Semiprecious Salvage: Creating Found-Art Jewelry [Paperback]

Stephanie Lee (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 27, 2008

Unearth treasures of the past to create stunning found-object jewelry.

Embark on an expeditioner's journey back in time to uncover tattered silk, faceted stones and other forgotten items, and learn how to give them new life as a pendant, ring or brooch. Found objects can be beautiful both for the unique, unexpected look they add to your work and for the stories we imagine them to tell. In the pages of Semiprecious Salvage, you will discover the excitement of reclaiming remnants of the past and reinterpreting their beauty in wearable works of mixed-media art.

Step-by-step instructions guide you through the basics of wirework and creating basic jewelry findings, then encourage you to don your boots and get digging as you mix and match elements to create one-of-a-kind treasures. You'll learn to:

• Age modern "flashy" objects to create the distressed look of pieces with a past
  
  
• Combine jewelry elements with new and vintage fabrics for a soft, romantic touch
  
  
• Master the use of a soldering iron and a propane torch in crafting metal jewelry
  
  
• Incorporate plaster and resin into your work for added depth and intrigue

Reinvent your artwork with your own Semiprecious Salvage and start sharing the stories of your own found objects today.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

A mixed-media artist, Stephanie Lee resides in Rogue River, Oregon where for the past nine years she also has run her own wedding floral business. She teaches workshops in Southern Oregon and at a growing number of national retreats, including Artfest and Art and Soul. She has been featured in Legacy Magazine and Belle Armoire and is also a contributor to Making Designer Mixed-Media and Memory Jewelry (Quarry, Mar. '07).

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: North Light Books (February 27, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600610196
• ISBN-13: 978-1600610196
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #219,088 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Intimidating art made accessible!, April 22, 2008

By 

Jenn Mason "author, artist, teacher, designer... (Brookline, MA or www.JennMason.com) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Semiprecious Salvage: Creating Found-Art Jewelry (Paperback)

As I flipped through the pages of this book I was inspired by its beauty from start to finish. Stephanie's projects that may look initially intimitdating are easily understood through photos and clear instructions. The layout of the book is very easy on the eyes and the photos are lovely as well. I would not say this is a beginner jewelry book as it requires soldering, etching and epoxy which take some investment in time and money but doesn't all good art? I would encourage brave mixed media artists to try something new by choosing one of the projects in Stephanie's book and see how you might use the processes in your art. Happy reading!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for learned techniques alone, even if it's not your style!, June 22, 2010

By 

Katherine Canuel (Mesa, AZ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Semiprecious Salvage: Creating Found-Art Jewelry (Paperback)

I just checked this book out from the library and love everything about it. I got on here to put it on my wish list and had to write a review. Learning to etch, how to work some cold joins in the metal, and connecting things like silk, leather, and other odd charms and beads--it's all really exciting! There's information on soldering and how to make charms out of different items using the soldering techniques, which I'm trying next. I have experience with finer soldering techniques, but not with the messier ones described in the book, and I'm eager to learn about it. I tried the etching today as described in the book and it worked perfectly. I noticed that brass seems to work better than the copper (I didn't have nickel).

I've been finding myself drawn to steampunk jewelry lately, and this book is by far better than the steampunk jewelry book currently on the market as far as the techniques that are taught. Nearly every project in this book, whether you like the finished piece or not, seems to teach some new technique or show some other idea for how to use some common thing in your own work. I'm excited to apply some of this information even to my pieces that look anything but antique.

If you like the steampunk look, this is for you. Just add a key or a gear and there you go. ^_^

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fabulous Journey!, July 10, 2008

By 

N. Gadomski (SW FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Semiprecious Salvage: Creating Found-Art Jewelry (Paperback)

Anyone who loves mixed media art jewelry will thoroughly enjoy this book. Foremost, the projects are spectacular. The instructions are clear and concise with excellent photographs. The inspiration alone, is well worth the cost of the book itself! That's because Ms. Lee takes you on a virtual "expedition" with her as she moves from one project to the next. The overall experience of this book is absolutely fabulous!