Clare Stiles
Lark Jewelry
Peggy Eng, a member of the Society for Midwest Metalsmiths introduced our guild to anodized aluminum. She demonstrated the “electro chemical process that created the honey comb-like pore on the surface.” Thus, the aluminum form was prepared for the application of color.
In this book, the science of anodizing is clearly defined. The equipment utilized can range from very elaborate to minimal. Materials, tools, and equipment are listed along with the working characteristics of anodized aluminum design basics. These include dyeing, printing, and tips and troubleshooting.
Then on to the glorious projects. As the cover of the book illustrated, there are many countless possibilities for a simple cuff bracelet. Earring, necklaces, cuff links, broaches, and other design concepts are only limited by one’s own creativity. Soldering is a no-no because of the nature of the material. Therefore, cold connections are introduced as a joining mechanism or a design element. There is also excellent pictorial information about rivet construction.
Thank you, Peggy Eng, for the wonderful introduction many years ago to anodizing aluminum. And additional kudos to Clare Stiles for furthering our appreciation of this exciting metal and process.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Dimensional Bead Embroidery
Jamie Cloud Eakin
Lark Jewelry & Beading
One of my favorite pastimes during my childhood was embroidery work. A trip to the local Ben Franklin store filled me with sweet anticipation. The array of colored floss would pull me in like a magnet. Hoops and needles were neatly arranged on the shelves, along with stamped pillow cases, dollies, bibs, hand towels and other sundry items. Once the selections were made, I knew my weekend days would be filled with the joy of making French knots, satin, running, stem, feather, tent stitches, etc.
The book “Dimensional Bead Embroidery” takes one on a new adventure in embroidery land. But this time, the allure is the beads. I had attempted bead embroidery before without too much success, but this book is a wonderful aid. Its primary focus is bead embroidery techniques for all levels of experience. The photographic images and drawings are well defined and very instructive in illustrating the various concepts.
In each chapter, the reader is taken by the hand and led down the yellow brick road. From basic techniques to specific stitches and then on to components, no brick is left unturned. If your design calls for a cabochon focal point, the instructions point the way. Some projects can be completed in an evening, others take more time.
What is the hurry though? In the long run, the land of “Dimensional Bead Embroidery” is a wonderful awakening experience.
Lark Jewelry & Beading
One of my favorite pastimes during my childhood was embroidery work. A trip to the local Ben Franklin store filled me with sweet anticipation. The array of colored floss would pull me in like a magnet. Hoops and needles were neatly arranged on the shelves, along with stamped pillow cases, dollies, bibs, hand towels and other sundry items. Once the selections were made, I knew my weekend days would be filled with the joy of making French knots, satin, running, stem, feather, tent stitches, etc.
The book “Dimensional Bead Embroidery” takes one on a new adventure in embroidery land. But this time, the allure is the beads. I had attempted bead embroidery before without too much success, but this book is a wonderful aid. Its primary focus is bead embroidery techniques for all levels of experience. The photographic images and drawings are well defined and very instructive in illustrating the various concepts.
In each chapter, the reader is taken by the hand and led down the yellow brick road. From basic techniques to specific stitches and then on to components, no brick is left unturned. If your design calls for a cabochon focal point, the instructions point the way. Some projects can be completed in an evening, others take more time.
What is the hurry though? In the long run, the land of “Dimensional Bead Embroidery” is a wonderful awakening experience.
The Craft of Silversmithing
Alex Austin
Lark Jewelry
Have you ever watched a silversmith take a flat sheet of metal and transform it into a three dimensional object? It is not a magical apparition. Simple hammering, filing and folding produce a lovely baby spoon keepsake. Straight silver rods can be forged to design well balanced cutlery place settings. Sinking and raising will change the nature of the metal.
All of the projects in this book are beautifully photographed. They provide prime examples of what occurs when metal is “moved.”
Many years ago Heikki Seppa took me on a wild ride to the “Craft of Silversmithing.” When I was working in his studio I reminisced about my childhood trip to Williamsburg. I watched in amazement as the metal was manipulated into a beautiful goblet. But, in my adult life, observing and working in the master’s studio stoked my fire. Heikki’s fingers were an extension of the metal as he first cut out the sheet and put it on the rolling mill to reduce it down. He then began the process of turning the gold into a labor of love. The finished goblet reflected shimmering rays of light from its beautifully formed contours.
This book contains many intriguing projects. Some are more complex than others. I was particularly intrigued by the spatula and pies sever. What lovely utensils to utilize when entertaining company. My husband and I have been married over sixty years. We still cherish the beautiful hand crafted cup out of which we first sipped the sweet wine.
This book “The Craft of Silversmithing” goes above and beyond many “how-to” tomes. Its presentation is beautiful and the finished projects will become “keepsakes” for all to savor from generation to generation.
Lark Jewelry
Have you ever watched a silversmith take a flat sheet of metal and transform it into a three dimensional object? It is not a magical apparition. Simple hammering, filing and folding produce a lovely baby spoon keepsake. Straight silver rods can be forged to design well balanced cutlery place settings. Sinking and raising will change the nature of the metal.
All of the projects in this book are beautifully photographed. They provide prime examples of what occurs when metal is “moved.”
Many years ago Heikki Seppa took me on a wild ride to the “Craft of Silversmithing.” When I was working in his studio I reminisced about my childhood trip to Williamsburg. I watched in amazement as the metal was manipulated into a beautiful goblet. But, in my adult life, observing and working in the master’s studio stoked my fire. Heikki’s fingers were an extension of the metal as he first cut out the sheet and put it on the rolling mill to reduce it down. He then began the process of turning the gold into a labor of love. The finished goblet reflected shimmering rays of light from its beautifully formed contours.
This book contains many intriguing projects. Some are more complex than others. I was particularly intrigued by the spatula and pies sever. What lovely utensils to utilize when entertaining company. My husband and I have been married over sixty years. We still cherish the beautiful hand crafted cup out of which we first sipped the sweet wine.
This book “The Craft of Silversmithing” goes above and beyond many “how-to” tomes. Its presentation is beautiful and the finished projects will become “keepsakes” for all to savor from generation to generation.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
A Bounty of Bead and Wire Earrings
Nathalie Mornu
Lark Jewelry & Beading
Holiday shopping this year was a wonderful experience. For the first time, in what seemed to be a long time, the stores were filled with shoppers. They were actually carrying bags and not just window shopping.
Many of the jewelry counters were filled with a sparkling array of items. Many customers were displaying an avid interest in earrings. In the past when shopping for these ear lobe enhancers, I would usually focus on a single pair. Not so for the today younger and older set. Multiple chandelier, studs, pearls, cz’s and other stunners protrude and hang in profusion from pierced ears and rims, noses, lips, eyebrows, belly buttons, and god knows where else.
This book “A Bounty of Bead & Wire Earrings,” gives the reader an array of choices of styles and materials from which to choose. The basics, before starting out, are all presented at the beginning. And then project after project is presented with detailed instructions and glorious pictures. No guess work here.
Chains, wire wrapping, seed beads, faceted beads, round beads, pearls, briolette, fire polished beads, etc., are utilized in fanciful designs. Delicate charms and crystals are arranged on dainty chains. Each project is geared to the young at heart.
Wherever your piercing, “A Bounty of Bead & Wire Earrings” will certainly fill your “holely” spirit.
Lark Jewelry & Beading
Holiday shopping this year was a wonderful experience. For the first time, in what seemed to be a long time, the stores were filled with shoppers. They were actually carrying bags and not just window shopping.
Many of the jewelry counters were filled with a sparkling array of items. Many customers were displaying an avid interest in earrings. In the past when shopping for these ear lobe enhancers, I would usually focus on a single pair. Not so for the today younger and older set. Multiple chandelier, studs, pearls, cz’s and other stunners protrude and hang in profusion from pierced ears and rims, noses, lips, eyebrows, belly buttons, and god knows where else.
This book “A Bounty of Bead & Wire Earrings,” gives the reader an array of choices of styles and materials from which to choose. The basics, before starting out, are all presented at the beginning. And then project after project is presented with detailed instructions and glorious pictures. No guess work here.
Chains, wire wrapping, seed beads, faceted beads, round beads, pearls, briolette, fire polished beads, etc., are utilized in fanciful designs. Delicate charms and crystals are arranged on dainty chains. Each project is geared to the young at heart.
Wherever your piercing, “A Bounty of Bead & Wire Earrings” will certainly fill your “holely” spirit.
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