28 of 28 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
This review is from: Hardwear: Jewelry from a Toolbox (Hardcover)
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".
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Urban Gear, December 18, 2006
This review is from: Hardwear: Jewelry from a Toolbox (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.
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16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great inspiration, May 5, 2006
This review is from: Hardwear: Jewelry from a Toolbox (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.
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