Making Designer Bead and Wire Jewelry: Techniques for Unique Designs and Handmade Findings 
asked by bulldogs on October 30, 2006 11:27 PM
Jewelry making is one of the most popular craft trends, and its audience continues to grow. Few jewelry books on the market emphasize the importance of the design relationship between beads, wire, and jewelry findings-the "nuts and bolts" of any piece. This book will show not only how to design and build your own spectacular jewelry out of beads and wire but how to design and create your own findings as well.
Most jewelry making books are geared for the beginner and provide little information for intermediate to advanced jewelry makers. Making Designer Bead and Wire Jewelry contains illustrated how-to techniques, full-color project photos, project instructions, and numerous tips that enhance the styles and skills presented. Intermediate and advanced jewelry makers will learn new techniques for creating signature elements for their designs, while beginners will get a handle on honing their skills.
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This book has a lot of great patterns, some easy enough for a beginner, some a bit more advanced. As with any 'pattern' book, not all projects will appeal to everyone, but I found about 80% of them were interesting or appealing enough for me to try. The directions are GREAT! I plan to buy another one of these for my son, who also makes jewelry. I could loan him my copy, but I use it too much!
reviewed by noreason on November 22, 2006 7:42 AM
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This book by Powley and her other one "Making Designer Gemstone and Pearl Jewelry" are the two best books currently on the market on these particular subjects in jewelry-making. Her instructions are clear and the designs (up-close, clear photographs) shown are inspirational. The "look" of the books is not cluttered with too many instructions or diagrams. The un-cluttered content helped me to feel relaxed and to not get overwhelmed by too many instructions. I highly recommend both of her books.
reviewed by hooked on November 26, 2006 11:35 PM
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If you're seeking an introduction to making jewelry using your favorite beads and simple wire fastenings, you've found it! The jewelry projects offered here are professional and stylish, yet easy to make with just a few tools and techniques provided by the author.
One of my favorites is Tammy's Cubism Earrings, which are made with clever triple-loop ear hooks, crystals, silver spacers, and metal links cut from a commercial chain. Brilliant! She also offers clasps, a figure-8 chain, jump rings, and more in this beautifully photographed text.
The author's instructions are complemented by line-art diagrams in the Jewelry Techniques section, making it easy to follow along. Also included: a helpful chapter on buying beads and wire, using a jig, and a description of the tools.
Some have complained that this book is too basic, and perhaps if you are an advanced wire and/or bead artist this may not be the book for you. But the designs are lovely nonetheless, and because the author's workmanship is excellent and her instructions are so easy to follow, I'm recommending it for beginners as well as intermediate jewelry artists.
One of my favorites is Tammy's Cubism Earrings, which are made with clever triple-loop ear hooks, crystals, silver spacers, and metal links cut from a commercial chain. Brilliant! She also offers clasps, a figure-8 chain, jump rings, and more in this beautifully photographed text.
The author's instructions are complemented by line-art diagrams in the Jewelry Techniques section, making it easy to follow along. Also included: a helpful chapter on buying beads and wire, using a jig, and a description of the tools.
Some have complained that this book is too basic, and perhaps if you are an advanced wire and/or bead artist this may not be the book for you. But the designs are lovely nonetheless, and because the author's workmanship is excellent and her instructions are so easy to follow, I'm recommending it for beginners as well as intermediate jewelry artists.
reviewed by shawn on November 29, 2006 12:43 PM