5 comments about Stamped Metal Jewelry: Creative Techniques and Designs for Making Custom Jewelry.

1. I purchased this book because I'm interested in making stamped metal jewelry. I've made the stamped washer necklaces, but I'm thinking about investing more money to make prettier pieces of jewelry. So, that's why I purchased this book. I've never been to the classes the author offers, so I only found this book through web searches and ratings. I've decided it's great to have and will be very helpful. It has gorgeous photographs and goes into great detail to explain the entire process, step-by-step. It gives a huge supply and tool list with everything pictured and explained in color, so that you know exactly what you are looking for when you get to the point of purchasing. Besides teaching the basic techniques, this books has many beautiful projects included, everything from jewelry, to leather cuff bracelets, to key chains. So, this doesn't just have to be for the ladies. The only complaint I have about this book is that I wish it was in a spiral format. I'm not holding it against the company because I knew that when I purchased it. I just love craft books in spiral form, because they are easier to use while you work. It's just a suggestion=) I haven't used the included DVD yet, so I can't accurately review it, but I will update my review when I get around to watching it. I hope this helps=)



2. I am thrilled with this book and the bonus DVD is awesome. Even though there was probably a pretty good size waiting list for this book and I didn't order mine until the release date, shipping was timely. It was delivered in great shape and a little earlier than I had been promised. I will definitely order from this seller again.
   As for the book itself, I couldn't be happier. The illustrations are beautiful and quite helpful and the text is well written and easy to understand. I'm a visual learner and the combination of photos and text makes it seem like Lisa is right there with me, all the way.



3. Good photos for step by step for several projects. Uses products sold on the authors website so you can find many of the supply items from her. Also includes a short video. Overall well done. Would have liked to find more on the cuff bracelets but that is just a personal preference. I would buy a more advanced book if one is published.



4. I absolutely love this book! It thoroughly explains each project in easy to understand terms. I like how they tell you exactly what gauge wire you need including the riveting wire. Unfortunately not all books are like this one. I have run into several that had great projects and they would say sterling wire but they wouldn't say what gauge you needed to make the project or even worse they would show you beautiful projects and they will say for instance use round or square lamp work beads but they wouldn't tell you where they got them at. Not in this book. This book tells you every step of the way what gauge wire you need and the tools needed and at the back of the book it tells you a list of suppliers. One of my favorite aspects of the DVD is that it has a bonus project on it that isn't in the book. Lisa Niven Kelly spoke very clearly and the DVD was done perfect. It showed her hands as she was doing the work. What was nice was that when she made a mistake she would tell you what to do so that you won't make the same mistake she did. She even shows you how to rivet on the DVD. I have always wanted to learn to rivet. I thought it was all about metal stamping but when I saw that she was going to show you how to rivet, I was even more excited. I guarantee if you buy this book you are going to love it. I can't think of a single item that was left out of the book or the DVD. It is absolutely wonderful. I will definitely keep this one in my library of books. This is one I definitely don't want to part with.



5. A really well written book from someone who is obviously used to teaching beginners. Clear, easy instructions. Each project lists the skills needed (and taught) earlier in the book and refers the reader back to that page in case they need a refresher. Really great projects. Highly recommended!

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

1. I've bent wire before, but never knew the 'right' way of doing it. With help from this book, my wires look more professional. It teaches the basics & is inspirational.



2. I am so excited about this book! I can't wait to try some of the techniques demonstrated here. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes to make jewelry. Lots of good stuff!



3. What can I say. This is simply the best basic book on wire working I have in my collection and I have many.



4. I'm fairly new to wire work and this book made something that seemed intimidating very manageable and fun to learn. I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in wire! And, I'd recommend getting the jig, as well - it makes it a little more fun!



5. 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.

5 comments about Complete Metalsmith: Professional Edition.

1. I'm a fairly new jewellery designer, while I'm not a 'jeweller' I do design and produce high quantity runs and I really needed to learn more about the materials, processes and finishes that are possible.
   This book has already become a favourite and I've only had it a few days. It is a relief to finally find a book that explains itself without being over the top, nor child like. The author just tells you how it is. This is a perfect book for students, professionals, or hobbyists.
   Thank you for making it.



2. whether you are an amateur or professional, or anywhere in between, this is a must have....



3. After taking a intro to metalworking class over the weekend where Tim McCreight's book, this version, was highly recommended by the instructor, I ordered a copy immediately. Unfortunately, I was quite disappointed in the book and its contents. It is truly a reference book, and not a very detailed one either. I looked immediately for info on using a rolling mill, and other than a description of leaf embossing using one, nothing else. No info on what I am sure are a number of other uses, nor on the care of such a machine. Also, no real mention of bronze, something that would be extremely useful in these times of inflated gold prices.
   
   All entries are short and succinct but extremely limited in depth. Some people complain about the use of drawings, I actually like these, but the other factors are compelling shortcomings. One of which is the binding. Yes, it is a spiral binding, but the quality of the paper seems too thin for that format, it feels as though the pages would practically fall out within a very short time. I was afraid to look at it for fear the pages would rip out. I am returning it this morning and am going to try Jinks McGrath's book. It looks a bit better on line at least. She does seem to have a good description of the care and use of a rolling mill, and bronze is mentioned.The Complete Jewelry Making Course: Principles, Practice and Techniques: A Beginner's Course for Aspiring Jewelry Makers



4. I am a metals student at Southern Illinois University and I enjoy spending a lot of time in the studio outside of class time (specifically late night and onto the early morning). Often I am alone and try teaching myself new techniques. This book has helped me through many situations and taught me things that seemed to be brushed over in class. The writing is well organised and easy to read. The author also seems to have a bit of a sense of humour which makes it even more pleasant. I highly recommend this book to anyone who takes metalwork and casting seriously, specifically small precious metals working.



5. With all due respect, this is the most useless book for a beginner, for the most part it has one line to one paragraph explanations on any given topic. No photos, the line drawings are woefully inadequate, the one line or pargraph definition on any topic is something that one can easily find on the internet...It might be a good reference for someone who is taking classes; but for a self taught metalsmith or a beader looking to try their hand at metalsmithing, it is a waste of $30.

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

1. There is definitely more to making good jewelry than putting beads on a string or wire. The first half of the book is detailed instructions on how to handle wire and metal in jewelry making. The tools, techniques and materials are explained and shown in good detail and color pictures. I would say it's definitely a beginners book but really necessary if you are new to handling these materials. The second half of the book is good instructions on how to use what you've learned in a variety of projects. I really like the projects and am collecting materials to make some of them. The only VERY SMALL negative is that when it shows a project the beads and findings used are pretty much up to you. I choose to do a project because I like that project and the materials used specifically. There is a resources directory in the back of the book but it would help if each project gave you what sources they used for the beads etc unique to the project. I really do like the book!



2. I like to wire wrap and the directions and photographs makes it easy to understand. Great to practice with using less expensive material other then gold or sterling.



3. I was glad to receive this book which I had wanted for quite a while.After ordering on Amazon I received the item quickly and was very pleased with the content. Good purchase.



4. I am reading all of the instructions in this book, as I am new to jewelry making, and I think there is a lot of great information here. Some of the designs are too ornate for me, as I prefer simpler jewelry pieces. Overall, I think it is a good book to have in my library even if I do not specifically make any of the pieces.



5. I'm so happy I read the reviews and decided to purchase this book - I totally agree with every glowing testimonial!

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

1. I emphasize the word "brief" - for many things, such a soldering, the descriptions here just won't be enought for a self-teacher to get off the ground. Descriptions of techniques are generally clear and come with helpful photos. Still, the goals of covering a wide range of techniques and covering them in a book of non-intimidating thickness conflict, giving the novice reader too little about too much.
   
   But, for a reader who's already mastered some of the basics, this offers solid tips that will help advance the basic skills. Lavish and varied photos offer inspiration in just about any direction you can name. McCreight offers many approaches to basics like stone-setting, surface texture, cold-joining, clasps, and other techniques, with enough variety that even experienced metal-workers will find something new.
   
   Set your expectations properly. This book can't take the place of a patient instructor for learning the fundamentals. Once the reader has mastered the first steps of metalwork, though, this gives plenty of help and inspiration in advancing one's skills, if only by letting the reader know about the existence of techniques described more fully in ohther texts.
   
   -- wiredweird



2. I've been making jewelry only 3 years and have made plenty of mistakes -- which is to say I've learned a lot. This book was perfect for what I was looking for. It explained in the perfect amount of depth the various forms of jewelry making, soldering, annealing, drilling, firing, stamping, how to form metal, what tools are actually NECESSARY and which ones are just good to have. I wish I'd read this book before I'd started. I would have saved a lot of money knowing what to skimp on and what to save on. Curiously this book was very inspirational to me. It allowed me to get an idea of what type of jewelry making practices are done, and now I know what appeals to me without having to purchase all the tools to find out. I'm not quite done with this yet, but I'll be keeping it on my desk as my best & favorite jewelry making reference book.



3. At first look this book has great pictures but complicated looking projects. On a closer look the info and techniques for metalsmithing are great. It is a perfect book for inspiration and information. Mccreight should be read by all.



4. Excellent book. I am just starting to make jewelry. I am taking a class. Reading the information in this book helped me in my class to understand why you do what and the techniques to do things better. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn how to work with metal.



5. This book is great to review the basics of various techniques without too much fluff. Nicely organized, laid out and illustrated, and written well. I am learning metalsmithing, and it was very helpful in reviewing and complementing the techniques I've learned, and gave me some new ideas too.

5 comments about The Workbench Guide to Jewelry Techniques.

1. The Workbench Guide includes numerous techniques with clear, detailed descriptions, yet not too long. Techniques are well illustrated, with clear examples. Each section found me fascinated.



2. The review above covers the content of this book, so I'll just go on to add my own observations.. This is a lovely, fully illustrated book - full of photo's and a good variety of work. It covers a lot of techniques and gives a brief demo of them. These are not in depth though, they don't go into great detail and if a certain technique interests you or you want to learn it, I'd say you would probably need to find further, more detailed, reference. It covers a lot, so this was to be expected. I think its a very good book for showing the large variety of techniques available to us and it does a really good job of introducing the reader to the various methods with photo's and work examples.. It also has some great sections near the back of the book covering personal design work and the business side of jewellery making - what jewellery do you make? ie; is it studio jewellery, fashion jewellery, fine jewellery etc.. These sections are really useful to read. The author, anastasia young, is a lecturer at central st martain's in london and the work that comes out of that university is incredible. Having visited there I can confirm that it is a high achieving course and the students push themselves utterly. Considering the work that emerges from this university, I find it very exciting that one of its lecturers/tutors is now sharing her knowledge and thoughts/processes/techniques in beautifully put together books.. She has also added a section on outsourcing - getting work electroplated, cast, set etc.. this is a brilliant resource - particularly for us brits! (as it has extremely useful addresses and contacts) (O:
   
   To sum up, this is a beautiful and useful book - somewhat of an encyclopedia of techniques - it is definately worth having and will be informative. However, it does not cover all these workbench techniques in great detail, sometimes not really enough to successfully achieve a result, unless you already have some experience - so perhaps bear this in mind.. I am glad I got it and I would not be without it now in my growing library! I think that this cover vers is also the nicest.. (I got mine from the states as the UK vers has a different cover and came out a little bit later)



3. I am in my first year of Metal Arts at the Community College Level. As much as I appreciate the great teachers, I need something written and organized to review at the end of each class.
   
   The Workbench Guide is the book that I needed. The clear directions and great photography make it a resource I can review as I learn each new skill. The organization happens to fall along the same line as the classes I am taking, I assume because certain skills build on each other.
   
   The description and use of the tools at the beginning of the book helped me immensely in putting together a basic tool box, definitely something a beginner needs to be smart about because of the costs.
   
   I was also looking for some basic charts and information of which several are gathered at the back of the book. The Index is comprehensive. Several other jewelry books I have looked at are spotty at best so this is a definite help.
   
   Overall, I use the book on an almost daily basis.



4. I rarely write reviews, but I just received this book and regret that it was not available a few years ago when I started jewelry making. It is beautifully laid out, nice pictures, and very comprehensive. Although comprehensive, unlike other overview books, it provides the detail of how-to. I especially like the indicators provided that indicate whether the tools are "must have basic", basic, or intermediate. Unfortunately, the basic level is very broad. It would have provided better start-up guidance if they had reduced skill level of basic and added the category of advanced.
   
   The complete Metalsmith is a nice reference that every jewelry maker should own as a quick reference. But if you can only buy one, I would recommend this one. I consider myself at the basic/intermediate level but I would expect this book would be a great reference and inspiration for the more advanced jewelery artists as well. And a side benefit, the text is big enough that I don't need reading glasses to read it :)



5. This is a new book by second time author Anastasia Young. Her website is located here: [...] . Her first book, Jewelry Techniques: The Essential Guide to Choosing and Using Materials, Stones and Settings, was a well received reference source.
   
   The Workbench Guide is a high quality hardcover, 320 page text which a reader might like to consider adding to his or her permanent library of "how to" books. Packed with 400 photographs, 200 illustrations and 100 charts, it doesn't allow your mind to wander for a second as it guides you step by step through the five sections it is divided into. Whether purchased by a serious student of jewelry design and technique, or just by a passionate lover of jewelry who privately, safely teaches herself as much as she can, there is valuable knowledge to be found in this book.
   
   I am not a believer of choosing one book as the "be all and end all" for any process of learning. I am well aware that there are fine books in existence already [ here are a few, for example ,
   1. Jewelry: Fundamentals of Metalsmithing (Jewelry Crafts) by Tim McCreight
   2,The Complete Jewelry Making Course: Principles, Practice and Techniques: A Beginner's Course for Aspiring Jewelry Makers by Jinx McGrath
   
   3. Jewelry Making Techniques Book (Quarto Book)
   Elizabeth Olver .
   
   There are many, many more ]. However it is a good idea to stir up new energy and insight by adding to older favorites, whether you are the teacher or the student. Artists create amazing new styles of jewelry all the time and some of them are exhibited in here. How to make them is explained, carefully.
   
   Some of the subjects covered are shown as part of the design on the front of the book :
   Engraving, Chasing and repousse, Fusing, Riveting, Enameling (one of my favorite parts), Drilling, Piercing,
   Cutting, Filing, Annealing, Soldering, Pickling, Wirework, Fold Forming, Bending Metal, Hammering, Carving, Mounting and setting stones, polishing, Stamping, Dappling/swaging, Forging, Anticlastic raging, Hydraulic press, Wax carving and modeling, and masses more.
   
   The book's sections are as follows:
   First there is a history of jewelry making. Then come the five sections, very clear and extremely helpful if you are searching out something specific.
   Chapter 1: Work Space, Tools, and Materials
   Chapter 2: Techniques
   Chapter 3: Design
   Chapter 4: Going Into Business
   Chapter 5: Reference (for example, Directory of Gemstones,Conversions, Suppliers and more)
   
   As I said, any one book is not sufficient to teach a reader every aspect of jewelry making, design , photography, selling, and more, no matter how good that book is. But if you are building yourself a solid library of jewelry technique books, I recommend this consistently fine addition: The Workbench Guide to Jewelry Techniques, by Anastasia Young. I think you will be happy to own it. It truly is quite successful as a text which attempts not to leave anything out!

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

1. This book contains a generous supply of beautiful jewelry projects that are nicely photographed. It also contains an abbreviated description of necessary metalworking tools (no details on brands, models, or suppliers...), and a smattering of techniques necessary to complete the projects. This book is creatively inspiring and a fun read, but it falls down a bit in trying to include so much that there is actually insufficient detail. Since there is obviously a space limitation in each Lark book, I think this one erred a bit in the overall balance. While I suspect I can do much of what is sparingly outlined, I felt the technique description would have benefited from more detailed and WELL PHOTOGRAPHED explanations and tool descriptions. After all, if you propose to teach beginners how to do something as technical as soldering, pictures please! But, I must say this book has really inspired me to take some classes in metalworking and it was a worthwhile purchase.



2. This book was great help to learning how to make jewelry.
   I would suggest anyone who wants to understand the terms
   and techniques to read it.



3. Before I actually knew HOW to make any sort of jewelry, I was anxious to LEARN to make jewelry.
   I signed up for a local class which was held nearby. It was a two day class, and I was very excited.
   I didn't realize when I went that it was a metalworking class. I thought I would be stringing beads.
   In actuality I was learning everything which Candie Cooper teaches in this wonderful book, but without any preliminary knowledge or understanding of what I was doing at all.
   I was handed the tools and was taught the techniques without explanation.
   I am very sorry I had that experience.
   I really could have used it in a far more positive manner, slightly later in my design career.
   
   If you grasp what metalworking is, and wish to learn metalworking, on the other hand, you will be delighted to find this great book, Metalworking 101 for Beaders, in which the author, Candie Cooper, illuminates all of the questions I had at the time about the tools, the techniques, such as sawing and annealing (which I was doing, but really poorly), and the materials required. There are even some super design templates for you to use to replicate some of the projects!
   
   I have now progressed in my desire to become a jewelry designer, and I think that the level of Ms. Cooper's creativity is very exciting. I believe the reader will find, as I did, that her encouraging manner is extremely infectious, and that her designs are truly original and charming!
   
   I love the way she shows how to switch things out to give the reader more options on some of the projects as well. You will want to try out this type of jewelry making after one look through the book.
   
   The way in which she teaches is very accessible and clear. Having heard my tale of woe, you can trust me on that!
   
   The first part of the book is an extremely thorough explanation of what will be required as far as tools, techniques, examples of finishes, and so on. Great photos make this section extremely easy to "get". In my experience, bak when, I had never seen some of the tools or heard many of the terms which you will become familiar with. It is not threatening however, because when you use Metalworking 101 for Beaders, Ms. Cooper takes you step by step until you are ready to try out some of the projects.
   
   As far as the projects go, if you like "one of a kind" jewelry with an upscale look, and a unique, exotic, or flirty fascination, this book is for you!
   
   Some of the projects are charming, such as the "fanciful feathered friends"; sweet birds with really cool spiral tails which will hold the beads of your choice on.
   
   Some are elegant, such as the pomegranate and sterling colored "square bead cuff", which, if I had it, I would never take off. It is perfectly beautiful! A true incentive to trying one of the author's projects as far as I can see!
   
   Another project in Metalworking 101 for Beaders which I am especially attracted to is the "paisley interchangeable bracelet", which has a giant handmade metal paisley focal, upon which the wearer can choose any number of holes to clasp chains laden with exotic charms.
   
   This is just totally unique and gorgeous.
   
   I have to mention the chic "domed earrings and ring" as well. What a wonderful, versatile project!
   
   If you have an interest in metalworking but don't know where to start, this is really the place.
   
   
   With thirty great projects, advice and tips, and little sketches by the author to further help the reader understand the process of creativity and design, there is no way a person can get lost using this book.
   
   Metalworking 101 for Beaders, by the wonderful, accomplished Candie Cooper, is a terrific find for your jewelry library!



4. Good overview of materials needed to begin metalwork. Great photos of project pieces. Fair instructions in the making of the items. Directions were a bit too truncated for a rank beginner to aspire to make any of the projects.
   
   The sections on how to create headpins, clasps and beadcaps- the reason why I purchased the book were too short, but it is a visually appealing book.



5. 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.

5 comments about Perfectly Paired: Designing Jewelry With Polymer and Metal Clays.

1. Patricia Kimle's Perfectly Paired: Designing Jewelry with Polymer and Metal Clays comes from an artist who offers a range of tips, from drawing color from polymer clay to working with metal clay, soldering, and making jewelry. Tool kits recommended for use in each medium accompany twenty projects that range from pendants and necklaces to bracelets and pins.



2. Patricia amply explores blending together two different mediums in a sympathetic way - polymer and metal clays. She gives an overview of techniques including soldering - yes this is stated as being part of the book - not an hidden extra. It offers another side to using these exciting materials. The twenty projects are of a very high standard in terms of design. Instructions are clear and photographs are very good. Includes great techniques and effects. I really admire Patricia's work and there is enough inspiration here for everyone. She understands her materials and exploits each to its best advantage. This is an excellent book all round and one I would recommend. This review first appeared on Karen Platt's book reviews website.



3. This is a wonderful book! For the first time, I found the addition of polymer clay to silver metal clay upscale and attractive. The author's projects are varied and unusual, and gave me many other ideas for metal clay work. I do agree with some of the other reviewers that the incorporation of silver and soldering was unnecessary. It essentially required the reader to have an intermediate knowledge of not only polymer clay and silver clay, but metal skills and soldering. Regardless, this book is filled with exciting new projects and anyone with a working knowledge of polymer clay and metal clay will want a copy of their own.



4. This book has inspired me to pair polymer clay and metal clays together. I won't suggest this book for a beginner for either polymer clay or metal clay. If I hadn't worked with polymer clay before buying the book, I would have been totally lost.
   But if you're done cane work, you'll love this book (also you'll get to use all the scrap clay you have hanging around).



5. I have been anxiously awaiting this book. I really love the combination of silver and polymer clay. I think silver by itself can be a bit boring, but when combined with polymer clay, it makes the polymer clay much more upscale and really peps up the silver. Normally, all the books that combine the two use wire wrapping. This book is slanted in a whole different direction.
   
   A previous reviewer was disappointed that the author used sterling in some of her work. I think there enough silver clay ideas so I don't mind that some of her projects contain sterling instead of only silver clay. She has a very nice balance in her projects.
   
   There is a "seach inside this book" feature. Most of the pages that pop up for me under "surprise me" are her whimsical projects. I think this gives an unbalanced idea of what is in the book. I personally don't care for whimsical projects but there are so many other gorgeous and sophisticated pieces that it more than makes up for the "cute" ideas for me.
   
   There is no other book like this available as far as I know. There are a few books that have an occasional project that combines polymer clay and metal clay but this book is devoted to the subject.

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

1. Sharilyn Miller has done it again. Though I would recommend you first work with her book "bead on a wire" if you have never worked with wire before, although most projects are shown in silver wire you can use copper instead. In fact I always work my project in copper first, since copper is more economical. I my opinion this book is for someone who has worked with wire before. Make sure to check the back of the book to find where to purchase your components. I love this book and recommend it to all :) You will find yourself referring back to Sharilyn's books time and time again as you create your own project.



2. I was a little sceptical in ordering this book. Oh, just another jewelry how-to book. Boy, was I surprised. All very relevant projects, using regular tools, and regular materials. A lot of books require such specialized tools and items that are difficult or expensive to acquire.
   
   Directions and pictures were very simple to follow. Being a relative newbie -- and left-handed -- I had no problems following along. Thanks for all the effort put into making this just a great addition to my ever-expanding library of how-to's.



3. A very well illustrated and step by step book! On time also. Thank you very much.



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



5. 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.

5 comments about The Backyard Blacksmith: Traditional Techniques for the Modern Smith.

1. This books has a lot of very simple and basic information. There are color photographs on nearly every page and the text is worth reading cover to cover. If you want to learn about blacksmithing or learn about actually doing some blacksmithing this is the book. After reading this book I feel like I learned enough to go out and do something. Nothing left in the dark, very clear and simple.



2. I had interest as a child in blacksmithing and recently decided to take it up as a hobby - this book was the perfect introduction, both informative and inspiring, a pleasure to read and look at, with good descriptions and pictures to top it off.



3. Great book, she tells it like it is. A good book for someone to get started in blacksmithing for yourself or in the trade. Highly recommend



4. I have many blacksmithing books both old and new. I purchased this book more out of curiosity than need. Imagine my surprise to find a superbly presented little treasure, which covers the fundamentals in a way that even the rank beginner can understand, and an old bloke like me can learn things from. The photos and illustrations are superb, and the clarity, and ease of reading is excellent. This book is a MUST in all blacksmithing libraries. If the beginner has no other book, they will be able to get a handle on traditional ornamental blacksmithing from this book alone. One of the best buys I have made in ages.



5. This is PRECISELY the very book I have been searching for, in regard to blacksmithing! If only this book had existed 20 years ago!
   
   This is a metal-art which fell into decline in the 20th century, but SHOULD be revived. There was a time, when alomost everyone who worked on a farm, new at least a little bit of basic blacksmithing. I believe that when people became complacently dependant on the mass-produced products of factories, it made society somewhat dumber! Our ancestors, mostly farmers or tradesmen, may have generally lacked formal education, but they were not fools. Learning to make things on your own expands your mind!
   
   Lorelei Sims, an artist as well as an artisan, provides us with a slick, well-organized, highly-informative, and thoroughly-illustrated manual. Divided into three parts, all the information you need to commence upon this worthy metal-art, is described within.
   
   The first part covers the very basic information, such as assembling your smithy, the tools and equipment you will need, and the various types of iron and steel you can work with.
   
   The second part teaches you basic techniques and skills in working the metal.
   
   The third part features a number of useful projects and the steps to complete them, where you will apply the skills and knowledge from the first and second parts.
   
   All this is portayed with high-quality color photos, giving the student a better perspective than the line-drawings and black-and-white photos utilized in similar books.
   
   There is a Resource section in the back, that lists a large quantity of contemporary information on blacksmithing, such as organizations, schools, magazines, websites, and suppliers.
   
   There is only one thing I wish she had covered in more detail, and that is the use and assembly of gas-forges. This book focuses on using the traditional coal-forge. Unfortunately, the proper coal isn't always easy to find these days.
   
   If you buy only one book on blacksmithing, THIS SHOULD BE THE ONE.