Customer Reviews

The Art of Making Jewelry

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I found this book disappointing because I was expecting it to be a more focused and comprehensive reference for beading and metal work. The chapters on making paper beads from scratch, paper mache beads and decoupage were of little interest to me and the featured projects seemed more like children's jewelry rather than items I would be intersted in wearing. Also,I was hoping for a primer on working with metal but, instead, the book merely showcases the work of several artists. Although many of the pieces are quite remarkable and the photography well done, the book gives absolutely no practical advice on actually creating and working with metal jewelry. As the previous reviewer said, it is a nice coffee table book, but to me it offers no more than any other very basic beading primer, although there are several nice design ideas. Also, whatever you do, DO NOT purchase this book along with "Making Designer Gemstone & Pearl Jewelry" by Tammy Powley as I did. The Powley book is essentially the first chapter of "The Art of Making Jewelry" of which she is a co-author. I mean literally it is nearly identical(which I think should be disclosed). What you actually want from a beading book should be your guide. My advice is that if you just want a basic beading primer with some design ideas, the Tammy Powley book is an acceptable choice. However if you are interested in a broader range of beading crafts such as the decoupage, etc. then you might like to invest in this book.

This book is more for the beader than metal smithing. it is of coffee table size and style. It has one page devoted to a large picture of the project. The first section on supplies and the drawing used to illustrate the making of the wire forms is a novel approach. you look down at the tip end of the pliers with the wire in the jaws so you will get the idea of how it looks and goes together.
The next section has the beading style projects, supply lists are well done. the picture of the projects is large enough to show detail. The following section deals with paper use in jewelry. From kitchen counter paper making to weaving and braiding. Which can be modified to use metal strips for the folding ect. The section on metal is done in the style of selected artists showing some pieces and describing their technique in working metal. In all things a book can not be. But for a slick well photographed idea book that is at home on the coffee table. It can be a idea shelf reference book. Also for somebody that is in to beading and wants some up scale style projects and learn a little about smithing. I own it.

This book is a very helpful resource for those who make jewelry. Many interesting ideas and lots of helpful information to use in creating them.

This book is easy on the eye, and a good reference book--full of ideas and the pictures are clear.