Metalworking 101 for Beaders: Create Custom Findings, Pendants & Projects (Lark Jewelry Books) [Paperback]

Candie Cooper (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2009 | Series: Lark Jewelry Books

Trying to find the perfect clasp or unique bead cap to showcase a favorite bead? Stop searching—and make your own!  Metalworking 101 for Beaders provides detailed advice about tools and materials, step-by-step photos of the latest techniques, and a dedicated and delightful teacher to guide you through it all

Candie explains how to enhance your beading pieces with techniques that include soldering, sawing and annealing, riveting, weaving, doming, piercing, texturing, applying finishes, and more! The book also includes over 30 striking jewelry projects to try!

 

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is perfect for the artist who wants to add just the right piece to hold parts of a piece of jewelry together, also called “findings.” If you have a whole collection of beads, but have trouble finding that perfect piece to finish off your project, this book is for you! Make your own loop chains, ear wire, and riveted charms just the way you want. Learn how to create all sorts of neat projects, from the gorgeous Etruscan Earrings to the light and feminine Under the Sea Necklace. The beautiful photography makes the jewelry pieces jump right off the page." — Belle Armoire Jewelry

 

"As I reviewed Candie Cooper's new book, I thought of a more appropriate title: Beads 101 for metalworkers. The book is very informative and has descriptions of tools to help you fill your toolbox. Although the beading leans more toward stringing than stitching, there are many well-photographed projects with easy-to-follow instructions. Candie also includes helpful tips throughout the book. I've marked several projects I plan to try as soon as I can!" — Bead & Button

 

"Candie Cooper’s creativity and phenomenal ability to simply explain seemingly difficult concepts really shine. The 29 diverse projects will have you breaking out your jeweler’s saw in no time!" — Suzann S. Wilson, Beadphoria

 

"It's the sort of book that you can grow with, and I highly recommend it for those who feel it's time to take the next step in their jewelry-making career." — Art Bead Scene

 

"Metalworking 101 for Beaders offers detailed instructions for combining beading techniques with soldering, sawing and annealing, riveting, weaving, doming, piercing, texturing, and applying finishes. These techniques are demonstrated through 30 jewelry projects with step-by-step instructions and photos." — BeadStyle

 

"I'm a seed bead artist in need of exactly this information. I read the book cover to cover in one day. The material is presented so clearly and so relevantly that it was easy to absorb. Often I need to have a tool or beads in hand to be able to grasp a technique, but Candie Cooper presented the material in such a way that it was easy to grasp. The hand-drawn diagrams were both charming and well placed to support the text. 'From My Sketchpad' showed the thought process behind designs, as well as additional design ideas. I can't wait to sit down and try some of these techniques firsthand." — Marcia DeCoster, author of Marcia DeCoster’s Beaded Opulence

 

"I have this book in my collection. I refer to it not only for techniques but also it's a great source of inspiration. All of the projects include the most beautiful phographs!" — Lorelei's Blog 

 

"An inspirational look at the creative process behind the most gorgeous ground-breaking pieces being made today."  — Beading Arts 

 

"I think this is a perfect book for the creative beader interested in working with metals but not knowing where or how to get started. The basic knowledge gained from these projects will be instrumental to anyone wanting to expand their skills in creating unique jewelry pieces." — Beadweaver blog

 

"This book complements many of the beading books. Sure, you can bead. You might even be able to do some wire wrap and make S clasps from trial and error. But do you know the techniques to make your own custom clasps? Can you make a pendant out of sheet metal? You can drill holes and bead a pin,
but can you create your own pin or brooch? Well, this book will give your the general knowledge of basic metalworking tricks to be able to do all of this. If you are going to go through all the work to make a truly special piece of beading, why would you buy off the rack clasps, pendants or findings to toss on your one-of-a-kind art? This useful book can show you how to produce those perfect accompanying bits that finish your creation and make it stand out." --Scorpio Moon Jewelry

About the Author

CANDIE COOPER graduated from Purdue University with degrees in fine arts and art education. She’s a member of the International Feltmakers Association and Society of North American Goldsmiths. Her other titles include Felted Jewelry (2007) and Designer Needle Felting (2007).

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Lark Books; 1 edition (September 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600593321
• ISBN-13: 978-1600593321
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 9.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #207,240 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Candie Cooper is a jewelry designer with a passion for combining unique materials and color combinations, inspired by extensive travel and her years living in China. Candie is the author of Necklace-ology (Lark Books 2012), Metalworking 101 for Beaders (Lark Books 2009), Felted Jewelry (Lark Books 2007), and Designer Needle Felting (Lark Books 2007). Candie is the host for the Public Television series Hands On and has appeared on Beads, Baubles and Jewels. Currently she is an adjunct instructor at Manchester College in the art department. She also teaches creative workshops nationally for adults and is in her third year of teaching via the Honeywell Educational Outreach program which provides children opportunities to explore subjects like feltmaking and jewelry making. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Art Education and Fine Arts from Purdue University. For a further peek at her creative life, please visit www.candiecooper.com and www.craftsforkids.com

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

71 of 72 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is just what I needed! October 7, 2009

By June Roman

Format:Paperback

I am extremely pleased with this purchase! This is exactly the kind of information I needed to take my beading to another level. The projects are wonderful, directions are detailed and the photos are beautiful. The only thing I wish it had was a section on how to make bezels, but as the title indicates this is a book for folks who are just beginning to do metalwork (yes, you learn to use a torch). Are you a beader who would love to learn how to solder a jump ring, create your own clasp or attach pieces of metal to create a centerpiece or pendant? Then this is the book for you.I highly recommend!
June

49 of 50 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Buy for Beaders! December 9, 2009

By Darcy Wishard

Format:Paperback

This is one of those awesome books that I bought even before the publisher sent it to me for review!
The book starts off with an excellent chapter on tools explaining what you'll need and why you'll need them! It even includes a section on texturing metal that gives some fun and useful ideas.
The next chapter includes some basic metalworking techniques with excellent pictures and graphics to give examples on the discussed techniques.
One of the great things about this book is that the author includes little sidebars that give you tips and ideas from her own experiences that are extremely helpful! In my experience the best advice comes from artists who have come up with techniques devised from years of experience!
The Projects in this book are fantastic. I've said this before, but occasionally projects or items in some craft books are overly simple or super cheesy....you won't find this here! There are some gorgeous earrings, bracelets and necklaces to make!
Great instructions, awesome pictures and over 30 gorgeous projects make this book worth every cent!

I recommend this book for any beader and would-be metalworker....you can do it!

37 of 39 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent purchase! November 25, 2009

By Arachne53

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I am very happy with this book. I've had preordered for several weeks. When it arrived, I was so pleased. It's comprehensive yet not overwhelming. The pictures are clear and the text is crisp. The projects cover a full range of earrings, bracelets, necklace focals, clasps, end caps, and more. I can't think of a reason I couldn't make a fully "made it myself" piece of jewelry now.

I have many tools and materials - including solder and torch - but just didn't know how to put it all together. My book arrived yesterday, and I plan on taking full advantage of the four-day Thanksgiving weekend to try out some things, starting, I think, with a clasp for a special necklace.

Altogether an excellent book!
Kate

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars The Good, the Bad and the Pretty June 3, 2010

By Djenra

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Good overview of materials needed to begin metalwork. Great photos of project pieces. Fair instructions in the making of the items. Directions were a bit too truncated for a rank beginner to aspire to make any of the projects.

The sections on how to create headpins, clasps and beadcaps- the reason why I purchased the book were too short, but it is a visually appealing book.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Way to learn Metalworking by a Great Teacher! June 23, 2010

By Jean Yates VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

Before I actually knew HOW to make any sort of jewelry, I was anxious to LEARN to make jewelry.
I signed up for a local class which was held nearby. It was a two day class, and I was very excited.
I didn't realize when I went that it was a metalworking class. I thought I would be stringing beads.
In actuality I was learning everything which Candie Cooper teaches in this wonderful book, but without any preliminary knowledge or understanding of what I was doing at all.
I was handed the tools and was taught the techniques without explanation.
I am very sorry I had that experience.
I really could have used it in a far more positive manner, slightly later in my design career.

If you grasp what metalworking is, and wish to learn metalworking, on the other hand, you will be delighted to find this great book, Metalworking 101 for Beaders, in which the author, Candie Cooper, illuminates all of the questions I had at the time about the tools, the techniques, such as sawing and annealing (which I was doing, but really poorly), and the materials required. There are even some super design templates for you to use to replicate some of the projects!

I have now progressed in my desire to become a jewelry designer, and I think that the level of Ms. Cooper's creativity is very exciting. I believe the reader will find, as I did, that her encouraging manner is extremely infectious, and that her designs are truly original and charming!

I love the way she shows how to switch things out to give the reader more options on some of the projects as well. You will want to try out this type of jewelry making after one look through the book.

The way in which she teaches is very accessible and clear.... Having heard my tale of woe, you can trust me on that!

The first part of the book is an extremely thorough explanation of what will be required as far as tools, techniques, examples of finishes, and so on. Great photos make this section extremely easy to "get". In my experience, bak when, I had never seen some of the tools or heard many of the terms which you will become familiar with. It is not threatening however, because when you use Metalworking 101 for Beaders, Ms. Cooper takes you step by step until you are ready to try out some of the projects.

As far as the projects go, if you like "one of a kind" jewelry with an upscale look, and a unique, exotic, or flirty fascination, this book is for you!

Some of the projects are charming, such as the "fanciful feathered friends"; sweet birds with really cool spiral tails which will hold the beads of your choice on.

Some are elegant, such as the pomegranate and sterling colored "square bead cuff", which, if I had it, I would never take off. It is perfectly beautiful! A true incentive to trying one of the author's projects as far as I can see!

Another project in Metalworking 101 for Beaders which I am especially attracted to is the "paisley interchangeable bracelet", which has a giant handmade metal paisley focal, upon which the wearer can choose any number of holes to clasp chains laden with exotic charms.

This is just totally unique and gorgeous.

I have to mention the chic "domed earrings and ring" as well. What a wonderful, versatile project!

If you have an interest in metalworking but don't know where to start, this is really the place.

With thirty great projects, advice and tips, and little sketches by the author to further help the reader understand the process of creativity and design, there is no way a person can get lost using this book.

Metalworking 101 for Beaders, by the wonderful, accomplished Candie Cooper, is a terrific find for your jewelry library! Read more ›

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful ideas, but light on detailed instructions September 3, 2010

By J. Nadeau

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book contains a generous supply of beautiful jewelry projects that are nicely photographed. It also contains an abbreviated description of necessary metalworking tools (no details on brands, models, or suppliers...), and a smattering of techniques necessary to complete the projects. This book is creatively inspiring and a fun read, but it falls down a bit in trying to include so much that there is actually insufficient detail. Since there is obviously a space limitation in each Lark book, I think this one erred a bit in the overall balance. While I suspect I can do much of what is sparingly outlined, I felt the technique description would have benefited from more detailed and WELL PHOTOGRAPHED explanations and tool descriptions. After all, if you propose to teach beginners how to do something as technical as soldering, pictures please! But, I must say this book has really inspired me to take some classes in metalworking and it was a worthwhile purchase.