First Steps in Enameling [Paperback]

Jinks McGrath (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 15, 2003

Enameling has a deserved reputation for being one of the most difficult of all media over which to obtain real control. After learning the basic techniques, producing beautiful jewelry is relatively simple; then practice, diligence, and discipline are the only tools needed to master the craft. Doubling as a beginner’s manual and an essential reference guide, First Steps in Enameling contains all the information readers need to know to get started.

Learn what to consider when choosing and using a kiln, acquiring necessary tools, buying precious metals, and selecting and preparing enamels. Step-by-step instructions mix with inspiration to show basic wet and dry techniques for different metals, and different colors and types of enamels. Incorporating the major principles of both design and technique, these 20 flexible projects encourage beginners to practice skills and be inventive.

* Projects incorporate a variety of techniques, including plique--jour, champlev, bassetaille, and cloisonn? * Includes stunning gallery of finished pieces for inspiration * With clear, easy-to-follow instructions, projects cater specifically to beginners

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Professional jeweler Jinks McGrath has been running craft workshops and managing a gallery for many years. She is passionate about her career, especially designing and making individual items for galleries and exhibitions. Enameling is her specialty. Jinks works out of her home in East Sussex, England, and happily divides her time between designing, teaching, and parenting.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Krause Publications (July 15, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873497139
• ISBN-13: 978-0873497138
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #952,259 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great intro. to enameling, March 29, 2000

By 

Neda (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: First Steps in Enameling (Hardcover)

I have no experience with enameling at all, but wanted to know how to do it. This book was a great intro. to the process. I haven't tried it yet, but I do feel that I could at least make an attempt, based on the instructions in the book. Many instructive books leave you with too many unanswered questions, which prevents you from actually trying things yourself (especially when dangerous elements are utilized in the process, as in jewelry-making). For someone with some metal-working experience, however, I believe that you could actually get started on your own with this book.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Jinks does it again!, April 9, 2006

By 

PTSideshow "GRP" (Macomb County Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: First Steps in Enameling (Paperback)

This is a very good starting book to answer questions about what you need to know and have and also do to get started in enamel. This will be a reference book you will keep if you choose to continue in the craft. This book on the craft of enameling. Is up to her other works in the jewelry/metal art fields. It starts out to ground the newbie in the basics. The publisher also chimes in with the standard warnings about materials and equipment. My only warning is if you have no uncommon sense, please take up something else. She covers intro to enameling, equipment and materials and working with enamels. Moving on to seven easy type projects that you can make changes to if they do not suit you. All without loosing any of the instruction. Then moves on to some more techniques. Following up with seven more projects. Ending with a couple of pages of troubleshooting info which a lot of craft books lack. A glossary and the resource guides.

The pictures are clear, crisp and in color. With only enough work table shown for balance. They are of a size that gives a good visual of the descriptions along with the numbers on both. The gallery pages are dispersed thru the book. With an assortment of Jinks and other artists work. I own it I am planning on keeping it.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars First Steps In Enameling, June 21, 2008

By 

Paulette Johnson (Toronto, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: First Steps in Enameling (Paperback)

Excellent book for a beginner. A step by step approach is taken and each step gives you a small project to work on. Overall, this is one of the best books that I was able to follow and learn the beginning steps of enamelling on my own.