Which the cost of precious metals ever-rising, steel wire has become the hottest new jewelry-making material around. These 35 projects from jeweler Brenda Schweder include earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings. They'll excite both professional jewelers looking for inspiration and beginners looking for a great place to get started. An introduction discusses metal's unique properties and all the basic techniques, from forming curves to creating chains, ribbons, clasps, and closures.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"An inspiring collection showing readers how to work with steel wire. The designs are contemporary in style and (have) an urban, edgy industrial look about them." - Pearl Blay
"Brenda's projects are well suited to wire's assets. I love all of the projects (and) especially the Lotus Ring and her techniques for setting stones in pendants. Brenda is a master." - Cindy Gimbrone
"Inspired by designer Alexander Calder, Brenda Schweder takes steel wire and turns it into fashionable jewelry. All 35 edgy projects are perfect for the beginner." - BeadStyle Magazine
"Greek leather wrapped with wire flowers!?! You had me at hello, Brenda! This is Brenda Schweder's new book, Steel Wire Jewelry. It's hot, hot, hot. I love it! The layout of the book is great, the projects are very clear, interesting and playful. If you like Calder's jewelry, then you're really going to love this book because it is especially whimsical and festive with all the loopy lines and such. I believe you can make these projects out of almost any wire. Colored, sterling, gold filled ... let's play already!" - Candie Cooper / SavvyCrafter blog
"It's a very beautiful book, with strong images, good quality technical and artistic instruction, and clean graphic design." - Fabrizio Tridenti
"Steel Wire Jewelry is a book I really like. It's no surprise: I like wire work, I like alternative materials, and with the price of gold and silver these days, who doesn't need another option of materials to work with? The 35 projects range from whimsical to sophisticated. They include directions for necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings (and) also ways to capture focal pieces that can be incorporated into these pieces. This book is fun and inspirational." - Gail Lannum / Gail's Tales and Jewelry Designs blog
"Brenda shares 35 projects along with all the basic techniques you’ll need to get started using steel wire. Brenda says, 'The thrill of taking something so ordinary and transforming it into something so special and uncommon stirs my heart.' Her pieces stir my heart and funny bone, too. Each project is unique and witty." - Craft Gossip
"The projects are very imaginative and even whimsical at times. Found objects are sprinkled in here and there. The projects get more complex as you move along, but new skills and techniques are explained very well. I love this book." - The Bead Dreamer
"Reading through this book, I found myself laughing on occasion. Brenda Schweder seems like a fun and creative artist who has really infused her personality throughout the text. Her jewelry designs also show off this unique personality, and she obviously knows a great deal about jewelry. Steel is not a typical material to use, so her guide is a great way to learn how to work with this material without having to do a lot of trial and error." - About.com: Jewelry Making
"The projects Brenda Schweder shows are easy to follow and have great illustrations. You will definitely be inspired to make them all. If you have not played with steel wire before, I assure you, you will love it!" - Lorena Angulo blog
"With this ordinary material, Schweder wraps, pounds, cuts, and sculpts jewelry objects that are not only beautiful. They are profound. The copy is well-written, the layouts are clean, and the projects are inspiring. Steel Wire Jewelry is a book that is so very now—as it empowers us to explore all that our imaginations hold, in terms of fantastic wire jewelry designs, with a material that is affordable, stunning, and yes ... profound." - CRESCENDOh blog
About the Author
Brenda Schweder is a jeweler whose work has appeared in 30-Minute Rings, 30-Minute Earrings, 30-Minute Necklaces, Art Jewelry, Bead&Button, and many more publications. She is the author of Junk to Jewelry and Vintage Redux. Brenda lives in Waukesha, Wisconsin.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By Colleen J.
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book will catch your eye from the get go. First the title automatically promises to save you money... "STEEL Wire Jewelry" and with the price of gold, silver and all the others, steel is sure to be a money saver. T he cover is a lovely treat with a picture of wire flowers on Greek leather which is really in today. If you like Calder's jewelry then this book is sure to catch your fancy with its whimsical and festive wire work and looping designs. The projects are all very fun and interesting. And the layout of the book is done very well. All of the projects in the book could be done with any wire of your choice... silver, copper, brass, steel, etc. I have quite an extensive collection of jewelry making books and I really liked this one as it is very creative, fresh, fun, whimsical and teaches some really good, new techniques in wire working. This book is sure to keep your creative juices flowing. I know I had a hard time putting it down!
14 of 16 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing fun! Something new you cannot afford to miss in jewelry design !
March 3, 2011
Format:Paperback
Hold onto your hats, your tools, your love of jewelry making! If you enjoy working with intriguing, edge-y materials, you are going to be blown away by this extraordinary new book, STEEL WIRE JEWELRY, by Brenda Schweder.
I do not think anyone could have done a better job of inciting the reader to want to attempt this playful, beautiful, "green" (the author cleverly points out that steel is ecologically green in one of her projects, a leaf pin), incredibly fascinating type of wire than author Brenda Schweder. You are going to want to try one of the fabulous projects out immediately when you acquire this book, STEEL WIRE JEWELRY.
One wonderful aspect of this book which I would like to mention right off is the excitement generated by the many photos of the work of all the artists which the author has chosen to show along the way in the beginning of the book. This assists the reader's comprehension of exactly how amazing steel is, in all its many forms and variations. There is only "one steel" (although you will see that there is a project offered where the colors of the steel vary from blue to rust), but there are so many things a reader can do with this great, inexpensive, fun to work with material. Brenda takes it to town and you are going to LOVE it!
I enjoyed the foreword by Keith Lo Bue, "Steeling Beauty", and felt honored to read that this gentleman has been working with steel for so many years. He opened my mind to steel instantly with the recollections which he wrote for us.
Following his foreword, the author's charming and easy going introduction took me by the hand right to the point of no return. One thing she says as she finishes her introductory words is this: "So I've decided that within the ordinary, lies the profound"...
That made a great impression upon me. It seems that steel is a thing of beauty when worked with by people who love to create with their hands and like to make great things out of simple things.
Above the author's wonderful introduction is a photo of one of her creations, "Bale Ring", which she made in 2009, of steel and pyrite, which is going to knock your eyes out!
Following the introduction, there is fine coverage of basics ( it is wryly called, "meet the new guy in town"), and some worthwhile explanations of steel's origins and properties.
I repeat, the photos throughout are breathtaking.
Then, as an additional and completely wonderful illumination, we get to read a piece by Charles Lewton-Brain entitled "Iron and Steel Jewelry, A Global History". I loved this. You will too.
Following this we get to the basic tools and techniques; well and thoroughly done. Then begins the entry into what will become one of the main parts of the book: the jewelry building blocks section. In this section, the reader will learn how to work with this specific metal. It is very important to understand that this is not the same kind of metal most of us are used to working with. If you read this part carefully, you will do yourself a great favor.
Following this are the projects. You will see that you begin slowly and work your way up to more complex projects. You begin with chic ear wires (love them!) and divine dangles to attach to them which the author has designed to entice you to further progress. I liked the Giraffe's Eyelashes earrings in particular! They had my name all over them!
After the earrings section is a jump ring section. This is very useful as jump rings are the duct tape of the jewelry world, if you know what I mean. They can do almost anything! Brenda shows the reader how to create all sorts of sizes of jump rings from steel, and then how to make a lovely bubbly necklace ("Practice Makes Perfect") using them.
I was entranced by the bangles, including the one which required a power drill to twist two wires into one. That bangle was called "Twist on a Twist" and incorporated a found object (one of the author's favorite things are found objects) as part of the clasp. I found that bangle very satisfying to look at. There was something so complete about it.
When I arrived at the All-Calder Revue, I was really looking forward to seeing what motifs would be offered for the reader to learn to create. Alexander Calder is a famous modern artist whose mobiles and stabiles were made primarily of colored (or sometimes plain) steel. I was not disappointed by the author's interpretations of his delightful style with her necklace she dedicated to him. What a passionate artist he was and what a lover of life! STEEL WIRE JEWELRY is a great love letter to Calder in many ways. I believe this book has at its core his spirit in many ways.
Within this book, STEEL WIRE JEWELRY, the reader will find much to inspire him or her and much to admire.
I always wonder: "What is the point of acquiring a new jewelry design book if not to show to the reader something new, or made in a different manner, or to give the reader a springboard to a new point of view"?
We get many kinds of ideas from STEEL WIRE JEWELRY to mull over and to delight in, as we look at and consider making the earrings, necklaces, bracelets (and even some belts, and the "green" pin["When Grey is Green"] previously mentioned). This is the sort of book which makes me want to keep on trying out new kinds of jewelry fabricating and designing.
This is a book which is timely, it is striking, it is unique, and it is a success fou as far as I am concerned. I truly believe that you will feel as excited as I do if you add STEEL WIRE JEWELRY, Stylish Designs, Simple Techniques, Artful Inspiration, by Brenda Schweder to your jewelry library. It is wonderful. Thanks, Brenda! You rocked it!
I do not think anyone could have done a better job of inciting the reader to want to attempt this playful, beautiful, "green" (the author cleverly points out that steel is ecologically green in one of her projects, a leaf pin), incredibly fascinating type of wire than author Brenda Schweder. You are going to want to try one of the fabulous projects out immediately when you acquire this book, STEEL WIRE JEWELRY.
One wonderful aspect of this book which I would like to mention right off is the excitement generated by the many photos of the work of all the artists which the author has chosen to show along the way in the beginning of the book. This assists the reader's comprehension of exactly how amazing steel is, in all its many forms and variations. There is only "one steel" (although you will see that there is a project offered where the colors of the steel vary from blue to rust), but there are so many things a reader can do with this great, inexpensive, fun to work with material. Brenda takes it to town and you are going to LOVE it!
I enjoyed the foreword by Keith Lo Bue, "Steeling Beauty", and felt honored to read that this gentleman has been working with steel for so many years. He opened my mind to steel instantly with the recollections which he wrote for us.
Following his foreword, the author's charming and easy going introduction took me by the hand right to the point of no return. One thing she says as she finishes her introductory words is this: "So I've decided that within the ordinary, lies the profound"...
That made a great impression upon me. It seems that steel is a thing of beauty when worked with by people who love to create with their hands and like to make great things out of simple things.
Above the author's wonderful introduction is a photo of one of her creations, "Bale Ring", which she made in 2009, of steel and pyrite, which is going to knock your eyes out!
Following the introduction, there is fine coverage of basics ( it is wryly called, "meet the new guy in town"), and some worthwhile explanations of steel's origins and properties.
I repeat, the photos throughout are breathtaking.
Then, as an additional and completely wonderful illumination, we get to read a piece by Charles Lewton-Brain entitled "Iron and Steel Jewelry, A Global History". I loved this. You will too.
Following this we get to the basic tools and techniques; well and thoroughly done. Then begins the entry into what will become one of the main parts of the book: the jewelry building blocks section. In this section, the reader will learn how to work with this specific metal. It is very important to understand that this is not the same kind of metal most of us are used to working with. If you read this part carefully, you will do yourself a great favor.
Following this are the projects. You will see that you begin slowly and work your way up to more complex projects. You begin with chic ear wires (love them!) and divine dangles to attach to them which the author has designed to entice you to further progress. I liked the Giraffe's Eyelashes earrings in particular! They had my name all over them!
After the earrings section is a jump ring section. This is very useful as jump rings are the duct tape of the jewelry world, if you know what I mean. They can do almost anything! Brenda shows the reader how to create all sorts of sizes of jump rings from steel, and then how to make a lovely bubbly necklace ("Practice Makes Perfect") using them.
I was entranced by the bangles, including the one which required a power drill to twist two wires into one. That bangle was called "Twist on a Twist" and incorporated a found object (one of the author's favorite things are found objects) as part of the clasp. I found that bangle very satisfying to look at. There was something so complete about it.
When I arrived at the All-Calder Revue, I was really looking forward to seeing what motifs would be offered for the reader to learn to create. Alexander Calder is a famous modern artist whose mobiles and stabiles were made primarily of colored (or sometimes plain) steel. I was not disappointed by the author's interpretations of his delightful style with her necklace she dedicated to him. What a passionate artist he was and what a lover of life! STEEL WIRE JEWELRY is a great love letter to Calder in many ways. I believe this book has at its core his spirit in many ways.
Within this book, STEEL WIRE JEWELRY, the reader will find much to inspire him or her and much to admire.
I always wonder: "What is the point of acquiring a new jewelry design book if not to show to the reader something new, or made in a different manner, or to give the reader a springboard to a new point of view"?
We get many kinds of ideas from STEEL WIRE JEWELRY to mull over and to delight in, as we look at and consider making the earrings, necklaces, bracelets (and even some belts, and the "green" pin["When Grey is Green"] previously mentioned). This is the sort of book which makes me want to keep on trying out new kinds of jewelry fabricating and designing.
This is a book which is timely, it is striking, it is unique, and it is a success fou as far as I am concerned. I truly believe that you will feel as excited as I do if you add STEEL WIRE JEWELRY, Stylish Designs, Simple Techniques, Artful Inspiration, by Brenda Schweder to your jewelry library. It is wonderful. Thanks, Brenda! You rocked it!
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Longmontlady
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is a wonderful unique book. I have many books on wire wrapping and this one simply stands out. Many other books are "seen one seen them all" but you won't find that here. The designs are hip, breathing new life to wire wrapped jewelry. The only downside was it could have put a resource guide in the book as to where to find the wire. But a quick email to the author and she promptly and kindly responded -pointing me in the right direction.
The instructions are clear. But in using this medium, you can make your wraps less uniform and the finished pieces are just as wonderful. I've also incorporated some of the themes using brass, silver and copper wire and I'm loving it. I've owned this book a few weeks and I'm still looking at it daily. This is one you'll refer to often-- if you put it down at all.
The instructions are clear. But in using this medium, you can make your wraps less uniform and the finished pieces are just as wonderful. I've also incorporated some of the themes using brass, silver and copper wire and I'm loving it. I've owned this book a few weeks and I'm still looking at it daily. This is one you'll refer to often-- if you put it down at all.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
great book
Just love it, just what I expected. Wanted to try annealed wire and this was my chance. Can't wait to get started.
Published 1 month ago by Jan Ballagh
5.0 out of 5 stars
Enjoyably written book that will "steel" you to play!
Just started reading this book from the beginning, (vs just jumping to the projects....ok, I did check out the pictures!). Read more
Published 3 months ago by BlacstoneD
4.0 out of 5 stars
Okay book but not what I expected
This is a nice book. Good instructions but not quite what I expected. I used a couple of the patterns listed here but basically used it for information on steel wire. Read more
Published 6 months ago by midi73
5.0 out of 5 stars
All The Glitters is Not Gold
First of all, there is a wonderful foreword in this book. Keith Lo Blue pulled me into this exciting book by Brenda Sue Schweder. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Razine Wenneker
4.0 out of 5 stars
Edgy Designs
The designs in this book are interesting and a bit edgy. While I can see some of them on the runway, most of the designs are wearable. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Susan Martin
5.0 out of 5 stars
fabulous!!
I just received this wonderful book! I have lots and lots of jewelry making books, this knocked my socks off! It is packed with unique creations that are different than any other. Read more
Published on May 17, 2011 by B. Taroni
4.0 out of 5 stars
Steel Wire Jewelry: Stylish Designs * Simple Techniques * Artful...
This book was recommended by a friend for it's simple to follow instructions. It has that and more. It's very informative and inspiring.
Published on April 14, 2011 by SNewton
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love it!!
I am absolutely thrilled with this book. Best purchase I've made when it comes to buying "how to" books for jewelry. Read more
Published on April 6, 2011 by pennyjo
3.0 out of 5 stars
meh
First of all, most of the "creations" in this book are Alexander Calder rip-offs--the author should have at least given a nod to Calder. Read more
Published on April 6, 2011 by J. Faber
5.0 out of 5 stars
steel wire and creative design; excellent combo!
I work with wire quite a bit in my jewelry making and have stayed clear of steel; fearing the material will ruin my tools and, quite frankly, not liking most of what I've seen. Read more
Published on March 30, 2011 by R. J. Bednarek
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