Customer Reviews

Wrap, Stitch, Fold & Rivet: Making Designer Metal Jewelry (Lark Jewelry Books)

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

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.

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!

Wow! I don't know, maybe someone got up on the wrong side of the bed and wrote that first review. I thought the book was well written. It definitely had plenty of professional-looking pictures and loads of instructions. Everyone has a different style, but to say "the finished projects are on par with any elementary school art show" is kind of excessive. Must be some pretty special elementary school. If you're curious about different techniques working with metal, this book is well worth the price and will give you plenty of new jewelry ideas.

I bought this book because it had the word "Rivet" in its title and I want to know more about the use of rivets. While I didn't learn much about rivets from this book I quickly fell in love with the projects, instructions, and fabulous examples of work by other artists. I've created six pieces from the projects in 2 days and they are so easy and gratifying. You can take the projects and let your imagination run wild to create your own unique and very special jewelry. Absolutely my favorite jewelry technique book and I have a LOT in my library. If you are interested in creating pieces that truly qualify as wearable art (versus the safe same old same old) this book is a must for both instruction and inspiration!

This book is so well written. And the projects so innovative - not your run of the mill jewelry making book. This will stretch your borders and incorporate lots of new ideas and techniques into your jewelry making.

Mary teaches you new skillsets and gives you unique projects with which to practice. It's very easy to do variations from her basic projects - she sets your mind spinning in new directions.

This book just proves you don't have to be a "professional metalsmith" to create fun and unique objects to wear. Mary's beautiful photo's coupled with the clear and concise directions make it easy for anyone to attempt any of her imaginative projects, even if they've never held a hammer or a piece of sandpaper in their hands. Her blending of fiber and metal techniques brings a fresh and welcomed approach to the field of wearable art and stretches the boundaries of more typical jewelry ideas. I also like her use of non-precious metals and found objects for those who don't want to make a huge investment in raw materials.

I was really disappointed by this book.

It should have been called wirework in jeweley. I bought it mainly for the 'rivet' part, but there's nothing about riveting in the book--if you don't consider using pre-made eyelets like me. If you are a beginner in jewelry making, it might be good for you to learn how to make jewelry with pre-made parts. But if you are hoping to learn 'new' tricks in cold connections, don't waste money on this book.

The only thing that I like about this book is the artists' showcase at the end of the book.

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).

I absolutely love this book! It's heavy on organic looking design. The author does it without a lot of expensive tools, so it's beginner friendly. Her directions are written very nicely, and there's lots of eye candy for those fellow artisans who are into the organic look.

I was somewhat hesitant of buying this book after reading some of the reviews. I am really glad that I did actually purchase it though. I am somewhat familiar with the authors work as I have seen it in some magazines.

Yes, I agree that it doesn't provide you with the best metalsmithing techniques, however, if you want a very organic look to your work and don't have the money to invest in the tools, it is a feasible option.

I don't think this is a book that I would BEGIN with as there aren't a lot of detailed process photos. However, if you have any kind of experience and a little imagination you should do just fine with it. The author shows several variations of each project to show you how different each can look with just a little change here and there.

I personally think that this is a worthwhile book to have in my collection. It provides a lot of inspiration for more organic looking pieces.