Customer Reviews

Creative Silver Chains: 20 Dazzling Designs

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A really outstanding book for the beginner, and designs that will inspire and delight those who are not. Very good descriptions and use of photos to enhance the text. The projects use standard materials and easily obtainable tools and the reader is shown all techniques required to produce a quality product. Very good safety tips and considerations.

The only thing I would suggest if Ms. Saunders decides to write another book like this would be to show use of a propane torch, it will still do the job and is a lot less expensive than Oxygen/Acetylene bottles, gauges and torch kit. Oxy/Acet is more of a advanced level tool and safety considerations with this equipment are paramout and can be devistating if not followed to the letter. The photo on page 17 shows her setup, but she does not have flash arrestors at the gauge end of the supply hoses.

Do not let this 1 item keep you from a really outstanding book though.

Some of the chains presented as "Artist's gallery samples" are fantastic. Lots of inspirational designs and great techniques. I got several very good ideas for projects.
On the other hand, the book's actual project chains are mostly generic and uninteresting. I saw this book befor I bought it, and bought it for the non-project samples. I've seen several of the book's chains made up by friends, and they were not more interesting than they looked in the book.
There are tons of free chain instructions available on the internet. It is worth the time to seek them out instead.

I do not solder so this book was not very helpful. If you can solder this book is excellent. I do wirework but with soldering required for most of the chains I have to return the book.

I have purchased several silver smithing books and this one is by far the very best project book I have found.

Tracy

Not your jump ring chain construction book covers some every delightful ideas from start to finish. Even a beginner in metalsmithing can follow the instructions to end up with an item to be proud of. I do own it.

The aspect of this book I most appreciated was the author's theme that handmade chains can be "lifelong expressions of your soul". This book emphasizes creative design in silver wire, not repetition of classic chain styles or chainmail weaves. I appreciated the tool suggestions and information on creating a soldering station. In addition,there is a very good discussion of the stick soldering technique in this book. Other reviewers have complained about the projects but I feel they teach skills in a fine progression to allow the beginner to tackle more difficult designs with confidence. After the first project, chains are liberated from requiring standard round links to include a variety of shapes and connections. Each project gives precise lists of necessary supplies, down to the number of inches of silver wire needed. After reading this book I don't think I will be bored by chains ever again.

A great book with many lovely designs, but alomst everything in this book requires the use of a torch. If you are a beginner, this is not the book for you. If you are not comfortable with a torch, this is not the book for you. However, if you are interested in learning how to make professional silver jewelry, then give this book a try. It will show through it.

"Creative Silver Chains" is a very attractive book with detailed pictures of all the chains you may make. The introduction is also very good in that the materials you might use are discussed at length, as well as the tools needed. Suggestions are given on the best tools to use. The author says that the 20 projects are arranged roughly from Easy to Most difficult so that you can build up your expertise. There are also chains pictured that are above the scope of this book in difficulty, to whet your appetite. I would recommend the book to someone who has some experience in working with silver and with soldering.

This book is very professionally done. The photos are excellent, and so is the text. The instructions for the interesting projects are concise and clear.

A wonderful, well thought out book of refreshing and inspirational chain designs. A must have for anyone, beginner to advance worker. Well written instruction, with clear photos. A nice introduction for the beginning chain worker. Highly recommend!