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

1. To a jewel crafting beginner it opens the doors and teaches the techniques in the most comprehensive way possible. No project included in the "Bead on a Wire" left me with a question. This book made me so happy enabling me, a novice to jewel craft, to work with wire and beaded Jewelry right away. Sharilyn Miller is a very talented teacher.



2. What gorgeous jewelry! I don't think I'm ready for this level of jewelry making, but I can't wait to get there. It's hard for me to rate this resource a 5 because I couldn't always understand from the instructions and photos how to actually perform the skills. But it may be that once I become comfortable with more basic techniques, these will make more sense. Still, I love the photographs, and the jewelry is inspirational.



3. I am a beginning beader, and this book helped me by explaining beading tools and techniques. The designs are helpful, too.



4. This is a good book for learning the basics. It is very clear and easy to follow. The author has a great imagination.



5. I purchased this book because I wanted to learn how to do wirework and I was not disappointed. The step by step pictures are very clear and easy to follow. With practice I was able to make all the components and even completed one of the linked bracelets! I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn wirework and believe that this is a good go to book to refresh your skills if wirework is not the focus of your design work

3 comments about Metal Clay Rings: Silver Jewelry Inspired by Nature.

1. Excellent book by Irina! Each project is categorized by project difficulty. Using her guidelines and the lovely pictures, I think I can and will make them all!



2. I love this book, the projects look great and great instructions, I have not made anything yet but plan to soon.



3. I have several books on metal clay and most have at least some instruction on making rings, but rings aren't the focus. It's nice to find a book that is just devoted to rings. This book contains 18 projects divided into easy, intermediate and challenging levels. The instructions are clear and accompanied by many full-color photographs so you can easily see what the steps are. You can see all the rings on the front cover. There are many more photos inside of variations to ALL of these rings.

5 comments about Inspired Wire: Learn to Twist, Jig, Bend, Hammer, and Wrap for the Prettiest Jewelry Ever.

1. I received this soft cover yesterday in very good shape. The book has through information and states what you will need in advance of you work so you will not need to stop what you are doing before getting involved. Thank you for making this book affordable.



2. I picked this book when I decided to buy a couple of wire jigs, and it is perfect for that and so much more. Having all of the tips and hints the author includes, in addition to the very clearly written and photographed step-by-step instructions is priceless since I am new to wirework. I am encouraged to try projects that don't include the jigs, but help me get a feel for working with wire. And the projects are lovely, too.



3. I bought the Inspired Wire book by Cynthia Wuller as a gift for my wife's birthday and she loves it. It is practical, well-written, and easy to understand. Highly recommended.



4. Inspired Wire: Learn to Twist, Jig, Bend, Hammer, and Wrap for the Prettiest Jewelry Ever
   
   This book is excellent for beginers or any level. She gives great directions with photo's as she goes along. Of all my Wire books, this is by far the best!



5. I have been making wire wrapped jewelry for over 20 years to help me "unwind" from teaching and working in the IT field. Being self-taught, over the years I have purchased many books and magazines on the subject to give me guidance and ideas. I passed on this book several times because the pictures on the cover looked a little "frilly" for my tastes.
   
   However, I glanced at a copy in a local art store and was immediately enamored and fascinating by the incredible designs, easy to follow directions, and logical hints that I should have thought of myself. Since the art store copy was damaged I placed the order on Amazon as soon as I got home.
   
   Since receiving it I have made and then modified many of the projects Ms. Wuller offers. Everyone I have given one of these pieces to has loved it and complimented me on the designs. While I have many excellent books on the subject, this one and Jewelry Studio: Wire Wrapping, stand out for their inspired designs, ease of understanding, and total enjoyment in crafting.
   
   As you may have guessed, I strongly recommend, even urge you, to enter the world of Ms. Wuller and allow her words, projects, and pictures to stimulate and expand your artistic abilities in the world wire wrapped jewelry.

5 comments about Enchanted Adornments: Creating Mixed-Media Jewelry with Metal, Clay, Wire, Resin & More.

1. The book it's beauty but it's not exactly what I expected.
   Not enough pics of each "step by step" tutorials.



2. I recieved this incredible book for my birthday and it has become one of my favorites! It in itself is a pieces of artwork as it brings you in using insruction, story and beatiful illustrations. It is a treasure for any artists library.



3. I have to say, I was thoroughly and pleasantly surprised at the breadth of techniques covered in this book. It has removed some of the intimidation I was having with clay (polymer or silver). I was expecting jewelry ideas, but she totally exceeded my expectations by covering the techniques way back to the fabrication of the components with silver clay, polymer clay, and creating molds for creating repeat pieces (I've been needing this!).



4. I bought this book with the thought that it was probably going to be wonderful, since Cynthia Thornton is nothing short of a genius with her Green Girl Studios pewter bead company in the wings. The book passed every expectation and is even better than I had imagined but my favorite part about the book is that it teaches the artist/reader to become inspired by other things besides just other jewelry! It teaches you to look at color, at textures, the way something feels in your hand, and compound your inspiration out of that instead of just copying each piece in the book. The techniques are thoughtfully written and easy to understand. I enjoyed the artistic aspect of this book as well, which is something not many beading books have. Each page is like eye-candy!
   I definitely recommend this for any bead, beginner or advanced. It should be in every library!



5. This is a wonderful, magical book!
   Everyone who enjoys fantasy and jewelry making should buy it.

5 comments about Complete Metalsmith: Professional Edition.

1. This book has an extraordinary amount of information in it and I highly recommend it for beginners and advanced metalsmiths alike. It is a definite must have any any metalsmiths library.
   
   What this book is: This book is a reference book which touches on many techniques used within the field of metalsmithing and jewelery making. I've been a silversmith for over 15 years and I learned quite a bit from this book. Personally, I think the title of the book is a bit misleading.
   
   Though it does touch on an enormous amount of invaluable information, that's pretty much all it does is touch on it. I certainly wouldn't call it "Complete Metalsmith". The book is illustrated by very small basic drawings, some of which can be a little bit hard to understand.
   
   What this book isn't: This book is not a typical How To book. You're not going to see illustrations or instructions on how to make specific jewelry pieces. And you're barely going to see much in the way of drawings on how to actually do the techniques described. It's more like a text book of techniques without much in the way of visuals.
   
   If you are the type who learns better by illustrations, then I would suggest The Workbench Guide to Jewelry Techniques by Anastasia Young, which I received yesterday and is an absolutely beautiful book with loads of information and gorgeous photographs. And the price is extremely reasonable for such an excellent book.
   
   But if you can swing it, I would recommend both of these books. I wouldn't want to be without either of them.



2. This was a gift for our daughter who had already chosen it on her wish list. She loves it! Best in the biz.



3. I think it is a bit dated in it's look, but it has some helpful info.



4. The Good: Complete Metalsmith by Tim McCreight is an excellent basic text for the beginner jewelry maker. Overall it should probably be purchased by every hobbyist with an interest in working with metal in jewelry making.
   
   The Bad: Too much subject matter is condensed to a single page or even a single paragraph. Topics such as gold leaf and its application and enameling are much more complex than the single page definitions Mr. McCreight offers his readers.
   
   The Ugly: Because metal smithing goes beyond the simple jewelry making techniques and methods described in this book, Mr. McCreight chose a very misleading title for this book. Additionally many of the methods and techniques described fit better in a basement crafter's arsenal than in a professional metal smith's shop.



5. I read all of the reviews left by others who own this book and am just as happy as any of them.
   
   I was looking for a very detailed text and this is it!

5 comments about Contemporary Copper Jewelry: Step-by-Step Techniques and Projects.

1. I love this book! It has projects that can be made by beginners to intermediate. These are fun and easy to make



2. I like this book very much. I work with copper every day, and am always looking for new techniques and insights. I haven't completed all the projects yet, but the ones I tried thus far were easy to follow with good photo's and instructions. For me, learning the proper way to use Liver of Sulpher was worth the purchase price alone. Also good information on general techniques such as hammering, treating wire, etc. I will probably be purchasing her other books as well.



3. I have several jewelry books that I bought, glanced through and never opened them again. This is one of the very few that I have done at least half of the projects exactly as shown. A word of advice before taking on the charm bracelet - make sure you are not using a non-tarnish wire if you plan on oxidizing with liver of sulphur. I had to re-create all of those charms to get the look I wanted. Her use of copper tubing has opened all new possibilities! I would definitely reccomend the book to other jewelry makers . . .and already have.



4. Sharilyn Miller has been a wire jewelry instructor for quite a few years now and a writer for even longer. She puts together both of these talents to create another beautiful, informative, easy to follow, step-by-step wire jewelry book. The projects range in style from classic to bohemain and include a number of pieces from other well known jewelry artists. She was also careful about including projects for every level of expertise...allowing the reader to build upon what they learn in earlier projects.
   I really love that someone has finally come out with a book that includes metals other than silver...especially in this economy! There are beautiful pieces created in copper and brass, as well as pieces that incorporate stones that one could easily find at the beach. Most importantly the techniques and projects that you see in this book are doable in any metal and with many different types of components whether it be pearls, crystals, sea glass or handmade wire beads. It would be so easy to change the look of each piece by subsituting materials or changing a few of the steps. There really is much more in this book than the 22 projects that Sharilyn presents to us. It seems like she left nothing out. This is a must buy book!



5. Having used Sharilyn Miller's Bead On A Wire book and some of her videos I eagerly anticipated the arrival of her latest offering. I was not disappointed.
   
   As always, she provides interesting designs and uses of materials that lead you to more imaginative ways of using what you have in your stash. Not only that, Sharilyn encourages you to use materials you may have dismissed before.
   
   These designs are also highly suitable for more expensive materials like fine and sterling silver making it very easy to make items that are even more special.
   
   It was great to see Sharilyn included some of her colleagues in this book making it like a sampler.
   
   Sharilyn - well done! Can't wait for your next offering. Would love to catch one of your workshops in person.

5 comments about Chain Style: 50 Contemporary Jewelry Designs.

1. I have found this book very interesting and informative. There are some very good projects that seem good for beginners and those that have been doing it for awhile.



2. This is a very creative and motivating book. I would recommend it for beginners, but also for intermediates looking for inspiration in their own work.



3. I am a jewelry designer who prefers asymmetrical designs with contrast and texture. I sell my designs at a Fine Arts Museum gift shop, a local gallery downtown, holiday fairs, as well as to friends. I am always searching for a new "reference" book to help push me to a new level of design; and this book as done just that. I just received it today, gave it a quick, but thorough glance; and my mind is already scanning my inventory to come up with a new design. This book is great.



4. Sometimes it's hard to find jewelry books with anything new in them. NOT SO with Chain Style. This book is filled with beautiful and original designs using all sorts of chain. A great jumping off place for your own designs, or make them as they're shown, full resources are given.
   This book is a keeper!



5. Chain is one of the hottest trends in jewelry design. This book gives you all kinds of wonderful inspiration for creating beautiful designs with chain. Some of the projects only take minutes to make. Imagine that! A fabulous necklace in just 15 minutes! You'll love this book. Great designs, clear directions, and beautiful chain jewelry!!

5 comments about Metalworking 101 for Beaders: Create Custom Findings, Pendants & Projects (Lark Jewelry Book).

1. I have not tried any of the projects as yet. Love the projects! I think I will get alot of use out of this book. Looks very informative.



2. I found that this book covered the subject excellently and reinforced many ideas previously held as well as covering some that I was unsure of. As books on this subject go I found this to be one of the best. I would definitely recomment this book.
   
   My only criticism being that it did not have a suppliers list, but on emailing the author was advised where she had purchased the product I wanted.



3. This book arrived just in time to provide great ideas for my holiday jewelry making. Clear pictures and instruction relieve one of guess work. The authors alternative ideas for the same piece were wonderful and encouraged me to be creative on my own.



4. This is one of those awesome books that I bought even before the publisher sent it to me for review!
   The book starts off with an excellent chapter on tools explaining what you'll need and why you'll need them! It even includes a section on texturing metal that gives some fun and useful ideas.
   The next chapter includes some basic metalworking techniques with excellent pictures and graphics to give examples on the discussed techniques.
   One of the great things about this book is that the author includes little sidebars that give you tips and ideas from her own experiences that are extremely helpful! In my experience the best advice comes from artists who have come up with techniques devised from years of experience!
   The Projects in this book are fantastic. I've said this before, but occasionally projects or items in some craft books are overly simple or super cheesy....you won't find this here! There are some gorgeous earrings, bracelets and necklaces to make!
   Great instructions, awesome pictures and over 30 gorgeous projects make this book worth every cent!
   
   I recommend this book for any beader and would-be metalworker....you can do it!



5. I am very happy with this book. I've had preordered for several weeks. When it arrived, I was so pleased. It's comprehensive yet not overwhelming. The pictures are clear and the text is crisp. The projects cover a full range of earrings, bracelets, necklace focals, clasps, end caps, and more. I can't think of a reason I couldn't make a fully "made it myself" piece of jewelry now.
   
   I have many tools and materials - including solder and torch - but just didn't know how to put it all together. My book arrived yesterday, and I plan on taking full advantage of the four-day Thanksgiving weekend to try out some things, starting, I think, with a clasp for a special necklace.
   
   Altogether an excellent book!
   Kate

5 comments about The Art of Enameling: Techniques, Projects, Inspiration.

1. This is, without a doubt, one of the best enamling books ever written. Linda is a genious in the field of enamels and has the rare ability to pass on what she knows in a clear, simple manner. The selection of visuals are inspiring and compliment the topics she is writing about. This book can be used as a textbook for an enameling class, or by the solo artist interested in enamels.



2. I got to meet Linda Darty and attend a seminar at ECU, where I saw one of her workshops. She covered a lot of the material in this book and is a treasure trove of enameling knowledge. The book really covers everything you could want- materials, tool, skills, in a way that you can understand even if you have very little jewelry making background.



3. This is the best book I have on enameling. Very easy to read with clear information and lots of eye candy. Gives historical, technical and artistic information. The development of that information is logical and easy to follow. This will be one book that will have that well worn look as I plan on using it over and over again. I would highly recommend this book for anyone, beginner and advanced.



4. I have never written a review but feel this book merits applause! It is beautifully written with concise easy to follow instructions. Obviously, Linda Darty is an inspired teacher who loves her subject and students. This book is very complete detailing many techniques of enamelling and assorted materials. The Table of Contents is rational and chapters are consistent. The only down side is that supplies are not detailed enough for a novice. The illustrations are beautiful and inspiring. Besides being very instructive, this book makes a beautiful coffee table addition.



5. I received this book within 2 weeks of ordering it and found it to be in excellent condition and am very pleased with the service I received from Amazon.com.

5 comments about How to Cast Small Metal and Rubber Parts (2nd Edition).

1. I have a background in similar skills and I was interested in this book because I wanted a knowledge of working with rubber, but a better title would have been "How To Cast Small Metal And RUBBERY Parts". There is no coverage of actual rubber. So that being said, the book is very comprehensive and the author gives very accurate and easy to understand information.
   
   I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn these skills, just know it covers urethanes as rubber and not rubber.



2. For someone just getting into hobby metal or rubber casting, this is singlehandedly the best book on the subject. Although there are numerous other books, most of them are either poorly written or have too much information. This book has just enough information to allow you to build your own cheap metal crucible furnace and show you how to use it. Eventually you will want other books on the subject but only after this book gets you started. The section regarding rubber casting is still usable but it only pertains to one brand of rubber. When referring to this section, be aware that there are many other brands of rubber that can be used but the technique used in this book can be used universally. This is a very good book and I recommend it to anyone starting hobby casting.



3. How to Cast Small Metal and Rubber Parts is an excellent resource for the hobbiest or restoration pro that needs to recreate parts that can no longer be sourced from the manufacturer or aftermarket. Cannon's writing style is clear and the photos are very helpful.
   
   Highly recommended!



4. Ok in all fairness, I am reviewing this from what I was told by the friend I bought it for who lives in Nepal.
   
   He and his family do metal casting as a business and he said he would like other books on the subject so I bought him this.
   
   He said it helped a lot. I don't know for sure but can only repeat what he said. so - I gave it a middle score.



5. Excellent book for casting small rubber parts useful in auto restoration
   worth the money!!!