Photo courtesy of
Interweave Press
Photo courtesy of Interweave Press |
Book Review, December 2005Getting Started Making Wire Jewelry and More
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The second in the new Getting Started series from Interweave Press, Getting Started Making Wire Jewelry and More is a wonderful introduction to wireworking skills. Linda Chandler and Christine Ritchey cover all the basics, and do a very thorough job of covering the basic techniques. Most of the book, in fact, deals with techniques, with only 7 projects at the end of the book. However, the techniques open up so many possibilities that I don't think they needed a lot of projects to get people started making dozens of their own unique designs.
My wireworking skills are mostly self-taught, and even though I've become an expert at making wrapped loops, I've never really explored the possibilities of making my own clasps and earwires. This books makes me want to pick up my wire and pliers again, even though I stopped doing wirework due to some mild arthritis problems! Each technique is easy to learn using this book, as every technique is explained with very complete instructions and lots of step-by-step photos. In addition to covering how to create the various components, the authors also describe the problems you will encounter when making a piece, and what to do to correct it. (Or in rare instances, when to give it up as a lost cause and start over!) The writing style is casual with a comfortable feel, as if you are having a conversation with friends who happen to have a lot of experience in wireworking.
If you're interested in exploring wirework to see if you would enjoy it, I would highly recommend this book as a way to "get started".
Linda Chandler is a jewelry designer and teacher with more than twenty year's experience. She is a Precious Metal Caly certified teacher who conducts workshops in a variety of jewelry skills including wire wrapping, metalsmithing, and glass fusing. Her work has appeared in the book All Wired Up (Interweave Press, 2000) and the magazine The Wire Artist Jeweller. Linda lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Christine Ritchey is an independent writer/editor, potter, and jewelry maker. She has worked for D magazine and the local PBS station in Dallas. Christine lives in North Texas.
In business since 1975, Interweave Press publishes magazines and books related to fiber, thread, needlework, and beads. Throughout Interweave's evolution, its publications have focused on natural materials and processes, a respect for doing, and an appreciation of the fine, simple things in life. Interweave publishes six magazines including Beadwork, Handwoven, Interweave Knits, PieceWork, Spin·Off, and Fiberarts. Interweave is dedicated to creating a resource for its readers to find the best information in their field of interest, the latest news, the best products, the newest techniques, and the history behind the techniques.
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