“A Bounty of Bead and Wire Bracelets”

“A Bounty of Bead and Wire Necklaces”

Hi Ho Silver

When recently reviewing these two books, it felt like I was back in the “Old West.”  I wasn’t out capturing outlaws to collect a bounty.  But, Lark Books had awarded the readers an abundance of fun, fast jewelry projects.  One was the Nexas bracelet which captured carnelian beads in intertwined jump rings.  Another was the Fiesta necklace utilizing a bountiful color combination of beads.

One doesn’t need any esoteric supplies, just a desire to create.  The instructions for the stylish cuffs, bangles, charm bracelets, pendants, etc., all are very well laid out.  Whether your trigger finger is bent out of shape, or your but is sore from spending all that time in the saddle seat, these books will pique your interest.  Soon you will be at your workbench and on your way to exciting new conquests.

  

The winner of the random book giveaway contest ending Nov. 30, 2012 is Sandra Smith of Santa Ana, CA.  Happy beading, Sandra.

The Winner is

CONGRATULATIONS TO MITZI WARREN, THE WINNER..

I Can Herringbone

Sounds Fishy to Me

Many years ago I made my husband a scarf on a six harness table loom. It was a herringbone black and white pattern. Unfortunately, I didn’t dress the loom with enough warps, but I told him I had designed it to be worn as an ascot. He said “this sounds fishy to me,” but he wore it on a few cold winter nights. Looked very dashing!

The book “I Can Herringbone, by Lark Books leads the reader from the basic stitch to the more advanced techniques. Once again, as in all good presentations, we are introduced to the materials and tools. The chapters explore flat herringbone stitch projects, tubular, and variations on this theme. Final chapter explores bezeled stone creations. All very large illustrations show the working thread in black, and there is further clarification of needle path.

Most of the designs utilize the ubiquitous size 15’s 8’s, or 11’s seed beads. Thus because many of us stockpile these sizes, we can be off and stitching. Projects are presented for different levels of difficulty.

Nothing is an insurmountable challenge.

It was really interesting to view these projects in the context of their herringbone technique. If I decide to make the willow lariat it will be easy. I won’t have to guess the finished length. The dimensions are spelled out. Nothing fishy here.

Jewelry Illustration

It’s All in Your Hands

My youngest grandson “sees.”  He can think of or look at an object, put his own spin on it, and render it in his own unique visual language.  I marvel at this inborn ability.

When I attended art school, my lament was, “I am very creative, but I can’t draw well.”  My instructor turned a deaf ear and a blind eye to my protestations.  He soon demonstrated to me that I could.  My renderings replicated my design concepts.  It didn’t happen overnight, but my eyes finally become adjusted to the “light.”  What fun! 

Even though one may not have an innate ability to render a concept on paper, this book does an excellent job of presenting rendering and scaling jewelry designs in the proper perspective.  One begins with two dimensional drawings and then proceeds to the more advanced processes.  Use of both light and shadow are explored along with shading flat and smooth surfaces.  Various texturing techniques are explained also.  If one looks at a gemstone with its many brilliant surfaces and tries to duplicate that on paper, the answers are uncovered.

From these two dimensional drawings to the more complex ones, these tools are all here.  This book puts them all in your hands.  Just a matter of removing one’s blinders and “seeing.”   

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.

  

Contest Winners

Hip, Hip, Hooray:  The following contest winners have been announced.

Lark Box of Books

Winner:  Twyla Harbick of Springfield, Oregon

Lark Books Contest Ending October 31, 2012

Winner:  Wendy - Sent her an email.  Last name unknown.

Interweave "Halloween Treat-Not Trick Contest"

Winner:  Ellen Turner

Build Your Own Wire Pendants

No Brick or Mortar Required

I remember as a child, I had envisioned building a skyscraper. My architectural aspirations were not to be realized. However, my creative spirit was fulfilled with my jewelry design concepts; albeit on a much smaller and less grand scale.

As I proceeded, the ideas were first executed on paper. I had a large drafting table ready to go. The materials were chosen and all additions and subtractions were noted before proceeding.

Kalmbach Press has recently published “Build Your Own Wire Pendants” by Kimberly S. Berlin. After initially setting forth the tools, materials, techniques, the author sits down at the drawing board and executes her customized frames with an assortment of beautiful beads and cabochons. Many of the frames have been embellished with twisted and hammered wire. They are all geometrically appealing and suspended on dramatic bails. Ms. Berlin has presented us with precise pendant design blueprints.

One doesn’t have to procure any architectural certification or license. Just get inspiration from the ideas and directions set forth in this book. Although it isn’t “The Architectural Digest,” the structures featured will enhance any “neckline.”

I Can Right Angle Weave

The Little Engine That Could

As I was reviewing this new beading book published by Lark Books author Madeline Gidez, I kept thinking about the children’s book, “The Little Engine That Could.”  The moral of this wonderful little story is “don’t give up.” 

Some of these beaded woven structures have been very daunting to me.  But, almost similar in age to the biblical, Job, I don’t give up.  The excellent instructions in this book are complimented by a multitude of well defined diagrams and twenty five projects which range from simple to challenging.  Each one is presented in large enough print for these ancient eyes.  We are taken along thru this book, sometimes huffing and puffing as the designer increases and decreases the structures to create bracelets, earrings, and necklaces of many styles and colors. Her arrow language is easy to follow along each and every curve, twist, and bend.

The gallery pages are filled with wonderful examples of imaginative creativity.  These artists, like the little engine, proved that they “could.”

Chain Maille Jewelry Workshop

Fire Breathing Dragon Scale Weave

 

A couple of years ago, my chain maille necklace was juried into the show “Maturity and its Myth.” The show was built around artist over the age of 70 whose creative juices were still flowing. Although, for many of us, our skin was now extremely dry and wrinkled.

I had wanted to create a piece incorporating the dragonscale weave chain maille pattern, but unfortunately after many hours of coiling, cutting, opening, and closing, I couldn’t get the aspect ratio to work. I settled on the European four in one as pictured below with the wire-wrapped Swarovski pendant as a focal point.

This book would have saved me many hours of labor and frustration. The information presented covers jump ring gauges, inner diameter, and aspect ratio. The purist can make jump rings or take the easier route and purchase same. The color coded illustrations and directions are easy to follow which solves the puzzle of “what goes next”?

Everything from Byzantine, Spiral, European, Parallel, Round, Persian, and my elusive Dragonscale Weaves are presented. The author, Karen Karon even shares a Half Persian starter tool which is wonderful for giving stability to this weave.

Thank you Interweave for leading this chain maille aficionado down the safe path. That fire-breathing dragon scale creature has been conquered and extinguished.

Congratulations to Theresa Kelly, winner of Lark Books "Metalworking 101 for Beaders."

Rustic Wrappings

Kerry Bogert

The autumn season is now upon us.  As I drove down our road, the sweet gum trees on both sides served as an arch.  The leaves are already changing from vivid green with a profusion of sweet gum balls to shades of orange, yellow, and red.  Nature has its own set of natural patinas.

This publication “Rustic Wrappings” has presented the reader with a lovely pallet of colors and the means of obtaining same.  I recall that in one of my metalsmithing classes we explored patination.  Harsh expensive chemicals were on hand.  One had to almost run a factory in order to obtain the expensive toxic chemicals that arrived in their gallon containers.

In this book, published by Interweave, there is the perfunctory list of tools, wire manipulation, techniques, findings, etc.  The exciting part of this publication is the presentation of patina recipes and sealing solutions.  We are taken on the road of discovery of liver of sulfur, oxidized patinas for brass, heat patina, and ammonia and salt water patinas, vinegar patina, potato chip patina, alcohol ink patina, in addition to rusting and sealants.

Once the author sets our gears in motion, the various projects are listed in a trip-tik like manner. Patina earrings, bracelets, necklaces, bangles, are stopping off pages.  Metals, whether twisted, flattened, hardened, embroidered, coiled, pierced, plated, etc., are incorporated into journey.

I felt like an explorer on a trip of discovery as I reviewed this extremely well mapped out book.

Metalworking 101 for Beaders

Something for Everyone!

  

Designing and creating custom findings, pendants, and other projects has never been too much of a challenge for me.  Since I am not self taught, I confess to having spent a great deal of time and money studying with the finest.  In essence, thought there wasn’t anything new to teach this old dog.

When I reviewed “Metalworking 101 for Beaders,” I was put down a notch or two. Yes, sheet, wire, and tubing are very familiar to me.  I have a workbench overflowing with tools and materials, but this book taught me a thing or two. 

Scrimping was an unfamiliar term.  Scrimps are more attractive than crimps and easier to affix with their tiny tools and screwdriver.  No accidental disheartening cracking and malformation of those elusive crimps.

The basic metalworking photos in the book were well defined and all explanations on how to proceed were clearly set forth.  In addition, author gives many wonderful clues to assist in sanding, forming, and soldering.

Twenty-nine projects were presented in an easy to understand format.  Candie shared many of her design concepts by providing multiple sketches.  I was intrigued with the details of the fanciful feathered friend broach which would complement any outfit.  It was an delightful  exercise utilizing many elements of jewelry construction. Author also shares many of her pattern templates.

As I stated in the beginning, there is something in this book for beaders and anyone interested in further whetting their creative juices.

Setting Stones in Metal Clay

Jeanette Landenwitch

 Just a Stones Throw Away

First of all, this is a spiral bound book.  This makes it so much easier to read the pages.  I don’t have to hunt in my cabinet for a stack of cans to hold the pages open.

The contents section of this publication by Brynmorgen Press is very thorough.  It covers gemstones, tools and materials, settings, bezels, prongs, and other setting options.

 I have perused many PMC Yahoo Groups and frequently the question comes up about setting stones and the appropriate stones to use with this material.  I learned that natural stones can be fired in the kiln, but others such as pearl, ivory, shell, coral, amber, and jet are verboten.  Most, but not all synthetic stones can be fired in a kiln.  Simulated gemstones comprise another category, such as the cubic zirconia that is ideal for kiln firing.

There is a table on pages 14 and 15 illustrating gem tests that were done by Kevin Whitmore and the staff of Rio Grande.  Here one can find many answers to both torch and kiln firing.

The line drawings of the techniques and the setting illustrations are well executed.  There is no guesswork here.  As an example, the bezel strip on page 44 is a definitive “how to.”  One is presented with a heat tolerant gemstone pressed into a lump of clay, variations of the method, and final finishing steps.

The goal of “Setting Stones in Metal Clay” was to expand the PMC’s artist’s stone setting options.  They are all here and are less than a stone’s throw away!

Winner of Lark Books Contest

Congratulations Jvaala!  You are the winner of contest ending Sept. 30, 2012.

Necklaceology

ology=branch of knowledge

The author, Candie Cooper, goes to all lengths literally and figuratively to show one “How to Make Chokers, Lariats, Ropes, and More.  She has gifted us with a book of 40 “Wow” necklaces.  There are projects illustrating samples of collars, chokers, princess length, and rope jewelry. 

Materials and necessary tools are covered in depth in this well conceived book.  Many of us have acquired books over the years.  If you have a collection like mine, some have disappointed and others have stroked our creativity.  This book is a prime example of “ology.”

The techniques section is comprised of stringing, connections, components, etc. 

 We are introduced to combining beads with wire, chain, silk cord and ribbon.  If the material is available, the author utilizes it in a myriad of interesting designs.

Whether one wants that Jackie Kennedy look with the lovely princess style length pearls, or the Maria Callas opera length necklaces, the choice is yours.  If you would like to travel back to the flapper era, this book will extend a hand.

Necklaceology truly represents a branch of knowledge on where to start and how to finish.  Most important of all, all this knowledge doesn’t require big bucks or leaving home for an advanced degree.

Marketing & Selling Your Handmade Jewelry

Vicki Lareau

The Green Light

Early in my career as a designer, I was passionate about my work.  Although I had family responsibilities, which I prioritized, many of my remaining hours would be spent thinking about and creating jewelry.  During this period, I would view findings and tool catalogs, have serious discussions with other designers, and attend workshops and classes, hoping to make it all happen.  Recognition and sales was the name of the game. 

And “happen” it did, but slowly. This book, “Marketing and Selling Your Handmade Jewelry” would have paved the way for a much smoother

ride.  No heavy equipment is needed to get one down to the business of “marketing.”  Author discusses in depth the first steps one must take to make the red light turn to green.  She points out the importance of building a portfolio, pricing, selling both wholesale and retail, and most important of all “marketing.”

Unless we want to be idling behind a “red” light for the rest of our careers, this book helps direct us on our journey.  No GPS is needed!

September 15, 2012 Lark Books Winner.

Congratulations Robyn S.  winner of the Lark Books Contest.

Contemporary Metal Clay Rings

Nothing Left to Chance

Reviewing books on this blog site has given me a wonderful opportunity to receive, review, and almost always “rave.”

In my English 101 class many years ago, the instructor was emphatic.  The mantra was that when writing an essay “tell your audience what you are going to say, say it, and then tell them what you said.”  I hope you will agree that I learned my lesson well.

The book “Contemporary Metal Clay” by Hattie Sanderson captured

my attention with its wonderful metal clay ring on the cover.  The well documented pages fully explain the use of tools and techniques, materials, shaping, firing, finishing, etc., and how to add those extra appendages which elicits all those oh’s and ah’s when viewed.

Sections in the book concentrate on ring shank types, and many other aspects of creating with metal clay.  These include making holes, components, forming, sizing, patinas, etc.

The 72 featured rings display intriguing designs enhanced with various stones of all shapes and sizes.  Who said it couldn’t be done?

As I said in the beginning “nothing is left to chance.”  The artists who have contributed to this book have demonstrated to metal clay aficionados the wonderful versatility of this material. And, Hattie Sanderson and Brynmorgen Press are the ones to applaud.  

Professional Jewelry Making: Alan Revere

No Fuel Necessary

The other day I received the above book from Tim McCreight of Brynmorgen Press.  I own an original copy of this publication, but had never reviewed same.  Members at a workshop that I attended were praising the book, so for me it was a “must have.”

Upon taking off the shrink wrap and opening the first page, I had a very strong olfactory sensation.  It felt as though I had just stepped into an elegant automotive showroom and had opened the door of a new vehicle.  My senses told me that I was in for a wonderful ride on a jewelry making adventure.  The beautiful front cover of the book was a further affirmation of the well defined learning experiences appropriately outlined in “gold.”

The pictorial content pages are well laid out similar to a dash panel on a superior automobile.  No guess work here.

The author covered each and every aspect of getting started.  This was much like the manual found in a car’s glove compartment.  No foreign language mumble jumble here, just straight forward talk.  Each and every project was presented with beautiful photographs, thorough instructions, with lists of material and tools.  I felt exhilarated.

Alan Revere is a visionary.  He has presented us with a masterful book.  I felt like I was on a terrific joy ride as I turned the key and set out to explore each and every page before me.