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37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A 2nd fantastic book by this designer, well worth the wait!!, July 16, 2009
This review is from: Chain and Bead Jewelry Creative Connections: New Techniques for Wire-Wrapping and Bead-Setting (Paperback)
I am a huge fan of his first book and had this follow up pre-ordered for a very long time. I'm so happy to report that it didn't disappoint!
You don't NEED his first book if you're new to the craft. The introductory section has great information on wire, rings, making rings, and everything you need to know to get started. The later projects all have step by step photos with clear directions. If you're a veteran, I'm pleased to say this book added a lot of information, particularly about tumbling and shining up your pieces. There's also great photo tutorials and instructions to flawlessly incorporate magnetic clasps into the design! He also includes the math and aspect ratio (AR) breakdown for more gauges per weave than he did in the first book.
As I said, I loved his first book, and ordered this one on faith since I was NOT actually a fan of the cover "chaos wrapping" design. Pages 44-59 are dedicated to this chaos link in necklaces/bracelet/earring form. I like the intricate pattern and symmetry of chainmaille so the chaos just doesn't do it for me.
Fear not! The rest of the book is his usual bold strong designs, with a different style "tornado" wrapped link, using beads in new ways, and I really like his play with different colored metals in this book which creates a whole new look and brings out the patterns. I'm sure I'll make everything BUT the cover piece at least once! ;-)
If you're new to the craft, you could easily start with his first book or this one. As a more experienced "mailler" now, I highly recommend BOTH books make it into your collection! The second book does not supersede or repeat the first so much as it complements and expands on it nicely if you love his style!
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22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Bring your wallet or your calculator, January 12, 2010
This review is from: Chain and Bead Jewelry Creative Connections: New Techniques for Wire-Wrapping and Bead-Setting (Paperback)
I was very excited to get this book, and quickly leafed through to decide which of the projects I wanted to do first. Then, later, when I was really ready to get to work, I realized that almost all of the projects therein were made with 19 (not 18 or 16) gauge wire and jump rings with 3.1 and 3.9 Inside Diameters.
Who in this particular Universe has those sizes on hand? Oh, but wait -- you can either buy the tool the author designed (for $65) with those mandrel sizes, or use his Aspect Ratio charts and still have to obtain either odd sized wire or (very) odd sized mandrels. Or, you can do some more math and figure out something else, I suppose. I see math and run the other way, so I don't know how likely that will be for me.
That being said, however, those who will take the time and/or additional money to accomplish this will find very-well illustrated and comprehensive instructions to make many beautiful projects. The book is wonderful just to look at, let alone use as a guide, so I am still enjoying my purchase.
I hope I will either take the time to figure out the ratios for materials I already have on hand, or be satisfied with a coffee table book.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
great book!!!, April 11, 2011
This review is from: Chain and Bead Jewelry Creative Connections: New Techniques for Wire-Wrapping and Bead-Setting (Paperback)
This book is wonderful for someone who has basic wire wrapping skills & wants to take it to the next level.
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