Enchanted Adornments [Paperback]

Cynthia Thornton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2009

Presented in the style of an artist’s journal, this remarkable handbook uses an informal, conversational approach to teach a wide variety of innovative mixed-media jewelry techniques. Accompanied by fairytale introductions and augmented by watercolor illustrations and design sketches, the 20 unique projects featured, ranging from the delightfully simple to the exquisitely ornate, are infused with personal meaning. Projects make use of various newly popular techniques in mixed-media jewelry, including the creation of resin pendants, PMC clasps, polymer clay beads, and more. All basic techniques are made clear by step-by-step photography.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Enchantment, to artist and first-time author Thornton, comes in many forms, including nature and fairy tales. Even the deconstruction of your best friend’s wardrobe—in terms of color, shape, texture. All of her favorite enchantments coalesce in an unusual crafts book, centering on the possible marriage between and among somewhat disparate media—wire, polymer clay, metal clay, resin, and others. Her upfront how-to’s are a bit scattered, concentrating on a few basics with the rest left to self-teaching, other artists, or simply chance. Whimsicalities follow, each prefaced with a watercolor-illustrated diary of sorts explaining her inspirations (mermaids, Italy, and all), then detailing the instructions. Steps are clear, as are the color photographs and lists of necessities, along with at least one variation on the design. Yet nagging thoughts remind pure novices that brushing up on individual craft skills is to be desired. Still, the names alone seduce (so, too, the finished designs): “window of the heart” bezel pendant, “sunset baubles” necklace, riverbed rings, and magpie pendant. --Barbara Jacobs

Review

"Enchantment, to artist and first-time author Thornton, comes in many forms, including nature and fairy tales. Even the deconstruction of your best friend’s wardrobe—in terms of color, shape, texture. All of her favorite enchantments coalesce in an unusual crafts book, centering on the possible marriage between and among somewhat disparate media—wire, polymer clay, metal clay, resin, and others...Steps are clear, as are the color photographs and lists of necessities, along with at least one variation on the design. Yet nagging thoughts remind pure novices that brushing up on individual craft skills is to be desired. Still, the names alone seduce (so, too, the finished designs): 'window of the heart' bezel pendant, 'sunset baubles' necklace, riverbed rings, and magpie pendant." — Barbara Jacobs, Booklist

"You have never seen a design and inspiration book like this one." — Upper Midwest Bead Society Newsletter

"Exquisite...this book is packed with techniques, ideas and absolutely stunning jewelry pieces. If you love fantasy and magic, you'll love this book. If you love narrative design, you'll love this book. If you're looking for new tricks for your mixed media skill set, you'll love this book. I highly, highly recommend this book for every jewelry designer's library. It truly is enchanting." — Margot Potter, a.k.a. The Impatient Crafter, author, Beyond the Bead

"A beautiful book filled with exquisite illustrations that accompany a delightful story in diary form about the magical journeys of a jewelry maker...and 20 unique projects to guide you on your own jewelry making journey." — Bead-Patterns the Magazine

"Part inspiration, part modern fairy tale, and part how-to book, this volume is both whimsical and practical. I was thoroughly charmed by Thornton's imaginative approach." — Metal Clay Today magazine

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press (November 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596681578
• ISBN-13: 978-1596681576
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #310,926 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars I'm sorry to disagree..but, April 8, 2010

By 

annie - See all my reviews

This review is from: Enchanted Adornments (Paperback)

I really wanted a instructional book, with pictures to guide me through different techniques..step by step.
I did read the reviews and thought getting some inspiration is never a bad thing. I thought I'd get that and Instructions( full instructions)to complete the "projects".
The way this book is laid out is like other people have described. A supply list for the "projects" in the front. And I have to say each project has some steps included, 3 or 4 to make something that really requires 10 steps.
BUT the main focus is all story telling, about her magical land and characters that lead to the inspiration for each piece.
I thought I would get some tips how to FIND MY OWN inspiration. I'm not going to make up a world and write about "Daisy" and her misadventures.sorry.
I don't know this just isn't my cup of tea I guess. I feel I would need to go buy at least 3 more books to really learn how to make resin or PMC pieces. If you are geared towards fairies and wonderlands this is for you. If you are new and want to learn how to work with polymer clay or PMC even resin, I'd recommend another book
If you really love the author's style you will love this book it is very pretty I must say.

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing journey shows you how to follow your own path of creativity!, October 28, 2009

By 

Jean Yates "jean, jewelry designer, book and... (United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Enchanted Adornments (Paperback)

Enchanted Adornments, by the remarkable bead artist and illustrator Cynthia Thornton, not only teaches how to create all sorts of beautiful projects anyone will love, it relates a delightful story as it teaches, with "calendar-dated" diary chapters for each project, and charming magical persona inhabiting each chapter. If you pored over fairy tales as a child, you will curl up with this book, a pot of tea and a fire going in the fireplace, and read it in a day, I bet. If you never read a single fairy tale in your younger days, grab a mug of cocoa and get ready to learn what it is to be entranced by words, mystery, passion, love, sorrow, joy and secrets unveiled.
Cynthia, I knew you made the most glorious beads of all sorts, and I knew you made beautiful jewelry, because I have followed your career since I first came upon your internet store, [...] However, I never knew you were a tale teller.
How better to teach readers the way to make spectacular and unique beads and terrific jewelry than by engrossing them in fascinating tales of all sorts of creatures and by having the mysterious author's diary, complete with stunning illustrations, explain bit by bit why the mystic creatures in each chapter love and are pefectly suited by the kinds of jewelry that they choose?

I admit I feel compelled not to discuss the tales. They are filled with love and emotion, and it is genuine. They unfold in a wonderfully natural manner. I can say this: only a person who has truly loved another person could have written this book.
Even if you have never made a polymer bead in your life, you get the urge to learn at this author's feet. She is a very encouraging and thorough teacher. In fact, the beginning of the book is packed with excellent advice on how to carve, how to work with wire, how to set stones, how to make polymer correctly (prepping a master mold, etc.), how to make resin properly, including finishing and curing it in a bezel, and how to properly create a piece out of precious metal clay. It is quite amazing--a book in itself.

When you do get to the projects, you are quite eager to see them. The photos are beautiful,breathtaking! Each project is different and so lovely, and the underlying story is one of enchantment...just as the adornments are enchanted. The illustrations are amazing, as well. I don't want to be the one who gives anything away concerning this wonderful book. I just think you should buy it and be prepared to fall in love with every page.
What a love story this book is. A love story between a woman who creates jewelry, a love story between an imaginary couple who remind me of some people I know and a love story between a woman who reached for the stars glittering throughout each page of Enchanted Adornments. They came rushing to her, because they knew she "understood".

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Artistic journal you will go back too time and time again..., January 17, 2010

By 

Cricketkiss (CT) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Enchanted Adornments (Paperback)

I recieved this incredible book for my birthday and it has become one of my favorites! It in itself is a pieces of artwork as it brings you in using insruction, story and beatiful illustrations. It is a treasure for any artists library.