CLASSICAL ELEGANCE

Art History 101


It is wonderful that Maggie Meister had the opportunity to travel and live in Italy for five years and fall captive to its “splendor.” Many years ago, we took a cruise to the Italian Riviera, but alas could not disembark in Naples because of “too many unsavory elements.”

I am now fortunate to have the opportunity to take the journey with this elegant book “Classical Elegance” through her eyes. I didn’t need any special traveling gear, but just my eyes open wide. The mosaics, architecture and rug patterns with their vivid colors became the focus of her artistry.

Stitches or combination of stitches are very well illustrated and described. Her mantra is “practice, practice, practice.” Twenty organized project are presented. She elucidates what influenced their conception. Seed beads of every shape, size, and color, along with other necessary material and tools are very well documented.

Many books attempt to teach, but this book really does without a lot of confusing jargon. It is easy to follow the little arrow as it too makes the trip of discovery for the beader. I really appreciated the numeration of some of the designs such as the Laksmi Pendant. It was better than a compass.

Thank you Lark Books for the visit back to antiquity with this amazing book, “Classical Elegance.” It rivals many of the art history books I have read.

WINNER

LISA BROUSEAU is the June 15th winner of the Lark Book Contest. She told us she just celebrated her birthday so she was very excited with her unexpected birthday present. "Master's Gold" is on the way. Happy Birthday Lisa, and Congratulations.

VINTAGE JEWELRY DESIGN

This book “Vintage Jewelry Design” by Caroline Cox, and published by Lark Books is an exquisite photographic experience and education. The vintage jewelry chosen to be represented here provides an extraordinary visual awakening. Lush broaches, necklaces, rings, earrings, etc., are featured and created using every conceivable material and style. Their acclaimed costume and precious metal jewelry rein supreme.

My own personal experience with vintage jewelry began many years ago. It happened when I was traveling to New York with a very wealthy friend. Her husband had ordered a car and driver to take us to Sotheby’s. Upon entering the very imposing showroom, we were whisked into a private room where a very prim and proper young woman greeted us. After a few minutes of conversation, we were presented with the most glittering display of vintage jewelry I had ever seen.

My friend makes this trip to choose her jewelry wardrobe. Each piece was more dazzling than the other. My friend would be gifted with one of these prizes for special occasions each year such as birthday, anniversary, mother’s day, good wife day, and other sundry celebrations. I asked her whether the lack of surprise, since she had made these selections, bothered her. She looked at me with her rather Cheshire cat grin and said, “You’ve got to be kidding!”

Needless to say, the whole adventure to Sotheby’s was surreal. There was jewelry displayed from Art Nouveau designers such as Georges Foucault His broaches encrusted with both diamonds and pearls were particularly beautiful.

We were also treated with the display of several tiffany pieces. We exclaimed over a particularly striking sensuous pendant with the iridescent Favrile glass.

Eugene Joseff’s was a showcase of many styles and types. His jewelry was featured in many movies. He was considered a jeweler to the stars.

If you don’t have a very wealthy friend to take you to Sothebys in New York, don’t fret. You can now live vicariously as I do by purchasing this fascinating book, “Vintage Jewelry.” It will transport you from the 1890’s to the 1990’s future collectables. You can have it all in one splendid volume.

METAL MAGIC

Abracadabra

One doesn’t have to be a slight of hand artist to create the exciting jewelry projects in Kim St. Jean’s new book.

The instructions on torch and kiln enameling, etching, piercing and setting, etc, are all there. One’s 401 K doesn’t have to be depleted to require the necessary base tools. The sections on each technique present a synopsis of each necessary tool for the successful completion of all projects.

They say that practice makes perfect. With this book, “Metal Magic,” it is in the cards that every project is a winner. When worn, your creations will get rave reviews and a standing ovation.

SIMPLY STYLISH CRYSTAL JEWELRY

ON YOUR MARK, GET READY,GET SET, GO


We all have to start somewhere. My first tube and packages of crystals lit up a starless night. I purchased them in both large and small quantities, shapes, sizes, and colors. I would lay them out on my beading design foam and play away. Even though I was dazzled by their alluring sparkle, their design possibilities challenged me.

This most current publication “Simply Stylish Crystal Jewelry” by Kalmbach Publishing Company, compiles a luscious array of provocative designs culled from “Bead Style” Magazine. Page after page, starting with the introduction, provides invaluable useful information. The supply lists are invaluable. The high resolution of the projects photographs are a wonderful eye catching enticement for the viewer. There is nothing here that even a beginner bead aficionado cannot follow, complete, and be excited to wear, gift, sell, or barter.

Every beading enthusiast should unpack their tools, crystals, and findings. Next step would be to purchase “Simply Stylish Crystal Jewelry.” You don’t even need good illumination. Your crystals will light the way.

CLASSIC STYLE

The In Crowd

When I was growing up, there were classic styles one wore to fit in with the “in crowd.” My outfit consisted of black and white sandals or brogues, white bobby socks which were usually glued to my legs, and a plaid skirt held together on one side with a large safety pin. Jewelry was a sterling silver ID bracelet, or a fraternity pin, if one was so lucky, or a sorority pin affixed to a cashmere twin sweater set purchased if one had a after school job.

Irina Miech’s “Classic Style” book transforms yesterday’s jewelry styles into something new for the here and now. She leads the artist down the path to new discoveries while never discarding the old. Mixed metals, traditional materials and a discerning eye helps one create their own distinctive style.

The classic girl can become the classy woman with this fun-filled Kalmbach Publishing Company new book, “Classic Style.” It should be on every creative designer’s “Wish List.”

Masters Gold

The Gold Rush

On January 24, 1848, the California Gold Rush began. James W. Marshall found “gold” at Sutter’s Mill in Colona, California. Gold is one of the most rarest metals in existence today. The ductile quality of this precious metal allows one to manipulate it into thin wire, melt it into tiny granules, cast, mold, fabricate, fold, etc.

The wonderfully talented artists in this beautiful book, invites the reader to experience “gold” in all its glory. Michael Good, a student of Heikki Seppa at Washington University in St. Louis, took the sculptural articlastic form and miniaturized it into his own signature jewelry.

Jacqueline Ryan’s exquisite jewelry reflects her astute observation of nature’s animate and inanimate forms and structures.

These jewelers truly do have the “Midas touch.” Curator Marthe Le Van has created a provocative collection of major works in this inspiring Lark Books publication. The pictures are exquisite representations of all of the featured jewelry. Each and every piece is worth its weight in gold.