Customer Reviews

Designer Style Jewelry: Techniques and Projects for Elegant Designs from Classic to Retro

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I must say the number one reason why I loved this book was the fact that Sherri Haab clearly showed and explained each step. Chock full of pictures, step by step explanations, and multiple design suggestions per project, made this book not only pleasing to the eye, but a joy to work from and with. There are sophisticated styles, 70's style favorites, antique designs, with some of the projects being downright adorable.

Sherri Haab's techniques and explanations exude simplicity. I may be wrong, but I attribute it to the fact that she's written multiple crafts books for kids, and what are we, but overgrown kids, eager to create, create, create? Taking your time going through this book will not only give you an easy way to create the ideas suggested in each chapter, but each chapter shows a variety of styles and looks for each project.

I've been making jewelry for myself and others for many years, so I couldn't wait to get started. I grabbed my 12 year old and we decided on two projects, the faux ivory scrimshaw pendent and the mica pearl pendent. Both projects were extremely easy to follow and with a picture for almost every step of the way, my 12 year old completed her project with very little help from me. Some of the beading projects are a little more difficult, but not unmanageable. Let's face it, reading a book to learn how to do something with your hands can be daunting, cookbooks, craft books, house repair, it can drive you nuts. Sherri manages to give you a wide variety of projects in a wide variety of styles and mediums without sacrificing the most important part, user ability.

Projects include:

Freshwater Pearl Bracelet
Crystal Flower Bracelet
That 70's Ring
Faux Ivory Scrimshaw Bracelet
Celtic Knots Bracelet, Earrings & Pendent
Shrink Hearts
Asian Style Floral Pendant
Bottle Cap Pins & Pendant
Pressed Flower Pendant & Earrings
Leather Bracelet
Vintage Valentine Bracelet

In the front of the book she includes lists of supplies and "Findings". For the creative impaired, findings are the hardware (jump rings, bails, ear wires, head pins, clasps, etc) that holds a project together and enables it to look professional. There are also lists of tools, glues and adhesives, and stringing materials. In the back you will find templates and a list of suppliers. By far, the project that intrigued me the most was the clear bauble bracelet. It reminded me so much of a bracelet I had when I was little, I would have started on it immediately if I could find the cabochons. Not to fear, I'm heading to Ebay to see what I can find. I'll try a butterfly bracelet for my daughter and a series of hearts for my sister. I can't wait!

I'm an avid crafter and have recently started beading and making jewelry. After checking out every jewelry making book in our local library and browsing through many others at a couple of craft stores I decided I wanted to purchase this great book. All of the projects are for jewelry I would love to wear myself or make for others. The pictures are beautiful and the instructions are very clear. There is a project for everyone in this wonderful book.

I adore Sherri Haab. She explains things very clearly, so even if it's a technique you've never tried before. There are tons of pictures to go with the project, which really helps as well. And I just love her style of jewelry making. I've been making jewelry for a couple of years now, and got a lot out of the projects. Plus the list of supplies and suppliers was handy so you know where everything came from. I recommend this book

A fantastic book for anyone interested in creating original jewelry. Easy to understand even for the uninitiated. It was great that there are different types of techniques - sure to be something that captures your imagination or the possibility of combining projects. I warmly recommend this book!

This book is of a great help to me in jewelry making. It is easy to read and instructions are clear. Thank you for such a fine book.

Sherri Haab continues to write books about the art and craft of jewelry making that are inspiring, gorgeous, delightful and entirely do-able by any skill level of crafter or artist. Her books are structured in such a way as to increase the level of difficulty with each project. So if you start a book as a rank beginner, you will end with a good working knowledge and skill level. This book in particular is stunning and inspiring. Anything you see at Barney's or Neiman Marcus is within the reach of a avid jewelry maker. And oh, her sources guides are fonts of wonderment and delight! I have found so many terrific retailers and suppliers through her resource guides. I am real fan of this talented lady! I'll buy anything she writes!

This is a fabulous book and worth buying. I've had several of Sherri Haab's books and by far this is one that covers so many different mediums while making it all seem doable for the crafter/artist. I liked everyone of her selections here. You will be inspired. Glad I made the purchase.

I was hoping for a book on wire and beading, but very little was devoted to it. I would not buy this again. If you want an intro to different jewelry techniques, especially clay, this ok ok. It is intro only, not detailed on each subject. It covers too many different types of art to give you detailed or creative ideas on your favorite.

I am extremely disappointed by this book, especially after having read raving reviews about it. This is a book for children or for someone who never beaded before. The first nineteen pages are about the basics, which are included in every single bead book. Then the book presents projects that only children would wear because they look so amateurish, naive, and infantile. I did not find a single project I would want to make or wear. There is no research in the choice of colors and the materials are cheap, made of wood, glass, paper, decorated with paint and put together with glue. There is only one simple crocheted gemstone project, which is unappealing and looks cheap. The only advantage of this book is clear pictures and explanations for each project, which unfortunately you would not even consider making anyway...I advise purchasing Margie Deeb books or Nancy Alden.

This is an Excellent book for both beginners and intermediate. The book has excellent pictures and she explains things in an understandable fashion.
I have gotten other books from various authors and you can't understand a lot of it. Sherri Haab's instructions are easy to understand and she tells you where to get the products in the book. I highly recommend this book!