The Metalsmith's Book of Boxes & Lockets

Many years ago I attended classes at Craft Alliance, which is a wonderful craft center in St. Louis, Missouri.  The metalsmithing studio was well equipped with a  more than ample library.  The books on the shelf ranged from Tim McCreight’s small wonder “The Complete Metalsmith, to “Form Emphasis for Metalsmiths,” Heikki Seppa, and “Jewelry ConceptsTechnology,” Oppi Untracht.

The students ranged from beginner to the more advanced.  One particular student caught my attention.  She was very reserved, but extremely focused.  Each week I marveled at her mastery of the metal and its adaptability to her design requirements.  Her finished container with its reticulated top was a “piece de resistance.”

I was delighted to discover Debbie LaFara as one of the featured artist in “The Metalsmith’s Book of Boxes & Lockets” by Tim McCreight.  She started with a sheet of metal, cutting out shapes for the body and legs.  Her tiny cylindrical hinges fit like a glove.  Her soldering skills were impeccable.    

As I perused the book, many metalsmithing processes were presented to the reader.  The instructive photographs, along with the author’s excellent detailed step by step process, made a wonderful source of information for both the novice and more advanced metalsmithing practitioners.  The book begins with building a box and continues on to explore hinges, lids, catches, tubing, soldering techniques, and finishing

Even if one has not advanced to Debbie’s level, this book’s contents are a treasure trove of information.  It is very obvious that one does not have to feel “boxed in” when exploring one’s own creativity as displayed by the multitude of  beautiful and innovative boxes and lockets displayed therein.