Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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67 of 72 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Pleasantly Surprised , June 5, 2008
Upon seeing this book and the two completely opposing reviews I was in two minds about purchasing,I am quiet happy that I did. Again, it shows that reviews are highly emotive and personal. I certainly do not beleive this is the "worst jewelry book ever" as W. Swift states. She/He seems to think that being a "fiber person" is badge of shame? I see this as being one of the wonderful talents that has allowed Mary to use textile like appearances or skills to show off her unique designs.
I also work in the jewelry field - mixed media, and find that this gives you a different perspective. Many notable artists have drawn on other backgrounds which influence their work, look at the beautiful Textile techniques in Metal by Arline Fisch. I agree that if you are a "traditional metalsmith" with a wealth of experience, then you may find this book a bit simplistic in the projects. If on the other hand you are looking for lovely organic, mixed media, different ideas I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
The book has clear instructions, supplemented by good hand drawn figures and lovely photos. I especially liked her Bead Pod Pins, The Looped Silver Cone Necklace ( Silver netting over a cone ) and the Bead Shelf Necklace. It is perfect for the person who may be looking to create interesting pieces that do not require soldering. There is of course the obligatory introduction covering the basic: tools, materials and basic techniques, these pages are laced with stunning works from a a wide number of artists. Twenty projects in total, five in each of the four sections; Wraps & Folds; Commercial Cold Connections; Wire Work; Stitching. The gallery at the back is also filled with some beautiful work.
For the thousands and thousands of people who love Mary's unique style, who have done classes with her at Shows, or who have her great book - Fabulous Woven Jewelry, you will be very happy with adding this book to your collection.
I would also respectfully suggest that people do a little homework on authors to determine if their style is what they are looking for in the first place instead of insulting their skills. I will be recommending this to my mixed media beginner-intermediate students whole-heartedly.
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35 of 41 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I want to wrap, stitch, fold and rivet everything in this book!, May 26, 2008
What a beautiful, well-done book by Mary Hettmansperger! The book is well laid out, and easy to follow. The full color photos are clear and very helpful. Even the few hand drawn examples are good. The designs are unique and as Mary says "rustic", but stunning. The directions are well written even for a beginner. I do not have much experience with cold connections, and found the directions easy to follow. No soldering with these designs. A torch is used is to make ball heads on wire, a simple technique, and she shows you how to anneal.
The basics chapter is extensive, and clearly explained. Each project chapter covers a particular technique; wraps and folds, commercial cold connections, wire work, and stitching (with wire).
There is also several pages on texturing and patinas. The patinas include the use of a torch, and liver of sulfer.
I can't wait to get started on these project, as soon as I wipe the drool off the pages! Love it!
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34 of 43 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not a good choice for beginners, June 12, 2008
I agree with a review stating that this book promotes quite poor metalsmithing techniques. Yes, craftspeople improvise quite a bit during the manufacturing process, but there is no reason to reinvent the wheel, and reinvent it badly, at that.
However, if one has some metalsmithing experience and can correct for the atrocious execution methods, there are ideas here that could be stowed away for future use. I almost wish that the author outsourced the production of her pieces to a professional and stuck with text and design only.
If you are looking for a first instruction-oriented jewelry-making book that isn't too much of an investment, I would recommend one of Joanna Gollberg's books. For a more serious amateur, buy Oppi Untracht's or Alan Revere's volumes. As a (very) short encyclopedic reference to most existing traditional techniques, get Tim McCreight's professional edition of the 'Complete Metalsmith' (even the professional edition is too skimpy to be 'complete,' but it is a very useful reference source).
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