Fit To Print -- "Spotlight on Wire" by Melissa Cable

When I was recently at the Bead & Button Show, I snagged this recently-released book my Melissa Cable.  As the title indicates, the book shows how to twist, fold, hammer, weave, and wrap metal and wire.  The cover project immediately caught my eye, and a quick flip through the book showed a number of other projects that were beyond beginner level.  Don't get me wrong -- a beginner will both learn and be able to accomplish many projects in this book, but there are plenty of projects for more advanced wire-lovers.

The chapters are broken down into styles of wire:

1:  Woven Wire

2:  Textured Strip Wire

3:  Corrugated Wire

4:  Heavy Wire

5:  Chain and Wire

The tips and techniques pages explain how to do interesting things with wire and strip metal -- texturing, using a "poor man's rolling mill" (something I found really cool), and patinating.  There are plenty of step-by-step photos, too.

If you aren't used to working with wire, dealing with the many different gauges and lengths of wire in each project might be a little confusing at first -- lots of numbers to deal with in some projects.  However, if you're new to wire, start with the simpler projects first and you'll get the hang of it quickly.  The font is also a little small, but the projects are worth it.

I'm looking forward to trying out some of the projects in this book in a challenge with my friend soon.  Stay tuned for that!

Lori Anderson writes the blog Pretty Things and creates jewelry for her web site, Lori Anderson Designs.   She is also the creator of the Bead Soup Blog Party.   

Fit to Print Book Review: Wire Art Jewelry Workshop

Wire Art Jewelry Workshop by Sharilyn Miller is one of those books jammed packed with tips and tricks that you'll be turning to again and again if you love working with wire already or if you'd like to learn how to tame wire in your jewelry-making designs.

The book is broken down into simple directions to create the basic building blocks of working with wire.  Once you have mastered the techniques Sharilyn walks you through several projects that mix the techniques in complex jewelry creations.  Even if you have been working with wire for a while, you'll learn rock solid techniques to improve your designs. 

I love that the many of the projects are shown in copper as well as silver and some are mixed metal. If you aren't ready to invest in silver while you are learning, you can see how wonderfully earthy the copper designs look.

An instructional DVD is included in the book and shows how to create several techniques.  While the book is very well photographed with great step-by-step directions, it's helpful to see how the author actually creates the pieces, holds the wire and offers some insider tips as she goes along.

 

Fit To Print -- Wire Style 2

I'm absolutely THRILLED to be reviewing this book for you today!  I received a copy last week (it's available to everyone on March 1st) and I immediately devoured it.  

There are various levels of wire work in the book, and with 45 designs to choose from, you'll find something to love.  Earrings, bracelets, and necklaces are all made with a variety of metals and materials.  Not only will you love the tutorials, but you'll love discovering new bead artists in polymer clay, lampwork glass, and ceramic.  

Learn how to make this necklace in the book! Designer, Cindy Wimmer. Art Beads, Kerry Bogert.

The book also comes with a one-hour instructional DVD -- excellent for those that like to see someone making things in addition to reading instructions.  Even if you don't watch the DVD, you'll find tutorials easy to follow, and they'll provide jewelry designers with a great jumping-off point for creating their own unique designs.

Along with author Denise Peck, the contributors to Wire Style 2 offer their own unique style. (The contributors are Kerry Bogert, Jodi Bombardier, Jane Dickerson, Lorelei Eurto, Connie Fox, Lisa Niven Kelly, Donna Spadafore, and Cindy Wimmer.)


My recommendation?  Run, don't walk, to grab this book as soon as it hits the stands March 1st.  It's an inspiring jewelry design book you won't want to miss.

Lori Anderson is a full-time jewelry designer residing in Maryland.  She writes the blog Pretty Things, and you can see her work at Lori Anderson Designs.