Pretty Little Things: Collage Jewelry, Trinkets and Keepsakes [Paperback]

Sally Jean Alexander (Author), Tonia Davenport (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 8, 2006

Whimsical and Elegant Projects from Well-Known Collage Artist Sally Jean Alexander

With Pretty Little Things, readers will find collage projects that exhibit a playful air and a sense of magic. The 27 projects and 30 variations feature vintage ephemera soldered within glass, for finished works that tell a romantic or whimsical story. All exhibit Sally Jean Alexander?s signature style - a style that brings new life to antique papers, vintage photographs, found projects, scavenged text, and more.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Sally Jean Alexander is a mixed-media artist and jewelry designer whose work can be found at boutiques and galleries across the country and online. She has been featured in Oregon Home Magazine, Quilting Arts Magazine, and Somerset Studio.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: North Light Books (October 8, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581808429
• ISBN-13: 978-1581808421
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.4 x 11 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (85 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #626,282 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

47 of 52 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars The author has lots of 5-star friends ... February 20, 2007

By Ellen Etc. VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

OK, I admit that I'm suspicious of 5-star reviews that are only 3 or 4 lines long, especially when you click on the "see all my reviews" link after their name and find out they've written a grand total of ONE review. Cynically, I think, "At least this author has loyal friends!"

The problems with this book have been mentioned, primarily that nearly all of the projects require soldering. While you may already have most of the items in the "collage cargo" -- backing paper, vintage papers and photos, paints, adhesives, stamps, a craft knife, and 3D embellishments -- you may need to buy the elements for the soldering suitcase. These include a soldering iron, grinder, copper tape, flux, solder, glass-cutting supplies, "third hand" jewelry tool, safety glasses, straight edge, cutting mat, cutter, breaker, pliers, metal blocks, remover/cleaner, and metal polish. Right-o.

This was all rather disappointing, because I couldn't tell from the book cover and description that these were all glass-and-solder projects, which are beyond my ability at this point. Hey, I haven't even unpacked the Dremel tool my husband bought me for Christmas in 2005!

That said, there are tons of ideas in this book (the desperate non-soldering crafter can figure out the work-arounds). Perhaps we will learn to solder -- my husband says it isn't difficult. But besides the vintage eye candy in these luscious page layouts, the author has such an upbeat perspective, really, it's a pleasure to read. If you don't get anything else out of it, you'll come away with the realization that we not only can, but SHOULD surround ourselves with the "pretty little things" that make us happy. You'll also develop an eye for scavenging as you peruse these pages, and even if you can't do the projects, you may come away with as great an affection for the author as her 5-star friends have demonstrated.

57 of 65 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Curl Up in Your Bunny Slippers While You Learn How to Make Magic November 26, 2006

By Jean Yates VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I have always loved Sally Jean's website, and in fact have made personal jewelry for my sister, best friend and myself using many pieces which I ordered from her. Imagine my delight when I learned she was coming out with her own book! And what a swirl of glitter, enchantment and charm! It is lovely, through and through.

By the way, she likes bunny slippers. That is why I threw that in to my review title!

Now, there is one caveat: you have to be prepared to learn to create a proper collage, plus solder and cut glass properly (nothing a quick course in stained glass making couldn't help you out with, however, but you won't need it--this book explains how very clearly) or this book becomes just a good read. It would be worth it, anyway, just not AS worth it. It would become more like a tour of the magic in Sally Jean's head which is pretty great fun. But it is frankly, a SERIOUS craft book, enrobed within her spectacularly beautiful and sweet outlook on the world and delight in family, the past, old things which nobody wants, which "call out" to be rescued, and a lot of pretty things like German glass glitter, old postcards and things we love to be comforted with and enjoy looking at.

I wanted to make many of her things right away: her crosses, her little french chair, her incredibly chic bottle bangle(WOW! Love it!!!), and her cool flower power pen. I want to have all these things!!! So therefore I will have to make them!

I really liked the way she set up the beginning of this book clearly so you have a grasp of what you need to learn.

I really loved the projects.

I really like her attitude and the look of the book!

A great book! Thanks, Sally Jean!

58 of 67 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Pretty Little Things INDEED! October 3, 2006

By Michelle Ward

Format:Paperback

EVEN if you think you'll never pick up a soldering tool you will still adore this book. THIS is Sally as we have come to know her - a silly girl, a clever talent, a wit, and a wonder. (Visit her site, you'll see what I mean). She begins by taking us on tour in her studio. (Gasp) THEN you get to collage with her, cut glass, and solder. THIS is a generous soul - she holds nothing back as she shows you how to make the beautiful baubles that she made famous. THEN she simply takes your breath away as she illustrates many more dimensional treasures made of glass and solder. THIS is a very very lovely book, written in an endearing manner with so much to see. (I love her dedication, lower right corner page 3).