Customer Reviews

Making Bead & Wire Jewelry: Simple Techniques, Stunning Designs

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Gorgeous projects, but as another reviewer noted, some of them are not long on detailed instructions. The instructions are there...but you sometimes need to fill in the gaps yourself, and there are few diagrams to follow. An intermediate wireworker will be able to get through these gaps with only minimal frustration, but a beginner will be stopped on some of them.

However, I'd recommend this to anyone beyond the very beginning level, as a source of inspiration and ideas. You'll find techniques and designs in here unlike those in any other wirework book I have.

A couple of additional notes: Don't start this book from the beginning if you are inexperienced, because unlike most instructional books, it doesn't take you from the simplest to the most complex projects. (The second project is difficult.) Look through the book and find a simple project to start with. And don't be discouraged if you don't have the specific brand of jig, "Wigjig", mentioned in some of the projects - the patterns can be made on any standard brand of adjustable jig, or you can make your own jig by driving small nails into a board in the pattern shown.

I am a beginning beader and I was struck by the beautiful necklace design on the front of this book. But when I got it home I found the instructions were not precise step by step, rather, they show only the materials list and the finished project. And the projects rely on the use of an additional piece of equipment, the WigJig, which I don't own. I returned this book as I didn't feel it would add anything to my bead reference library. For non-bead focused wire jewelry projects with excellent step by step instructions, see Great Wire Jewelry by Peterson or Making Wire Jewelry by Clegg and Larom.

Not having done wire work before, I was eager to learn basic wire jewelry techniques. While this book is beautifully illustrated with project ideas, it lacks the specifics a beginner needs to know.

Also, most of the projects included require a wire jig, but nowhere in the book is there instruction on how to wrap the wire on a jig. There are jig patterns in the back of the book, but no instruction on how to carry them out. Frankly, I was disappointed. I'd probably like this book a lot if I'd had prior wire working experience, but it was little help to a beginner.

The cover of this book doesn't do justice to all the breathtakingly beautiful jewelry designs inside it! I see that several reviewers became discouraged with the instructions and with the device called the "Wigjig". There's a photo of one in the book and it looks like a crystaline pegboard. You place the pegs in whatever holes you want and wrap the wire around these pegs to form innumerable curvy designs with the wire. The "jig" wire designs from all the beautiful projects are in the back of the book, using line drawings to show how the wire is wrapped around the pattern of pegs you should place on the board. I think it looks like a wonderful device for making smooth, professional curves in the wire, and am excited about getting one. I easily found the "Wigjig" website in which not only is it sold, but there is an abundance of free online lessons for using it to create many beautiful projects. I'm quite impressed and can't wait to get started.

I think the instructions in this book are quite good, but I have previous experience in jewelry-making, which I learned by taking classes. I haven't seen any jewelry-making books whose instructions are really easy to follow. I think it's just difficult to explain in writing how to do such intricate work, and the best way to understand these type of instructions is to have some kind of prior hands-on experience. Anyone seriously interested in adding wirework to their jewely-making skills should find this book a valuable resource if for nothing else than the inspirational designs shown.

I already had a device simular to the wigjig and tried using it without much instruction... and got very frustrated. Once I picked up this book, It came much easier for me because it gave me ideas on how to set up the pegs. The author could have been much more descriptive in showing which direction to start the wire and which direction to proceed in the jig lay-outs, but with a little practice and trial & error, I figured it out and was able to make some really beautiful pieces.

I recommend this book for those who have had a little practice working with wire and want some great ideas or to be inspired.

Luckily, I've been working with wire for some time. I bought this book to get some ideas and refresh my own work, which is what this book should be sold as. If I were still a beginner, I would be very intimidated by this book and probably not continue with wire working. It is a beautiful book, but does not give any detailed directions (I'm even confused by some of the projects!) However, I do like the jig patterns in the back of the book. If you're an intermediate, go for it! If not, there are some great websites to get you started (try about.com).

I recently purchased this book, and was somewhat disappointed. I am a beginning beader like the other reviewer. I found the instructions were not clear and are difficult to follow. I recently finished an extensive bead and wire class (i.e.4 week course). I also agreed with one of the reviewer, in regards to materials. The book uses the WigJig on several of the projects. It would have been nice to see more designs using just wire techniques. This book is not for a beginner. It is intended for the more seasoned wire worker.

Some previous experience with wire work is definitely required before beginning projects in this book. Going into wire work with no previous experience might disappoint you with the resulting tangle.

The projects in this books are stunning and very tempting to try but you'll need an instructor to help you to learn wrapping tension and how to use bent wire templates This book would be an excellent textbook to reinforce lessons in a hands-on class. My advice: basic wire work class first, then give these projects a shot.

Let's start with one question: "Can an ordinary person make this jewelry?"

You betcha. With just a little imagination, and the willingness to play with the wire a bit to get the hang of it, even non-wire workers (me for instance) actually can make any number of the projects in the book.

And speaking of projects, you'll have lots to choose from, since something like 70 jewelry pieces are included, the styles and techniques as varied as the designers of these amazing earrings, hair clips necklaces, bracelets, and pins are.

In reality the designs look much more complex (meaning: "oh my gosh I can't do that!") in these drop dead gorgeous photos than they actually are. Using the instructions the reader can learn to use a jig to master the currently very "in" technique of wire wrapping. But this book doesn't stop there! Instructions include newer tricks of the trade with age-tested hammering, twisting and coiling techniques.

Clear directions are given along with great photos for the use of a something called the "Wigjig" (essentially resembles a small transparent pegboard) which is used to "wrap" the wire to form designs that make up the jewelry. Oooh so much fun!

The patterns for each of the gorgeous projects are of course included, but also the process is simplified with line drawings showing how the wire is wrapped around the pattern of pegs.

Not content to confine the subject to wire, the author shows us how to add beads, stones and even gorgeous glass to create the most astounding and impressive array of items I can imagine in one place.

I'm betting that when you finish a small project with these step by step instructions many complements from impressed family and friends will come your way. And you'll be hooked on making jewelry, on a small scale or as an income-producing venture.

In short; the jewelry designs in this book are absolutely fabulous, and better - they are adaptable to differences in taste and materials. Take one design from this and another design from another and you have a totally unique piece!

It's on my "Must Have" crafting book shelf and is a valuable resource for anyone interested in this fascinating subject

I was attracted by the "stunning designs" and encouraged by the promise of learning "simple techniques". I have some experience in beadwork and wanted to expand my talents. This book supposes some familiarity with bead and wire working. I like the idea of the jig and plan to get one soon, as it will let me be more creative. I made the necklace on page 81 and learned how to make beads out of wire, using simple things I already had - popsicle sticks, rods, etc.

This is not a "cookbook" - you have to experiment with the tools and materials, but it is excellent in showing new things, and the finished pieces are very inspiring. I love the polished look I can get by using a jig, as well as the low-tech look I got with the wire beads.

I recommend the book to those who are beyond basic beading.