Kelly & Ruth!!!!
   Amber Dawn
   Who has been so inspired by the book that she has gotten back her interest in creating collaborative jewelry.



5. I was immediately drawn to this book because of its eye-catching layout and use of found objects. Being a hoarder of many things (ephemera, beads, buttons, game pieces, etc...) I appreciate how this book made me rethink my materials and the way I create. I just finished several beginner jewelry classes this summer. Some of the ideas I could do with the little skill I have and the materials that are around my home. Other projects require more pricey materials (a disk cutter for example) and more skill. I consider this a good thing because the book can appeal to beginners like me and "seasoned" artists. No matter what your level, you will find endless inspiration in this book. After taking countless jewelry books out the the library this summer and jotting down the few ideas I liked from each book, it was refreshing to find a book where I found value in every page. Just the pictures alone were worth the purchase. The only "heads-up" I have is that if you're an absolute beginner, some of the directions tend to be on the basic side. For example, if you have never tried wire wrapping, you may need to find more detailed instructions and practice a bit before jumping into the projects. Whether you try these projects on your own or collaborate with others, "A Charming Exchange" will spark your creativity.

4 comments about Wire Style: 50 Unique Jewelry Designs.

1. I love wire working and preordered this book because I liked the cover piece style and figured the odds were good I'd find something with 50 projects. I found I'd only DO about 3 of the 50, hence the 1 star.
   
   This book has some basic chainmaille weaves in necklaces/bracelets, but they're very common and if you'd done any chainmaille jewelry research, you've probably already seen them and know them.
   
   There are a few projects I recognize as being previously published, so a waste if you subscribe to beading magazines.
   
   There are also a lot of the open hook and loose springy/coil designs. I find these completely impractical to wear for anyone that has hair or loves their winter sweaters.
   
   The intro section at the beginning is great, but nothing new. I'd recommend Bead on a Wire by Sharilyn Miller instead of this book. Same great training, lots more designs based on components that serve as inspiration since they're more easily changed/intermixed.
   
   I'll also point out that the picture of the completed project is shown, then it's all written out instructions. There are NO STEP-BY-STEP project photos to assist someone new to wireworking!
   
   To end on a positive note, the 3 I liked were the cover piece "'S' is for Silver", the 4th amazon pic which shows you "Coiled Again" with lampwork beads, and I'll upload a photo of "Industrial Magic" which is a nice way to display glass discs if you like them.



2. Wire Style is fabulous! Excellent introduction to tools, materials, and techniques. Anyone interested in wire work will love the wonderful range of projects included in this book. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. The photos are beautiful and you can really see the detail. I have been a fan of Ms. Peck and her magazine, Step by Step Wire Jewelry since it began. I highly recommend this book!



3. This wire book has the most interesting and diverse jewelry designs I've seen in one collection. There's a smattering of everything and they're unique and playful. I can't decide which to make first. All the steps for making every project are photographed in detail in the beginning of the book. Very clear, very detailed photographs. The jewelry photography is beautiful - crisp, clear, easy to see details. There's also a good mix of skill levels - something for everyone. I love that the book design is clean and modern.
   I emailed the author before purchasing to ask whether the designs were new or had already been published and she told me only two designs were already in Step by Step Wire Jewelry magazine.
   It's the best wire jewelry book I've seen.



4. This is a great book with lots of projects for every skill level. I would say it's a "MUST HAVE" if you're into wire jewelry. I've also taken a class with Ms. Peck, and not only is she a talented wire artist, but she's a great instructor. I would highly suggest taking a class with her in person if you can. [...]. If you're into making jewelry, you'll enjoy every minute.

5 comments about Teach Yourself VISUALLY Jewelry Making & Beading (Teach Yourself VISUALLY Consumer).

1. I have found this to be the best book I've see for a novice like me. The pictures and the instructions are clear and easy to understand. I highly recommend it.



2. This book is great for beginners as well as intermediate levels of skill. I am happy to add it to my library...



3. I bought 3 books on jewelry making and this is the one I use the most. It describes all the pieces in jewelry making and how they are used. It has many good projects and pictures. I love this book.



4. This book is fantastic. It goes into great detail. It has clear instructions with great pictures. This is a good resource for the beginner and the more experienced beading fanatic.



5. If you want to get into beading & jewelry-making, Chris Franchetti Michaels's Teach Yourself VISUALLY Jewelry Making & Beading is a fantastic place to start. It's a thick book loaded with photographs, and it tackles a comprehensive spread of topics.
   
   Thorough charts detail everything from the common lengths for various styles and sizes of necklaces (both men's and women's), bracelets, and anklets to common finishing methods used for different stringing materials. Photos clearly display techniques for knotting strings, creating eyepins and headpins (not to mention clasps), and making your own Byzantine chain from jump rings. Wire gauge is demonstrated visually, with an image of each gauge's thickness, and with examples of what each gauge is used for.
   
   The book goes through bead-stringing techniques; wire-work; bead-weaving (by hand and on a loom) and even macrame. If you truly want to delve into beaded jewelry as more than just a way to make a few pieces for yourself, then I highly recommend grabbing a copy of Michaels's book. It's extremely valuable and highly instructional. The use of brief, clear instructions combined with a ton of tables and photographs make it a quick read that teaches you an incredible amount of material. It's also a fantastic quick-reference book for use while making your creations.

5 comments about Bead on a Wire: Making Handcrafted Wire and Beaded Jewelry.

1. I'm just starting with wire work and found this book to be very helpful. Good pictures and instructions. I've been very pleased with this book and have made several of the projects.



2. I bought this book when it was published, and three years later, I still think it is probably the best book on beginning wire work out there. It has very clear, step by step instruction on the basic wire work techniques and some alternative methods of forming. The only mystery for me is how she manages to flush cut good jump rings from 14 gauge wire. When using 14 gauge wire or even 16 gauge, I always saw cut my jump rings. The result is much better -- at least for me.



3. I am so glad I purchased this book. It was very informative on tools, materials and the how to's for designs and projects. It is a great book for me, a beginner.



4. This book is just what I was looking for... almost half is about wire techniques that really take beaded jewelry well beyond the basics. The instructions are very clear and the photos let you see every step of the process. The projects that comprise the balance of the book are interesting and really sparked my own imagination to create unique jewelry items.



5. Bead on a Wire has tons of great information for a beginning wire jewelry maker as well as detailed projects for the advanced designer. The photographs are clear and the text is easy to understand. I would highly recommend this book.