Hardwear: Jewelry from a Toolbox [Hardcover]

Hannah Rogge (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2006

There is a new population of crafters out there: independent, innovative, and fearless, they thrive on making something out of nothing and are far more interested in showing off their style than their money. Their spirit of do-it-yourself iconoclasm is perfectly captured in Hardwear, a fascinating new book by industrial designer Hannah Rogge that presents 24 striking, easy-to-make pieces of jewelry fashioned from nuts and metal washers, S hooks and O rings, rubber sheeting and rubber tubing, and other inexpensive, readily available hardware.

Most of the projects for necklaces, bracelets, and earrings featured in this unique and unexpected book can be completed in just a few hours, and all of them can be made on a minimal budget. The book is divided, like the aisles of a hardware store, into chapters according to the particular pieces of hardware employed. And lest readers confuse Hardwear with any other craft book on the shelf, its rectangular shape and metallic cover resemble the geometric structure and hard casing of an actual toolbox. Hardwear is sure to inspire crafters everywhere to view their local hardware store in an entirely new light.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Adult/High School–This book is a strong entry in the DIY genre. The projects and accessories are all made almost entirely from inexpensive items one can buy in a hardware store. Each chapter focuses on a different type: washers, rope, metal connectors, nuts, vinyl, plastic, and rubber. Materials lists are complete with illustrations, and the clear instructions are numbered and illustrated. Finished products are modeled in fashion-forward color photographs. A glossary explains the original use for the hardware item, where to find it in the store, and which materials one needs to get from a craft store. Online supply sources are included. The layout is attractive and keeps the theme, from the distressed metal cover to the industrial-brown chapter dividers. The book is spiral bound inside to enable it to lie flat, but it also has a hard outer spine and cover, making it sturdy enough for library collections.–Jamie Watson, Harford County Public Library, MD
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author

An industrial design graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, Hannah Rogge works in New York City designing and building exhibits, visual merchandising displays, and animated windows.

Marianne Rafter is a portrait, lifestyle, and fine art photographer based in New York. Her photographs have appeared in numerous publications, including the New York Times, Town & Country, and Glamour.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 138 pages
• Publisher: Stewart, Tabori and Chang (May 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584794801
• ISBN-13: 978-1584794806
• Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 0.9 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #326,020 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars you'll never look at Home Depot the same way again July 7, 2006

By JRP

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Hanna Rogge is the Anni Albers* of the 21st century! Clear off your dining table, put on a good CD and prepare yourself for a day of fun making these awesome necklaces, bracelets and belts. And I do mean ONE DAY because each project is so EASY! I guarantee that after reading this book, you will never look at the hardware store in the same way again.

The book excels on many levels. First, the creativity and originality of the designs: some items have an obvious "hardware store" industrial look, but others, like the hex-nut necklace (featured on the book's cover), look like an expensive piece you may have purchased from a good shop. I get many compliments on it. Second, the thriftiness of the book impressed me. Below are some rundowns of time and cost spent to make the pieces. Third, the graphic design of the book is crystal clear and communicates exactly how to assemble the jewelry. I would say an elementary school child could follow the directions (this is both a compliment on the book design as well as the jewelry pieces themselves). The illustrations are simple to follow and each project is concisely explained. Fourth, the photography is excellent. There are numerous photos of each piece being worn by actual people so you can see what the end product should look like. All my pieces looked exactly like the picture.

But it's true that this book is a launching pad for ideas! Once you see how easy and fun it is to make the necklaces, bracelets, etc., you will start making up designs of your own. Further, the glossary included in "Hardwear" is helpful for those not acquainted with certain materials and tells you where in the store to find them. I had fun visiting Home Depot and Michael's Crafts and picking out all the cord, fasteners, jump rings, etc.... Everything called for in the book was easy to find.

Below is the time/expense to make a few of the projects from the book (which has a total of 24 projects). Also, I'll add that part of the fun of this jewelry is that you put it on right after you make it and can wear it instantly! No waiting for glue to dry, etc.

Hex-Nut Necklace: 40 minutes, $1.19

O-Ring Bracelet: 5 minutes, $2.82

Wide S-Hook Bracelet: 60 minutes, $2.20

Washer Cuff: 40 minutes, $0.72

Metal Circles Necklace: 25 minutes, $2.30

Double Chain Necklace: 25 minutes, $4.60

Buy this book is you are into NOT SPENDING too much money, LOOKING GOOD in hot, original jewelry and LIKE CRAFTING delicately with needle-nose pliers, twisting jump rings and sewing washers onto rubber sheeting.

*Anni Albers was a Bauhaus artist famous for her textile designs who in 1941 made jewelry from the hardware story with drains, paperclips, hairpins and washers. See the book "Josef + Anni Albers: Designs for Living". Read more ›

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Urban Gear December 18, 2006

By Siren East

Format:Hardcover

Gave this book to my teenage cousin, she can't stop talking about it... I've seen most of the finished pieces and they're all very slick and urban - hardware-chic?. The book itself if very well designed, with lots of attention to detail.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great inspiration May 5, 2006

By L. Albert

Format:Hardcover

I love this book. The pieces are simple but funky. They are generally easy to make & made with easy to find and inexpensive supplies you can find in most hardware stores. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. There's even a great glossary in the back that explains each of the hardware items used in the pieces in the book. Most of all, it will inspire you to think of what else you can do with hardware. I found myself roaming NYC going from one hardware store to another. Oh for a Home Depot.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars What a fantastic and clever book... June 26, 2006

By DGG

Format:Hardcover

Just what I need yet another excuse to go to the Home Depot. I loved this well designed book. The projects are beautifully laid out and the illustrations make it very clear how to construct each piece. I give the book two very big and enthusiastic thumbs way up!

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for adults and kids January 31, 2007

By Vanessa G.

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is great because the designs are simple enough to do with kids, but they can look really designer and classy. A gorgeous book. I highly recommend it!

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars a little fun for your Home Depot line June 28, 2006

By leslie

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Fun, straight forward jewelry. Not what you would find every day. Perhaps you wouldn't want to. For the funky at heart....there is some neat stuff here, and lots of ideas you could always take to the next level. I really like the easy directions that ANYONE could follow, and ease of explanation of supply purchasing.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Creative and inexpensive... July 1, 2007

By Book Addict

Format:Hardcover

This is a delightful and creative book. With projects ranging from elegant to funky, Hannah Rogge shows how to create great jewelry on the cheap. My very favorite of her projects are the Washer Chain Earrings and the Hexagon Necklace. I also loved the Elegant Nut Necklace. Younger readers will enjoy the Rubber Band Earrings and the Electrical Tape Wristband (they didn't do much for me personally, though). Who knew going to the hardware store could be so much fun?

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Great new 'hardwear'! August 25, 2011

By Megan Hammer

Format:Hardcover

I got Hannah Rogge's book on a whim a few weeks ago from the Hamilton Bookseller Magazine. I don't think that I have ever spent a better two dollars and fifty cents. A "how-to" book, it teaches the art of jewelry making, but from a unique perspective. Unlike other jewelry books, you don't need to have an intricate knowledge of how to do beading or wire working. Instead, every single design in this books requires a trip to the hardware store and some time.

I think my favorite design in this book is a bracelet made of s-hooks and copper wire holding them together. It's an incredibly simple idea, but looks so very interesting. While I haven't tried making it yet, I do plan on doing some creating as soon as possible. Other designs include a bracelet made of rubber sheeting with washers sewn onto it, a necklace made of nuts in a hexagonal pattern, a chain made of jump rings and plastic tubing that ends up looking like chain mail, even earrings and a belt!

A rope and copper wire bracelet is another favorite of mine, something I plan to pick up the materials for at the local hardware store tomorrow and try to make it.

On top of being an excellent source for patters, it is also a wonderful place to jump start your own creativity in order to see other things you might make! Already, I can see that trips to Lowes and Home Depot promise to be more interesting when I think of how I might use tools and hardware in out-of-the-box ways.

It gives a whole new meaning to "hardwear"

I give this book a solid four out of five stars. There are some patterns that I don't think anyone would ever want to make or wear (a barrette made out of hinges? I can only imagine the pain of long hair stuck in that....), but most are good, or at least interesting ideas.... If you've ever wanted to try your hand at making jewelry, here's your place to start. Read more ›