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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not your typical jewelry design book, November 3, 2008
This review is from: Making Designer Jewelry from Hardware, Gems, and Beads (Paperback)
The fact that I am right at this moment wearing a hardware-store-inspired design has nothing to do with writing this review. Simple coincidence. I created this particular design featuring chrome washers, replacement spring clasp and "S" hooks along with red & white banded onyx and agate rounds as a way to make a functional piece of art that challenges the viewer to see ordinary objects in an extraordinary way. It started as an exercise in creativity, to stretch the budget that I was given for a client and to make something so hip and unique that it would translate well to an LA crowd. It did all that and more. This piece caught the attention of the editor at Bead Trends magazine and a similar design (that I kept) was featured in the May/June 2008 issue. So I was very excited at the prospect of Ms Sherman's book.
I had previously purchased Hardwear: Jewelry from a Toolbox by Hannah Rogge and Marianne Rafter, which I would also recommend. Both books are great if you are interested in putting a spin on traditional jewelry design techniques. But I think that this book by Ms Sherman is a better resource.
I loved the stories of the little mom-and-pop hardware stores that she wove throughout the book. The photojournalistic quality of the pictures and the stories are like little side trips that you can take along with her. When I travel I always seek out the local bead store treasury to find the unique and the out of the ordinary beads to add to my stash; now I will be adding a trip to the local hardware store emporium as well.
I really connected to her mixture of gems, pearls and hardware store finds. In fact, I really expected the hardware store pieces to really stand out as such, and I was very delighted that they did not. They blend so seemlessly with the surrounding materials that I sometimes had to look twice to see them. That is where the true art comes in. Ms Sherman is also the author of other highly regarded books that are a breath of fresh air to aspiring jewelry designers, most notably Making Designer Freshwater Pearl Jewelry. I would recommend that book as well. Both show her trademark line drawing basics which is really helpful. I also thought that the information on Knowing Your Metals was really worthwhile.
Today, there is a great resurgence at looking for unique ways to show off your personality, rather than simply buying off the rack or from the home party show. I refuse the make the same jewelry piece twice because I believe that we are each one-of-a-kind and our jewelry should reflect that sentiment. This book offers much in the way of inspiring new uses for everyday objects to make jewelry that is fun and funky, or traditional and classic. I will be turning to this resource again and again for fresh ideas.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very inspiring, September 8, 2008
This review is from: Making Designer Jewelry from Hardware, Gems, and Beads (Paperback)
A friend loaned me this book, and within 2 days I had my own copy. The pictures and projects are gorgeous. Because the author's enthusiasm for what she does is infectious, I hit the hardware store myself and spent 14 hours straight the very 1st day creating my pieces inspired by the author's. It's beautiful and wearable, aside from a couple of pieces that turned out rather heavy. This book quickly became a favorite in my vast collection of jewelry making books.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hardware thats easy to wear, September 8, 2008
This review is from: Making Designer Jewelry from Hardware, Gems, and Beads (Paperback)
With a title with the word "Hardware" in it, some might think the designs would be really out there or to severe to wear. That is not the case with this book everything is extremely wearable and edgy but not overly so. These projects are definately for someone who likes their jewelry a bit on the funky/modern side but you don't have to be a 20something hipster to pull it off.
Using hardware items in jewelry has always been around but is becoming more popular. Nicole Sherman, shows the reader how they can mix both common metal hardware supplies with favorite bead-store jewels to create some great jewelry pieces that look good.
This book uses steel, copper and brass parts like washers, tubing and bolts combined with beads and gemstones. Its a nice introduction to taking unusual items and incorporating them into jewelry. Almost all the supplies can be found at any local hardware store, which makes it accessible for everyone to create the projects.
I think the only TINY thing that the book is missing, was not including more mens stuff-a prime market when using hardware. There are only a couple of projects geared specifically for the guys, but I think alot of them could be unisex with a little moderation. I think my fave project in this book is the signal flag belt-very creative!
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