Getting Started Making Wire Jewelry and More (Getting Started series) [Hardcover]

Linda Chandler (Author), Christine R. Ritchey (Author)

Book Description

Series: Getting Started series | Publication Date: September 1, 2005

Those with interest, but absolutely no wire-working knowledge, will find this gradual guide a great introduction to every aspect of working with the enduring medium of wire. The chapters walk the aspiring craftsperson step-by-step through the entire process, from where and how to shop for wire and beads, to choosing the right kind and gauge of wire, and what tools of the trade they need to borrow or buy. No background is assumed; skills build upon each other as the book progresses. The basic jewelry components, such as loops, jump rings, findings, and connectors, are covered in turn. These lessons are then put to use with a selection of six projects, from jewelry to more unusual uses for metal embellishments such as greeting cards. Filled with lessons, tips, and resources from start to finish, this manual is a primer for the true beginner.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The new Getting Started series...promise(s) not to leave the 'newbie' wondering what to do next." — Craftrends

"A lovely, concise book, with great practical pictures, up-to-date ideas, and a good combination of basic skills and...challenging stuff." — Bead Society of Great Britain Newsletter

"This is a good little book for someone totally new to wire jewelry making" —
About.com Guide to Jewelry Making

"Will suit those with interest but absolutely no knowledge of wire-working. It’s a smart, gradual guide." — Get Creative

About the Author

Linda Chandler is a jewelry designer and teacher with more than 20 years of experience, and the coauthor of Woven Wire Jewelry. She is a precious metal clay-certified teacher who conducts workshops in a variety of jewelry skills including wire wrapping, metalsmithing, and glass fusing. Her work has appeared in the book All Wired Up and the magazine The Wire Artist Jeweller. She lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Christine Ritchey is an independent writer and editor, potter, jewelry maker, and coauthor of Woven Wire Jewelry. She has worked for D magazine and the local PBS station in Dallas. She lives in Pottsboro, Texas.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press (September 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 193149987X
• ISBN-13: 978-1931499873
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #151,371 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

84 of 85 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent primer for beginners, September 6, 2005

By 

Jean Leslie "Jbyrd" (Delaware, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Getting Started Making Wire Jewelry and More (Getting Started series) (Hardcover)

Do I need another book about making wire jewelry?
Linda Chandler and Christine Ritchey co-authored the highly-rate "Woven Wire Jewelry". This is another 5-star book.
So I bought the book.
Chandler and Ritchey don't start with wire and tools; they take you to the supply section at the bead store then tell you about wire, necessary tools and bead sizes. Next is a primer about safety and posture.
The lessons start with the essentials: jump rings, loops, head pins, eye pins and goes into bead wraps, ear wires, coils and findings.
There's also a lesson on wrapping briolettes (YES!) and simple wire rings. As a bonus, they includes a wire-embellished greeting card.
Every technique has beautiful step-by-step photographs and jewelry showing the technique. There are hints showing inevitable mistakes and tips on how to correct them.
This is not only an excellent primer for beginners; it's also a
good manual for more experienced wire-jewelers to teach others.

64 of 64 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great introduction to the craft of wire jewelry!, November 3, 2005

By 

Sharilyn Miller (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Getting Started Making Wire Jewelry and More (Getting Started series) (Hardcover)

Great title for a good beginner's book on wire jewelry: It really is all about getting started with this marvelous craft. The authors provide a comprehensive text on this subject, including how to shop for beads, materials and tools, safety issues, and basic techniques such as jump rings, head pins and coils plus making your own clasps, chandelier earrings, a spiral bracelet, and much more.
Linda Chandler and Christine Ritchey cover a lot of ground in just 88 pages, offering great advice and instruction as well as close-up, step-by-step photography showing you how to do what they do.
I like the Bead and Pearl Bracelet project featured on the cover, and the knot rings as well as the clever handmade toggle clasp. Recommended by Sharilyn Miller, author of Bead on a Wire.

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gets To The Basics, October 24, 2005

By 

C. M. Elliott "Zara" (Georgia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Getting Started Making Wire Jewelry and More (Getting Started series) (Hardcover)

This book was a godsend to me. I work with PMC and use wire to make all sorts of findings. When trying to order wire I had no idea what the various tempers or gauges were and which were used for what. Well, I do now, all because of this book. It starts at the very basics that you need to know, and goes on to show how to make coils, wrappings, ear wires, and on and on. Too bad the publisher hasn't made, at least, the table of contents available to the prospective buyer on Amazon. You may start simply with this book, but it will enable you to create any number of more complicated designs. It's also at a bargain price!