Customer Reviews

Bent, Bound And Stitched: Collage, Cards And Jewelry With A Twist

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was a big fan of the author's first book, "Collage Lost and Found", and I had the second on preorder from the minute I heard about it.

Sequels can be tricky. I kind of expected this one to fall a little flatter than the first, since the first was so good.

But I was wrong. Gleefully *wrong*.

Where the first book was more about collage (go figure), this book has you use those skills you've already learned to go further -- making objects with wire and metal and collagebits, learning new techniques and building on what you know thusfar. The projects are more than just pretty little geegaws, too -- they're useful and gorgeous with lots of ideas for taking what you learn and running with it to create your own works of art.

It took me almost three hours just to flip through the book, because I kept having to stop and try things she'd presented (wire letters! scribble-filled wire hearts with attached book text!). And really, any book that can not only inspire, but motivate me to get up out of the chair and *make something* is well-worth the price. I can tell this will be one book that I *use* instead of just *own*.

If you're looking for something new to add to your collages and artwork then you'll want to check out this book. The author shows you how to take a piece of wire, add a few bends and twists to create wonderful motifs and embellishments that you can use on everything from collages and cards to journal pages and just about anything else you can think of. Clear step-by-step instructions and photographs insure that even if you've never worked with wire before you'll have no trouble creating the projects in this book.

Having been a longtime admirer of Josie's work and creativity, the book Bent, Bound and Stitched is a perfect compilation of instructions and ideas to take your skills to the next level. The uses of wire and sewing are inventive without being intimidating; the book is gorgeous and a source of real inspiration! It totally makes you want to "try this at home".

The instructions are very clear and easy to follow, with great photos that demonstrate exactly what is described in the text. What a pleasure to have a book that encourages you to make the projects and teaches new techniques you can apply to your own ideas. It's eye candy with beautiful visuals, and fun to read with Josie's insights and writing style.

A new favorite how-to for your art and craft collection!

This book has great ideas as well as beautiful illustrations. The directions are easy to follow. Although I wouldn't copy any of her designs they are all easy to get ideas from and very inspirational.

This is my second book from this author and I find myself going back to it frequently while I am making various items. All of the projects on the books seem very doable and she goes over step by step for completing them and offers alternate ideas and pics of the projects. Some jewelry experience would be helpful for the wire wrapping projects in the book.

The part of this book on making vintage looking jewelry is one of my favorites! The instructional photos are clear and easy to understand the instructions! The designs are cool and inspirational, with the antique and almost steampunk style. Want to make several of the necklaces!

Great illustrations along with very good directions. The only problem that I can see is that I must
go out and purchase several items (mostly at the hardware store) to properly complete some projects.
Without a doubt, I will purchase other books by "Josie".

I happened to pick up this book at our local library -- wasn't even really looking for something like this, but thought I'd enjoy browsing through and admiring the author's creativity. The more I looked, the more I saw how she had taken some offbeat techniques and made some very unique pieces. While her subject matter and color choices are much more her than me, it was easy to see how the style could be transferred and personalized.

I was super happy with my first project (http://princapecos.blogspot.com/2011/03/i-love-it-when-plan-comes-together.html) and look forward to exploring this more. Haven't ventured into the world of wire, yet... perhaps down the road a bit.

This is my favorite artists! I love catching her on DIY! I love her work, and she is so helpful! AWESOME