Customer Reviews

Stamped Metal Jewelry: Creative Techniques and Designs for Making Custom Jewelry

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Interweave Press just sent me a preview copy of this fantastic new book-with-DVD by Lisa Niven Kelly. I was very curious to see what the artist/author had to say about the technique of stamping letters and symbols into metal, especially since it seems such a simple, straightforward process that hardly merits coverage in a 136-page book.
I just love it when my initial impressions are proved wrong... that means I've learned something new, and I love to learn! The contents of Stamped Metal Jewelry (SMJ) go far beyond what the title suggests. Besides providing 19 metal and mixed-media jewelry projects, a brief but inspiring gallery of stamped jewelry, resources, and a tools/materials section, this book does a very good job of laying out the basics of beginning metalsmithing and wirework. For this reason alone, I feel confident recommending SMJ to novice jewelry artists seeking instruction in these areas.
First, let me comment on the tools section: very thorough, well done, informative, important information is conveyed here. Experienced jewelry artists may feel that this chapter can be skipped, but I suggest having a look anyway--some interesting tools are discussed that may be unfamiliar to you. Consider the fun texture hammers and large wrap-n-tap pliers on page 12, tube-cutting pliers on the following page, hole-punch pliers, scribe, bracelet bending pliers, sanding sticks, and leather-working tools.
Now on to my favorite chapter segments: Basic Metalsmithing Techniques. The author addresses hammering and texturing first, suggesting the use of metal stamps for adding texture to metal besides the obvious usage of adding text or designs. She discusses using a riveting hammer and the ball end of a chasing hammer to create texture, and using hard metal objects and a brass-head hammer to forge textured designs into soft metal sheet.
Cutting and sawing metal (with a helpful blade-size guide) take up one page; hole punching and drilling (with another helpful guide: drill bits), how to dap (doming metal shapes), and riveting follow. I love the riveting section because the author carefully describes forming wire rivets, nail-head rivets, and tube rivets, with big photos making every step crystal-clear.
The metalsmithing section concludes with a discussion of oxidizing and polishing methods and annealing (softening metal with heat). If you read the book carefully up through page 31 and practice all the techniques presented, you will be well on your way to becoming an informed metal jewelry artist.
The "main event" follows: six pages devoted to stamping text and designs into metal. Lisa has been perfecting this skill for years, so naturally she has a few things to say about safety, work station set-up, the basics of stamping (alignment, centering, stamping with design stamps, and the author's own tilt-n-tap method--also demoed on the DVD).
That's the heart of the book, really, and if you read it carefully and follow the author's instructions, you can immediately start stamping metal with confidence. But we're just getting started: page 38 begins the projects section, with 19 jewelry designs from simple to more complex and challenging. Once you stamp a simple pendant, you'll be ready to try making an I.D. bracelet, stamped pre-fab rings, linked bracelets and bangles, stamped and riveted rings, a really cool textured metal pendant framed with coiled wire and beads, a leather cuff, and much more.
I really appreciate the author's inclusion of work from other designers such as Kriss Silva, Janice Berkebile, Lisa Claxton, Kate Ferrant Richbourg, Tracy Stanley, and Connie Fox. These artists contributed some unique ideas and jewelry projects you may recognize from the workshops they teach at bead events across the US, such as Janice's famed "Crown Jewel" pendant.
A short gallery and two pages of wirework basics finish the book, which is indexed. But wait--there's more! A 33-minute instructional DVD accompanies SMJ, featuring the author as she goes over the use of tools, basic stamping techniques, tilt-n-tap (very helpful!), and a bonus jewelry project not included in the book. You don't want to miss it. Although Lisa has covered her subject with great care in her book, sometimes seeing the basic techniques in action can really help make everything more clear. Be sure to watch the DVD, practice the basic techniques demonstrated, and you're ready to make beautiful jewelry using wire, sheet metal, leather, rivets, and more.
Sharilyn Miller, author of Contemporary Copper Jewelry

Stamped Metal Jewelry
CREATIVE TECHNIQUES & DESIGNS FOR MAKING CUSTOM JEWELRY

by Lisa Niven Kelly

creator of Beaducation

Way back, when I was first teaching myself how to make jewelry with a few books and a lot of assistance from online sources, I came across Lisa Niven Kelly on the internet. She hadn't even established her fantastically popular online store yet.

I remember when Lisa had two famous projects: her super pretty wide cuff, and her stamped bangle with a clasp. I fell in love with both of them. I went to my husband Jim and BEGGED him to get me these projects (which were sold as kits with printed out instructions, at the time) plus all the tools, and everything I would need, so I could learn from my heroine, Lisa Niven Kelly. Those kits and tools were what I received for Christmas that year! It was a whole new world for me!

I am delighted to be able to review this wonderful book and DVD, as Lisa Niven Kelly remains the resident All Star at teaching stamping combined with certain kinds or wire work in jewelry design. I continue to be one of her loyal followers. She never quits devising new fantastic creations for us to want to make! Many of them are offered in this fine new book!


Therefore to have a hard copy book available of her careful yet assertive manner of teaching is a pleasure. To have these new projects to try is a total joy!

All the little things I might have forgotten, or wanted to know and never got the chance to learn from the author, are in here. On the 35 minute DVD, which has two projects, there are some great examples of some of her tips. One is how to center a word properly when you stamp. Another good one is how to stamp with a decorative stamp, which is more difficult than a letter of the alphabet, and make it come out completely perfect. I watched the DVD very closely and learned a lot. It is definitely a worthwhile addition to the book.

The author stresses that you practice, first, on copper blanks or with copper wire so that you don't waste good money on sterling silver. She also explains safety precautions very clearly in the book and on the DVD, particularly when you are oxidizing.

The introduction conveys her excitement at being able to share all her years of experience with the reader. She explains how "compatible" stamping is with other forms of wire work. She explains that within the book you will learn how to rivet, hammer,and dapp, as well as stamp, and that the stamping "adds that little extra something that makes your design special and truly personal".

I agree! The very first "say it on your wrist" bangle I made said "The Ruse" on it. It had a few spiral designs, and a clasp. The Ruse is the name of my son's band. I gave it to his girlfriend, who is now his wife. Wherever she wore it, all her friends would comment on it and ask her how to get one. These bangles thoroughly convey your thoughts, when you make one. When you yourself learn to stamp, your love of what you are doing will be expressed in such a great manner!

The projects in the book are very flexible and so pretty! It is wonderful to learn to control a hammer properly and gives the reader a sense of empowerment when creating jewelry, as well. I find it to be like meditation, and enjoy feeling strong as I make stamped jewelry. I think it is cool, yet feminine to be able to do this well.
In Stamped Metal Jewelry, I particularly like the textured metal pendant. As an introduction to this lovely piece, the author comes right out and says, "This project appeals to sculptural wire fans who like very few rules". I am certainly drawn to that observation!Additionally, well made, sturdy jewelry is a must in my opinion, and the author always delivers the goods on sturdiness! This piece is terrific and unique. You will love it.
Another piece the reader will love is Lisa's friend's, Tracy Stanly's, "Simply Charming" charm bracelet. It includes instructions on how to make the graceful links which hold together the actual bracelet, and all the stamped pieces which make up the charms, plus an assortment of beads to mix up textures and lengths. It is a good example of another stamper's fabulous style.
At the end of the project, which is very well photographed, there is a section called, "Charmed, I'm sure!" which gives further inspiration on popular charm bracelet themes. The ideas are all excellent. They will bolster your enthusiasm in your ongoing work on a particular charm bracelet you are making.

I like the very clear techniques posted next to each each project as well.
I also love the "make it your own" posts the author offers after the very clear step out photos which show how to make each project.

If you have never heard of Lisa Niven Kelly, and you think you would like to try stamping, you have come to the right place. She is the expert's expert. This is a fine way to learn from her. This book, Stamped Metal Jewelry, creative techniques and designs for making custom jewelry, with its accompanying DVD, is totally wonderful. Short of taking a class at a bead show with the author, which is impossible for many of us, we have it all right here. Lisa Niven Kelly has real talent and she shares it willingly and abundantly with the reader. She also has included a beautiful gallery at the end of the book of inspirational work from her friends. I am thrilled with this book!

I absolutely love this book! It thoroughly explains each project in easy to understand terms. I like how they tell you exactly what gauge wire you need including the riveting wire. Unfortunately not all books are like this one. I have run into several that had great projects and they would say sterling wire but they wouldn't say what gauge you needed to make the project or even worse they would show you beautiful projects and they will say for instance use round or square lamp work beads but they wouldn't tell you where they got them at. Not in this book. This book tells you every step of the way what gauge wire you need and the tools needed and at the back of the book it tells you a list of suppliers. One of my favorite aspects of the DVD is that it has a bonus project on it that isn't in the book. Lisa Niven Kelly spoke very clearly and the DVD was done perfect. It showed her hands as she was doing the work. What was nice was that when she made a mistake she would tell you what to do so that you won't make the same mistake she did. She even shows you how to rivet on the DVD. I have always wanted to learn to rivet. I thought it was all about metal stamping but when I saw that she was going to show you how to rivet, I was even more excited. I guarantee if you buy this book you are going to love it. I can't think of a single item that was left out of the book or the DVD. It is absolutely wonderful. I will definitely keep this one in my library of books. This is one I definitely don't want to part with.

A really well written book from someone who is obviously used to teaching beginners. Clear, easy instructions. Each project lists the skills needed (and taught) earlier in the book and refers the reader back to that page in case they need a refresher. Really great projects. Highly recommended!

I have taken many classes from the author of this book, Lisa Niven Kelley, and always found her to be a wonderful source of inspiration. Her book is just like she is; full of facts, techniques and creativity. The information on tools and basic techniques is very detailed and easy to understand; I'll use this as a great reference. The projects are of excellent quality and variety; she has also generously included some wonderful jewelry artists' work as well as her own. The gallery section is so inspiring too; wow!!! Lisa has taken stamped metal jewelry to the next level with this book. Thank you, Lisa; it's almost like being in one of your classes!

I purchased this book because I'm interested in making stamped metal jewelry. I've made the stamped washer necklaces, but I'm thinking about investing more money to make prettier pieces of jewelry. So, that's why I purchased this book. I've never been to the classes the author offers, so I only found this book through web searches and ratings. I've decided it's great to have and will be very helpful. It has gorgeous photographs and goes into great detail to explain the entire process, step-by-step. It gives a huge supply and tool list with everything pictured and explained in color, so that you know exactly what you are looking for when you get to the point of purchasing. Besides teaching the basic techniques, this books has many beautiful projects included, everything from jewelry, to leather cuff bracelets, to key chains. So, this doesn't just have to be for the ladies. The only complaint I have about this book is that I wish it was in a spiral format. I'm not holding it against the company because I knew that when I purchased it. I just love craft books in spiral form, because they are easier to use while you work. It's just a suggestion=) I haven't used the included DVD yet, so I can't accurately review it, but I will update my review when I get around to watching it. I hope this helps=)

I preordered this book before it came out. Having taking several online courses from the author's website, Beaducation, I wanted to see how it compared to the video classes. I'm very pleased with the book and the instructional video was a welcomed addition. I believe this book is well organized, to the point, and a fantastic visual aide. It definitely included more information than I expected and the projects and photos within are extremely well done and very inspirational. I'm glad I added this to my jewelry making library and see myself using it as a reference when I need to be 'reminded' of riveting techniques and/or how to stamp properly when stamps don't seem to stamp a complete design and also as an over-all 'metals' guide for designing jewelry with various metals and materials.

Good photos for step by step for several projects. Uses products sold on the authors website so you can find many of the supply items from her. Also includes a short video. Overall well done. Would have liked to find more on the cuff bracelets but that is just a personal preference. I would buy a more advanced book if one is published.

I am thrilled with this book and the bonus DVD is awesome. Even though there was probably a pretty good size waiting list for this book and I didn't order mine until the release date, shipping was timely. It was delivered in great shape and a little earlier than I had been promised. I will definitely order from this seller again.
As for the book itself, I couldn't be happier. The illustrations are beautiful and quite helpful and the text is well written and easy to understand. I'm a visual learner and the combination of photos and text makes it seem like Lisa is right there with me, all the way.

This book was very easy to read and understand. I would reccommend this to anyone wanting to learn HOW to stamp metal jewelry.

I want to add however, that this book does not have a ton of project ideas/examples. I have been beading for 4 years and many of the books i get, they are at least half ideas/patterns for projects, etc. This more breaks down the tools, techniques, and metals, and only gives you a few ideas of things to make.

The Author has the website [...] which is supplemental to the book and is a good resource for ideas and help. You can even find beaducation on facebook and ask them questions and they answer you typically within a few days!