Customer Reviews

Jewelry Studio: Wire Wrapping

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

What a wonderful book on wire wrap. As a relative newcomer to wire and as an instructor for beginning wire wrappers, I am always looking for books to enhance my own ability as well as to enrich the classes I teach. I currently have in excess of 25 books on jewelry making, beading and wire wrap. Even though this book primarily presents bracelet projects (8 bracelets, one pendant, one ring, one bracelet-pendant-earring set), it is the first such book I have even considered recommending to my students. The authors have supplied solid, basic information in a format that is much like having a friend walk one through a project. The step-by-step instructions are interspersed with tips and "fixes" for potential problems and encouragement to use this text as a starting point for other projects utilizing the demonstrated techniques. Most important of all, the instructions are supported by first rate photos that clarify every step. This book is definitely being added to the list of necessary Equipment/Materials I give my students because it will serve as a pictorial guide for the basics while encouraging the student to move beyond the specific projects provided.

In short: This is an excellent book on technique for beginning and intermediate wrappers. There are probably even some good tips advanced wrappers would find helpful. However, if you consider yourself highly advanced and don't enjoy practical, well-thought out, clearly presented instructions coupled with photographs that minimize the opportunities for mistakes or misunderstanding, you need to look for a different book.

The team of Linda Chandler and Christine Ritchey are back with another fabulous book on wire. Part of Interweave's Jewelry Studio series, Wire Wrapping is the only book you'll need to learn wire wrapping. The authors go over tools and materials in Chapter One and then on to Wire Fundamentals in Chapter Two. Chapter two includes explanations on straightening wire, making jump rings and a catch and clasp. Basic Projects such as a basic bracelet, dress-up bracelet and my favorite, Celtic Knots are included in Chapter Three. The book ends with Chapter Four that describes projects to take you to the next level in your wire wrapping skills. There are projects instructions for making a ring and using patterned wire. A list of resources and index at the back of the book are very helpful.

The photographs demonstrating the techniques and project steps are clear and detailed. Shots are close up so you can see exactly how the work is done. Good how to photographs are a hallmark of Linda and Christine's books. Perfect for the self taught wire wrapper.

Wire Wrapping, by Linda Chandler and Christine Ritchey, is a fantastic introduction to all things beautiful in the world of wire! These two friendly authors make what might appear to be daunting accessible to anyone who wishes to learn to wire wrap beautiful bracelets, earrings, necklaces and pendants. They even have a guest appearance by a wire artist, Russ Sperring, who teaches how to wrap a lovely ring with a stone at its center.

The book begins with a list of tools and materials needed to create the pieces you will admire and soon be making yourself. Then there is a suggested "first project" bracelet which will help anyone who is taking this seriously to understand all the ins and outs of what will be coming up later on. The authors strongly recommend making this design before proceeding further. I loved the design (I am betting that you will too!), so that seemed like a good idea to me anyway!
I had several favorites, including the first project. One was a stunning "Bow Tie" bracelet, and one was a "Celtic Knot". I loved the look of both of these.

Most of the wire wrapping is done with half hard wire, something I have never used in my work. Many of the tools are strangers to me, although I own a few of certain ones required (like step-nose pliers and a mandrel) and have not used them yet. However, now I am raring to go, thanks to Linda and Christine, who infuse their creations and writing style with joy, charm, humor and beauty!
Yes! I want to make this type of jewelry! All of these great looks are so beautiful! And when I am done following their clear instructions, I will have one or many brilliant creations. I know I will love it when people ask, "Where did you GET that?" and I can say, "I made it, MYSELF! With a little help from my friends, Linda and Chris!"

If wrapping jewelry in the traditional methods is a mystery to you, then this book will get you started. Be prepared to purchase costly gold filled wire if you follow the materials purchase list exactly for each project. While the book shows you several techniques, it is lacking in pendents, rings and earring designs showing only 1 pendent and 1 ring design (and the ring design is not even by the authors).

What would be helpful in the book would be to provide a complete 'shopping list' of all the materials needed for all the projects...a "shopping list". The projects in the book are co-dependent on each other and get progressively more complicated. If one were to use this book as a 'tutorial' to learn wire wrapping, then a list of the course materials is essential. I wound up creating an excel spreadsheet to determine all the materials, and then spent several days tracking down the various wires needed from suppliers. Be aware, that precious wire costs are dictated by a fluctuating market. I would have liked to have seen a reference to the materials aspect in this book with a list of affordable wire substitutes. For example, substitute 20g gold filled with 20g artist wire or 22g copper.

All in all for the price, this is a handy book to add to your jewelery making reference collection. The photos are excellent!

A beautifully photographed book with very wearable projects, I was pleased to see that this book is not a beginner's book as many wire wrapping books are. However, each project's instructions are so detailed that a beginner would be able to follow them and could make the projects with some practice. So far, this is one of the best wire wrap books I own!

This book is excellent - I am an experienced wire artist and I was looking for some simple projects to teach others. This book has wonderful detail and pictures and all of the projects are great.

I love this book! It has hints that I've never seen in other books.
I can't wait to get the wire, and start making the bracelets.
The instruction look like they would be very easy to follow.
I'll be looking at the other books that Linda has written.
A real winner!
Thanks!

The step-by-step's are excellent. If you're looking to learn traditional wire wrapped bracelet, this is the place to start. Even if you're not into this style of bracelets, the techniques can be easily applied to other projects. The author tells it like it is when you just have to practice, practice, she's right, and it does get better. A side benefit: you'll build muscles on your arms fast.

This book is a wonderful intro to wire wrapping with thorough and clear instructions--and more than a few helpful hints you won't see elsewhere. Mostly bracelets, but a nice variety of techniques ready for tweaking to your personal preference. I got lots of ideas, and the pictures and explanations were top notch. If I could only have one book on wire wrapping, I'd get this one...and if I could have another, I'd add Dale Armstrong's 'Wirework' for ideas and eye candy!

If your looking for something boring, uninformative, poorly organized and disappointing, GO ELESWEHRE. Chandler & Richey have outdone themselves in this amazing, fascinatingly illustrated and documented work. Step by step photographs of projects are detailed and specific. Materials lists from tools to specific items needed to construct their pieces are a joy. Local shops I buy from had not seem it and when I shared it with them, it went on their list of books to order. For me, this work makes what seems complex, look easy and fun. It starts the mind spinning and creating. I bought it sight unseen on the basis of the cover illustration and what I could view on line at Amazon. The cover piece in itself was worth the price for me. When it arived and I began thumbing through it, I knew I had found a book that answered question after question and would become a key resource for my work. KUDOS to Chandler & Richey!!