Pros: Unique, varied and adaptable designs with clear photos, illustrations and instructions.
Cons: Requires the reader's willingness to experiment and devote time to improving their skills.
The Bottom Line: I was very impressed and feel that this is a book anyone interested in learning about making jewelry would turn to often for ideas and instruction.
sprimemd's Full Review: Dawn Cusick - Making Bead & Wire Jewelry: Simple T...
Let’s start with one question: “Can an ordinary person make this jewelry?”
You betcha. With just a little imagination, and the willingness to play with the wire a bit to get the hang of it, even non-wire workers (me for instance) actually can make any number of the projects in the book.
And speaking of projects, you’ll have lots to choose from, since something like 70 jewelry pieces are included, the styles and techniques as varied as the designers of these amazing earrings, hair clips necklaces, bracelets, and pins are.
In reality the designs look much more complex (meaning: “oh my gosh I can’t do that!”) in these drop dead gorgeous photos than they actually are. Using the instructions the reader can learn to use a jig to master the currently very “in” technique of wire wrapping. But this book doesn’t stop there! Instructions include newer tricks of the trade with age-tested hammering, twisting and coiling techniques.
Clear directions are given along with great photos for the use of a something called the "Wigjig" (essentially resembles a small transparent pegboard) which is used to “wrap” the wire to form designs that make up the jewelry. Oooh so much fun!
The patterns for each of the gorgeous projects are of course included, but also the process is simplified with line drawings showing how the wire is wrapped around the pattern of pegs.
Not content to confine the subject to wire, the author shows us how to add beads, stones and even gorgeous glass to create the most astounding and impressive array of items I can imagine in one place.
I’m betting that when you finish a small project with these step by step instructions many complements from impressed family and friends will come your way. And you’ll be hooked on making jewelry, on a small scale or as an income-producing venture.
In short; the jewelry designs in this book are absolutely fabulous, and better – they are adaptable to differences in taste and materials. Take one design from this and another design from another and you have a totally unique piece!
It’s on my “Must Have” crafting book shelf and is a valuable resource for anyone interested in this fascinating subject.
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