Custom Cool Jewelry: Create 200+ Personalized Pendants, Charms, and Clasps (Paperback)

~ Melinda Barta (Author)
Key Phrases: stringing suggestions, round bead frame, moss green marbled, Repeat Steps, Diamond Glaze, Vintage Vogue (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Adult/High School–This reference and idea book for serious jewelry makers or beaders is beautifully laid out and gorgeously photographed. The individual projects come with instructions, but not step-by-step pictures, and the assumption is that readers have some basic skills. In the end matter, Beading and Wireworking 101 includes descriptions of bead types, findings, stringing materials, and tools, and a short how-to section. There is a list by project of materials needed and another of sources (online and brick-and-mortar stores). Some projects require non-jewelry tools, such as an embossing heat gun. There are several interesting recycling ideas, such as using old candy or spice tins, pocket watches, lockets, or antique playing cards as the basis for new pieces. A few items use gemstones and silver, which may put them out of the price range of most teens. However, for crafters who want to create one-of-a-kind jewelry that reflects their own interests and sense of style, this is a great source of inspiration.–Sarah Flowers, Santa Clara County Library, CA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

"Barta uses a combination of beads and found materials to create unique necklaces. . . . Would make a good addition to public libraries."  —Library Journal

"Ready for a recycler's dream? This book is certainly that. All kinds of unlikely items get pressed into service and come out looking different and interesting."  —myshelf.com

"A nice blend of mixed media and jewelry-making, using very easy-to-find materials. There are so many cool ideas in here."  —Craftypod.com

"Takes a crafting approach to make parts and pieces for your jewelry making needs. It is very refreshing to see a book for those of us with more experience."   —About.com Guide to Jewelry Making

"Packed with interesting projects for creating unique jewelry pieces."  —Detroit News

See all Editorial Reviews

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Product Details Paperback: 144 pages Publisher: Interweave Press (August 1, 2008) Language: English ISBN-10: 1596680741 ISBN-13: 978-1596680746 Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies) Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews) Amazon.com Sales Rank: #149,788 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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More About the Author

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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!

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Inside This Book (learn more)

Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
stringing suggestions, round bead frame, moss green marbled, aquamarine rondelle, labradorite round, pendants into necklaces, imitation rhodium, pineapple quartz, wrapped loop that attaches, satin bicone, snug the beads, crimp tube, faceted rondelles, craft tape, crystal bicones, matte size, oval chain, garnet round, glass rondelles, use the head pin, vogue pendant, cool jewelry, natural brass, jump ring, box clasp

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Repeat Steps, Diamond Glaze, Vintage Vogue, Amazing Glaze, Labradorite Blues, Sweet Spots, Old Oval Button, Springtime Simplicity, Plain Jane, Hypo Cement, Scissors Size, Mod Podge

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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!

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What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

	49% buy the item featured on this page: Custom Cool Jewelry: Create 200+ Personalized Pendants, Charms, and Clasps 4.2 out of 5 stars (13) $15.61
	17% buy Semiprecious Salvage: Creating Found Art Jewelry 4.6 out of 5 stars (16) $15.63
	15% buy A Charming Exchange: 25 Jewelry Projects To Create & Share 4.7 out of 5 stars (14) $15.63
	10% buy Rejuvenated Jewels: New Designs from Vintage Treasures 4.8 out of 5 stars (10) $16.49

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Customer Reviews

13 Reviews 5 star:  (8) 4 star:  (2) 3 star:    (0) 2 star:  (3) 1 star:    (0)           Average Customer Review 4.2 out of 5 stars (13 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews 20 of 21 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Mix and Match Your Way to Custom Cool Jewelry!, September 4, 2008 By  Erin L. Prais-hintz "Tesori Trovati Jewelry C... (Plover, WI) - See all my reviews I pre-ordered this book and I am so glad I did! This will make for one of the more frequently referenced books in my ever growing jewelry designing library. The sheer volume of the ideas sounds overwhelming but really, there are simply several variations of each project that really help you see new ways to combine various materials to come up with something totally unique, customized and cool. Ms. Barta must have been really inspired to make so many different pieces, but what I like best is that most of these ideas take supplies that are not necessarily traditional jewelry making components, like shrink plastic, scrapbook rub-ons and fabric and turning them into the most unique components. I, too, make one-of-a-kind jewelry because my philosophy is that life is too short to wear department store jewelry or home party jewelry that you are likely to see walking down the street on someone else. You should be you and your accessories are like the icing on the cake - it should really set you apart. These designs are fresh and spunky and show an willingness to experiment that I love. This is a winner of a book and you won't be disappointed if you purchase it! 13 of 13 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars This is my New Favorite Craft Book!, September 22, 2008 By  Laura Carlson "Crazy Craft Lady" (Idaho, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    I found this book at the local bookstore, and bought it immediately. It was worth every penny. There is inspiration for almost everyone...Beading, Polymer Clay, Shrink Art, Altered Art....Pop Art. I liked the fact that the book was not really geared toward a total beginner. As an experienced crafter, I prefer to not pay for half of a book full of basic how-to instructions with only a few projects shown. The photos are great, as are the projects themselves. The ideas are fresh and most are quite simple. On the down side, many of the projects featured require the purchase of specialty findings and and bits that could add up to quite a bit of cash. However, the resource guide in the back of the book lead me to many great sites for products I didn't even know I wanted. 14 of 15 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Empowering Design Ideas..., September 22, 2008 By  Andrew Thornton (Brooklyn, NY United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    If you're privy to the booming DIY scene, then you know that "custom" is the new IT word. Turn on any home improvement show or open any craft magazine and you'll see the word being used to denote something a step above the rest. Why? When Big Business cranks out carbon copy style after carbon copy style, individual and personalized imagery and objects are a welcome escape - a breath of fresh air in an often times stagnant pool of overly-recycled ideas and motifs. Melinda Barta, the managing editor of Beadwork and Stringing magazines, is definitely in touch with the movement away from pre-fab "style" and towards a more distinct design - your own. With her new book from Interweave Press, Custom Cool Jewelry, she empowers the reader with over 200 projects. Not only does she give valuable tips on making your own pendants, charms, and clasps, but she presents several stringing ideas to use your newly created custom pieces. This book is LOADED with useful ideas that spark the imagination and provoke potential. Melinda has a bevy of knowledge from working on various magazines (including PieceWork magazine), being author of Hip to Stitch: 20 Contemporary Projects Embellished with Thread, having a BFA in Fiber Arts from Colorado State University and being a teacher at schools across the country, including the prestigious Penland School of Crafts. She uses this versatile experience to enrich Custom Cool Jewelry and deliver projects from a truly unique perspective. What I love best about Custom Cool Jewelry is that it is a spring board for endless creativity. It fundamentally teaches the reader how to open up their personal style toolbox and use what's inside. A lot of craft and jewelry books simply dole out formulas on how to duplicate someone else's ideas. Custom Cool Jewelry is different. It enables the reader to make stunning jewelry of high quality from their own well of inspiration, utilizing the creative and truly cool ideas offered up by Melinda Barta in this must-have book. I definitely recommend this book!		Ad feedback   Most Recent Customer Reviews 2.0 out of 5 stars not that impressed the pieces shown in the book are really lovely, but it's nothing i haven't seen before... this would be a good book for a true beginner... Read more Published 6 months ago by Erin P. Cooley 5.0 out of 5 stars A custom jewelry book of cool inspiration I could pour through this book everyday and find something new to inspire me! I have some jewelry making experience so I can look at many of the photos and figure out how to... Read more Published 6 months ago by B. Burkett 5.0 out of 5 stars Custom Cool Jewelry: Book Review Just looking at the cover intrigued me to discover what's inside Melinda's new book. I love being able to create jewelry out of unusual things. Read more Published 9 months ago by Deborah C. Witenski 4.0 out of 5 stars NOT for beginners...some creative ideas to stimulate your own At first I was a bit hesitant as to whether or not I liked this book when I first scanned through it when it arrived on my doorstep. Read more Published 10 months ago by CLG 5.0 out of 5 stars In Custom Cool Jewelry, Melinda Barta shows you how! It's no accident that Barta, Melinda's last name, contains the word ART. This chic yet accessible jewelry making book, Custom Cool Jewelry, is extremely artistic in... Read more Published 11 months ago by Jean Yates 2.0 out of 5 stars Not for me I see this book has appeal for most reviewers and that's great, but I have to say I was disappointed in it and returned the book. Read more Published 12 months ago by Melissa McCobb Hubbell 5.0 out of 5 stars One Very Cool Book! It's all about the pendant in Melinda's book and that's a good thing. You'll be able to create mixed media necklaces with unique one of a kind pendants. Read more Published 13 months ago by Cindy Gimbrone 4.0 out of 5 stars Great eye candy - not great for a beginner I bought this book after a quick glance at the cover in the book store. The ideas are great and as someone who already makes jewelry I found it inspirational. Read more Published 14 months ago by pychsmom 2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing I was looking forward to receiving this book, what a let down. no step by step pictures, pictures are poor. Not worth the money and nothing new Published 14 months ago by Adrienne Macdonald 5.0 out of 5 stars It really is "cool" This book is worth adding to your jewelry making library. It is well written and beautifully photographed. Read more Published 14 months ago by Ellen R. Mertz Search Customer Reviews Only search this product's reviews

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Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press (August 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596680741
• ISBN-13: 978-1596680746
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #149,788 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mix and Match Your Way to Custom Cool Jewelry!, September 4, 2008

By	Erin L. Prais-hintz "Tesori Trovati Jewelry C... (Plover, WI) - See all my reviews

I pre-ordered this book and I am so glad I did! This will make for one of the more frequently referenced books in my ever growing jewelry designing library. The sheer volume of the ideas sounds overwhelming but really, there are simply several variations of each project that really help you see new ways to combine various materials to come up with something totally unique, customized and cool. Ms. Barta must have been really inspired to make so many different pieces, but what I like best is that most of these ideas take supplies that are not necessarily traditional jewelry making components, like shrink plastic, scrapbook rub-ons and fabric and turning them into the most unique components. I, too, make one-of-a-kind jewelry because my philosophy is that life is too short to wear department store jewelry or home party jewelry that you are likely to see walking down the street on someone else. You should be you and your accessories are like the icing on the cake - it should really set you apart. These designs are fresh and spunky and show an willingness to experiment that I love. This is a winner of a book and you won't be disappointed if you purchase it!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is my New Favorite Craft Book!, September 22, 2008

By	Laura Carlson "Crazy Craft Lady" (Idaho, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I found this book at the local bookstore, and bought it immediately. It was worth every penny. There is inspiration for almost everyone...Beading, Polymer Clay, Shrink Art, Altered Art....Pop Art. I liked the fact that the book was not really geared toward a total beginner. As an experienced crafter, I prefer to not pay for half of a book full of basic how-to instructions with only a few projects shown. The photos are great, as are the projects themselves. The ideas are fresh and most are quite simple. On the down side, many of the projects featured require the purchase of specialty findings and and bits that could add up to quite a bit of cash. However, the resource guide in the back of the book lead me to many great sites for products I didn't even know I wanted.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Empowering Design Ideas..., September 22, 2008

By	Andrew Thornton (Brooklyn, NY United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you're privy to the booming DIY scene, then you know that "custom" is the new IT word. Turn on any home improvement show or open any craft magazine and you'll see the word being used to denote something a step above the rest. Why? When Big Business cranks out carbon copy style after carbon copy style, individual and personalized imagery and objects are a welcome escape - a breath of fresh air in an often times stagnant pool of overly-recycled ideas and motifs.

Melinda Barta, the managing editor of Beadwork and Stringing magazines, is definitely in touch with the movement away from pre-fab "style" and towards a more distinct design - your own. With her new book from Interweave Press, Custom Cool Jewelry, she empowers the reader with over 200 projects. Not only does she give valuable tips on making your own pendants, charms, and clasps, but she presents several stringing ideas to use your newly created custom pieces. This book is LOADED with useful ideas that spark the imagination and provoke potential.

Melinda has a bevy of knowledge from working on various magazines (including PieceWork magazine), being author of Hip to Stitch: 20 Contemporary Projects Embellished with Thread, having a BFA in Fiber Arts from Colorado State University and being a teacher at schools across the country, including the prestigious Penland School of Crafts. She uses this versatile experience to enrich Custom Cool Jewelry and deliver projects from a truly unique perspective.

What I love best about Custom Cool Jewelry is that it is a spring board for endless creativity. It fundamentally teaches the reader how to open up their personal style toolbox and use what's inside. A lot of craft and jewelry books simply dole out formulas on how to duplicate someone else's ideas. Custom Cool Jewelry is different. It enables the reader to make stunning jewelry of high quality from their own well of inspiration, utilizing the creative and truly cool ideas offered up by Melinda Barta in this must-have book.

I definitely recommend this book!