THE go-to resource for fold-forming metal jewelry
593833
Fold forming metal to make jewelry and other works of art has suddenly become quite popular, and classes are this topic are filling up. But you don't have to take an expensive workshop to learn this technique. It's pretty basic and easy to do... unless you want to get into more intricate, sophisticated designs with multiple folds. I highly recommend this book for that purpose. The author has perfected his technique and he shares an amazing amount of information and creative ideas with us through his detailed text and images. It's a valuable resource book on the topic, one you will go to over and over again as you work out your own creative ideas with metal.
Sharilyn Miller, author of the Arty Jewelry series
3724030
These are toggle clasps with a beautiful design that adds interest and texture to my jewelry designs.  I offer them as an optional upgrade with my jewelry.  They are 22K Gold Lead-Free Pewter "Heirloom" Toggle Clasps (14.7mm).  They are high-quality clasps that are made in the USA by TierraCast.  I recommend them.
2410083
Taa-Daa! Linda and Opie O'Brien have come to your metal-anxiety rescue with Metal Craft Discovery Workshop. The O'Brien's - the combined force behind Burnt Offerings - are prolific in many artistic realms, but especially in metal. The duo produces some fantastic creations, especially with metal. In this book they share some of the secrets behind their awesome work - and demystify working with metal. Included are the steps necessary to achieve specific results, common tools you can use to work with metal, and an extensive array of cool projects. Having this book at your side is like having two metal experts at your disposal - the book is laid out well, easy to understand, full of great pictures, and stuffed with hints, tips, explanations and ideas.

From a way cool family tree to wearable art - and everything in between - you'll learn the ins-and-outs of making various items out of many types of metal. The O'Briens have done a magnificent job of writing for beginners, without turning off those more familiar with metal. Another reason I'd recommend this book? It proves that the most important factor in making magnificent art is the creative drive - not a lot of expensive tools. For example, did you know you could get a patina finish with potato chips and water? I'm serious...and the O'Briens tell you how - in a fun, breezy style that amps up your desire to jump in.

After following this book you'll have some neat new metal creations - and you'll have learned from two of the best.
1984750
I've been interested in pretty much every possible metal finish lately, with copper (both bright and antiqued) being my latest obsession.  I have chain and earwires and jump rings and headpins, but I wanted some accent beads.  This item is one of the accent beads I bought.

Make sure you look at a ruler or are familiar with bead sizes in mm before you buy, because these are small.  (Smaller than they look on the screen.)  I expected that, so I don't have any issues.  They might not hold their own next to large beads, but they are excellent for delicate pieces, earrings, bracelets, etc.  I think they look especially nice next to green semiprecious stones.

They are uniform in size and shape and the holes are relatively large, so you're not absolutely limited to Accuflex and similar stringing materials -- some types of cord may also work with these.  The finish is bright and shiny and even and not marred or scratched in the least.

Anyway, these are exactly as I expected them to be and they will serve my purposes quite well, so I am happy with the purchase.
551822
If you're seeking an introduction to making jewelry using your favorite beads and simple wire fastenings, you've found it! The jewelry projects offered here are professional and stylish, yet easy to make with just a few tools and techniques provided by the author.

One of my favorites is Tammy's Cubism Earrings, which are made with clever triple-loop ear hooks, crystals, silver spacers, and metal links cut from a commercial chain. Brilliant! She also offers clasps, a figure-8 chain, jump rings, and more in this beautifully photographed text.

The author's instructions are complemented by line-art diagrams in the Jewelry Techniques section, making it easy to follow along. Also included: a helpful chapter on buying beads and wire, using a jig, and a description of the tools.

Some have complained that this book is too basic, and perhaps if you are an advanced wire and/or bead artist this may not be the book for you. But the designs are lovely nonetheless, and because the author's workmanship is excellent and her instructions are so easy to follow, I'm recommending it for beginners as well as intermediate jewelry artists.
1006785
This beautifully photographed book offers you two crafts, origami folding and jewelry designing, combined into one. What an innovative idea!
As the reader will see, the results couldn't be prettier, more fun, or more inspirational.
Author Julian Laboy-Rodriguez is an expert at the ancient art of origami, which developed in Japan in the 6th century A.D. by way of China. He begins by introducing the reader to everything she or he will need to know to fold origami into all sorts of lovely shapes such as flowers, animals, and geometrical designs. Origami Jewelry Motifs: Fold and Wear Your Own Earrings, Bracelets, Necklaces and More! is the result of his years of practice and design work.
After the interesting introduction, where you learn how the author developed his passion for origami,there is a section on tools and materials. This is split into origami materials and jewelry tools and materials . The section on origami papers is very well written and enlightening if you are new to origami. The introduction to the jewelry tools and materials which will be needed is excellent as well.
Next comes a section called Origami Models. It will teach the reader how to fold the models in the book. It opens with origami basics and basic folds and suggests that the reader begin with the easiest models and progress to the more difficult ones. It has projects starred from one to three stars to help you understand which models are easiest to learn. In case you have concerns, there are a lot of beginner level models. The papers used are charming and will appeal to anyone who loves color and bright design. You will be looking forward to getting into the swing of folding your own origami as soon as you open this book. If you love animals, there are plenty for you to try. The swan, the owl, the sitting dog, the crane, the fox, the ladybug, and lots more are offered. Geometrics are very striking and some of them are easy to fold as well. There is a fractal rose that I thought was gorgeous, and it is listed as beginner skill level. Some of the figures offered, such as the samurai, the Japanese man, and the angel have that beauty and elegance that origami is always known for. There are origami pieces the reader might enjoy folding which have a 3-D aspect, such as the lily flower. The author suggests this one as a great flower for all sorts of jewelry projects from bracelets to necklaces to earrings.
Looking for something different? Try the brontosaurus! It is adorable and will work well as a post earring.
The next section combines your folding with the jewelry projects. The reader will learn that there are two types of origami jewelry designs offered. One has the origami glued to a base component, and one is made from components and origami charms. After you learn the techniques taught, you can make your own variations.
The reader will learn how to prepare origami models, attach origami to components such as earrings, make charms, and add the charms to jewelry. You will also learn to make some additional items such as a ring or a brooch. There is more to learn as well, as the book proceeds on through hairpins (really cute), charm bracelets (a complete knockout) and all sorts of dangle earrings.
It is hard to express how uplifting a book on jewelry can be until you see what the author has created by combining origami and jewelry. If you are feeling as if you wish to try something new and fresh, try this pretty and well-structured book. I expect you will love it. Julian Laboy-Rodriguez'  Origami Jewelry Motifs: Fold and Wear Your Own Earrings, Bracelets, Necklaces and More! is a breath of fresh air and totally delightful.
4696130
Dont let the title limit you  The techniques taught in this book can be used not only for copper wire, but also for sterling silver, gold filled and all kinds of craft wire.

WRAPS, COILS, HOOKS, FASTNERS, AND LINKS, WITH OR WITHOUT BEADSIF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A REALLY GOOD WIRE WRAP REFERENCE BOOK, BUY THIS ONE!

This is actually one of the best put together wire-work reference books Ive seen!  The author was very organized and methodical so I rate this book a MUST HAVE, not only for beginners but also for those who are more advanced in wire-work.  With a little imagination, you can use this book to go from zero experience to designing your own wire jewelry in no time, but even if you are not yet ready to design, you can use the authors project instructions to make some nice jewelry pieces while learning the various techniques.

This book has great photographic instructions that should be easy to use, even for a beginner in wire-work. It gives detailed photos and written directions for the steps involved in making each of the various wraps, loops, coils and links.  On top of that, each jewelry project gives photographs of the components used in its design so you know exactly what you will need to make, and those design component photos are named and their individual link numbers are given with the photos so you can easily turn to the instructions, if needed.  The technical lessons are given in numerical order by link numbers for easy reference and are placed together in a separate part of the book.  This way you can easily find the instructions for the techniques used in a given project as well as techniques for your own designs, so they can be mixed and matched as you choose.

In this book, you don't need to search through design projects to find the name of the techniques used, but not only that, the author has also put each basic technique and all its variations together in a section of photo pages so you can just look down the list of photographs on the page, find the variation you want, go to the link number and learn how to make it!

Easy & Elegant Beaded Copper Jewelry has everything you would need to start and complete a wire jewelry project, using your own creativity.  In fact I would say the author had this in mind when this book was compiled, because she went to great pains to organize it.  You actually don't have to make any of the authors projects before getting started.  All you need is a little imagination to create your own designs.

So, if you have to make a choice, this is the book to buy!
38592
Very versatile selection of pendant styles and sizes and will benefit most designing their own resin or clay jewelry.  I plan to purchase additional molds from the maker.
165590
I have been making jewelry for several years. I am trying to improve my wire wrapping skills.  This book is a great resource.  It starts with the basics and then progresses with simple to more difficult projects using wire. My only complaint is that a gallery of designs is pictured at the end but directions are not included.
2412939
This is a wonderful book. I purchased it solely to help me figure out which direction I wanted to take my small business of being a jewelry designer. It pointed out to me that as a sole proprietor that I most likely would only be able to sell or consign my work, participate in art shows, or trunk shows, etc. It would be way too expensive for me to have the overhead expenses of a brick & mortar store, and I'm unable to produce enough volume to sell to the wholesalers. I would have to hire many beadwork employee's to ever sale my couture jewelry to the wholesale market because of the high volume requirements. So it helped me immensely figure out what direction I want to go. This book is packed with helpful information and business sense. Whether you're new to the accessories business or have been in business for several years, this book will be a valuable resource for producers of handbags, scarves, hats, belts, or jewelry. It covers area's of competition, sell wholesale vs. retail, setting prices, defining your audience, market research, writing a mission statement, sole proprietorship vs partnership vs limited liability company, getting legal help, home office, website, etc. I think you'll agree with me that this is a great and helpful resource.
2809963
If you are like me and like making jewelry that includes your favorite quotes, inspirational words or names/initials this is a great book packed full of awesome metal projects. The directions are clear and the step out photos show the important aspects of the projects. Once you have the handful of tools needed you are ready to go. Along with the stamped metal elements the projects include beads, leather, cord and a few other fun materials that coordinate nicely with this unique pieces.
4716473
Very nice book.  Nicely illustrated, and some techniques for casting that I've never seen or heard of!  The steps are clear, and the artist knows what he's talking about.  I can't wait to incorporate some of these techniques into my jewelry!
3888952
I borrowed this book from the library once and have been looking find it to buy ever since.  It may be a little out of date in the pricing advice but gives wonderful techiniques for making long-lasting wire jewelry.  Shows styles that are less likely to pull apart when snagged than I've seen in some modern books.  Even shows sized and beaded rings.  Good sales advice and even has some display and inventory suggestions in the back.
4970616
Sometimes it's hard to find jewelry books with anything new in them. NOT SO with Chain Style. This book is filled with beautiful and original designs using all sorts of chain. A great jumping off place for your own designs, or make them as they're shown, full resources are given.
This book is a keeper!
804101
I had been looking for a flexible jewelry storage system to replace three black boxes I used to keep my silver jewelry in.  Besides flexibility, I wanted a functional, good looking piece that I would not mind having on display. This product more than met my needs. This deep box can hold a lot of bangles or other big pieces. It's an attractive pale blue with polka dot print inside the compartment. And you can purchase only those pieces you need --- make the stackers system as useful to your collection as you can. I strongly recommend this system (and wish I had bought more when they were available)
648052
I've been making jewelry only 3 years and have made plenty of mistakes -- which is to say I've learned a lot. This book was perfect for what I was looking for. It explained in the perfect amount of depth the various forms of jewelry making, soldering, annealing, drilling, firing, stamping, how to form metal, what tools are actually NECESSARY and which ones are just good to have.  I wish I'd read this book before I'd started. I would have saved a lot of money knowing what to skimp on and what to save on. Curiously this book was very inspirational to me. It allowed me to get an idea of what type of jewelry making practices are done, and now I know what appeals to me without having to purchase all the tools to find out.  I'm not quite done with this yet, but I'll be keeping it on my desk as my best & favorite jewelry making reference book.
158944
Want to make jewelry using platinum? This book will guide you all the way.