Customer Reviews

Making Designer Jewelry from Hardware, Gems, and Beads

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
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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.

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.

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!

I really liked the examples and items in this book. Lots of projects are included and they are not 100% hardware, so you will find lots of very attractive pieces combining metalworks and gemstones! I was surprised at the number of ideas I had after looking through this book. You really will find many unique ways to incorporate these simple, basic, very common components into jewelry designs! My favorite was actually a man's bracelet, that used plumb bobs (gotta see it) and brass nuts. It was quite stunning!

Some designs have a steampunk quality to them, in my opinion. Many could be made from re-cycle or re-use components and still be quite lovely. I especially liked the designs that show women can be strong and creative. By adding hardware to designs, I thought the pieces became dramatic and could be used to show a person's prowess and familiarity with any of hundreds of practical skills.

Yes, like many jewelry makers, I do collect "how to" books, often for inspiration. Designers won't copy someone else's design to sell, but we will use them as a "jumping off" place to start. That way we add our own flair and interpretation, creating something new that incorporates just pieces of the original design in the book. However, many of these designs you will like "as is" and they will make great items to wear or give as gifts!

This book is excellent in every way. Not only does the author give many examples of beautiful jewelry made with hardware items, but she also gives a list of
tools and materials needed, and how to use them. It is inspiring to see how many ways hardware can be used to make beautiful and unique jewelry. Can't wait
to get started - went to the hardware store already for some items.

The book arrived exactly as predicted and in perfect, new condition. The designs are beautiful, the photos are enticing, and the materials are easily attainable. The projects require some skill at jewelry design or general crafting, but the instructions are very clear. I have not yet had an opportunity to complete a project, but I felt compelled to write a review because I was impressed with the book, with the level of instruction, and to the creative details.

I love this book. I haven't made any of the projects exactly, but they've inspired me to make alternative similar pieces. This book packs in a great deal of information, and many of the pieces only require inexpensive washers and hex nuts. These aren't dainty "Breakfast at Tiffany's" style classics, but hunky, modern, and industrial pieces instead. Many could be adapted for men. (Picture Gerard Butler and that chunky bracelet with leather he wears)...

I have been making jewelry for several years and the one thing I have found is that you can make jewelry out of just about anything! With everything Steampunk being popular right now, this how-to book is definitely one that you want to pick up!

Not familiar with what is in your local hardware store? That's okay! I suggest you go and take a look but the author has also provided a page of various pieces that she uses so you can just order them off the internet if you need to! But like I said, half the fun is going to the hardware store, looking around and picking up little pieces of this and that to play with!

There are also pages of beginner how-to's and what's, what in regards to traditional jewelry materials and tools too. Forgot or need to know to wrap loop? You're in luck...the book also provides a few basic wire how-to's!

Earrings, bracelets and necklaces...25 projects that will make you say "Wow, I never thought of that!" Everything from copper washers to tiny light bulbs.....yes, light bulbs!

A fun one from beginners to intermediates....Enjoy!

I've looked through this book several times for inspiration for my own jewelry. Having always enjoyed the hardware store as great stimulus for new jewelry ideas, this book was right on target for me.

This is a fantastic book. The designs are extremely inspiring. The instructions are clear. The pictures are plentiful and beautifully done. I love that many of the designs have alternate versions shown, which really helps if you just want to use the designs as jumping off points rather than following them exactly. I highly recommend this book for anyone that's interested in hardware jewelry in particular, or just interested in something a little different and funky.