Customer Reviews:
Great Foundation Excellent Presentation.......2007-07-15
Good bones, that's what this book gave me. It was my first or second and what a good model to imprint on.
Clear, comprehensive, it established good practice that has served me well.
I am apart from it and returned to its words and images in my mind.
If you already know the basics and have an esthetic vision, this may be old news. If you are a beginner, then this should be part of your canon.
The tone, comfortable, practical and the projects are well paced.
It's now old and the field is crowded with both imitators and those reaching beyond this. It remains solid and nourishing. Thank you Helen Clegg for your good thoughts and inspiration.
Wire Jewelry Projects.......2007-03-17
An excellent book for the beginner or intermediate wire jewelry maker. Beautful pictures of the finished piece and step by step instructions including "templates" to compare your wire pieces as you progress.
Wired, wire and more wire.......2007-03-01
This is going to be one that is passed around, copied and talked about for years to come. Yes it is a beginners book, but don't let that stop you from getting this one to add to the shelf near the bench for ready reference. It has nice larger black line drawings showing clear step by step drawing of each move. It doesn't require purchase of a lot of tools, that most will have in the house. The material can be simple electrical wire that you have stripped the covering off to start with. Or leave the plastic covering on for colored work.
The pictures of the finished items are bright and clear. The projects are more for daily wear and some for fancy dress up. You will find the needed info to make any jigs for the component making. I am partial to what they now call Egyptian coils or Celtic twist/coils of copper bare wire.
If you have moved on from simple wire work with only connections made of the wire work. You will find this book a shot in the creative arm. I own this one and enjoy it.
A Must Have for your wirewrapping/jewerly making.......2005-06-06
This is really a must have book for your library of wirewrapping,jewerly making and polymer clay.I really find myself referring to it a lot when I need insperation in beginning new projects..Im not one to follow step by step.but this can be followed very easily,but its good for just adding here and there to what your making.Thats why I like the patterns.Mrs.C
Making Wire Jewelry.......2003-08-15
Younger wire makers will appreciate this book. The patterns are simple and use only wire in repeated designs joined together. The ring section is very simple and is only for someone just starting out in wire. Do not purchase this item if you have any expierence in wire jewelry--only if just starting out.
Book Description
Filigree is easier than it looks--with help from Silver Threads
* 12 beautiful "you made this?" projects
* Step-by-step instructions and photos introduce the basics and more advanced techniques
For thousands of years, cultures around the world have made filigree: delicate jewelry, decorative objects, even furniture. The intricate curls and twists mislead people into thinking that filigree is difficult to make--but it's much easier than it looks, with help from Silver Threads. This book demystifies the process of creating filigree jewelry. First, basic silverworking techniques are paired with an overview of tools and materials. Then readers learn to make simple filigree shapes, used in 12 stunning projects ranging from simple pendants and earrings to more complex necklaces with gemstone settings. Detailed instructions, illustrations, and full-color photos guide readers through the learning process--and into planning and creating their own unique filigree designs.
Book Description
Award-winning fiber artist Mary Hettmansperger reveals the secrets of using traditional basketry techniques to create 28 striking pieces of jewelry. It's a new and exciting approach that yields remarkable results--even for beginners. She covers four basic procedures--plaiting, knotting, looping, and twining--and incorporates materials such as copper, colorful wire, natural fibers, even bottle tops and bark. The array of projects includes soft-fiber necklaces as well as one made from looped linen over a forged silver mold: small retro pins, bright and colorful in twined pattern shaped; and a variety of pieces made from wire twisted with beads. There's no other book like it, and it's sure to appeal to a diverse range of crafters.
Customer Reviews:
New way of thinking.............2007-08-27
I am primarily a jewelry artist, and wanted to incorporate weaving techniques into my work. This book is amazing! I was fortunate enough to be able to take a class from Mary, and found that the illustrations and directions made for perfect "notes" from the class. Don't be intimidated by the techniques..... they're very simple and easy to follow. The trick is to practice the technique and then determine how to incorporate it into YOUR work with your imagination! LOVE the book!
A really eclectic selection of materials.......2007-07-12
Before I read this book, I had not considered how basketry techniques and materials might be applied to jewelry. Wire, metal sheets, paper and found objects are also used. Very good illustrations and a nice selection of projects. This book really expanded my horizons.
Inspires to using new techniques.......2007-06-12
I bought this book after having it recommended to me. And I'm not disappointed. To be true, it was not exactly what I thought it would be. But I did enjoy it. I've learnt many new techniques and enjoy the mix of metal and fiber.
Somewhat more than half the project use fiber, including raffia and black ash etc, and the rest wire. The projects, in my opinion, are not as interesting as the techniques used. To me this is a book on techniques, not on designs. I most probably won't try any of the specific projects in the book. Although they are fairly good examples of what can be made in the line of woven jewelry. There is also a good mix of styles being used so while some projects feel a bit similar, there's still enough variation to show different ways of using the same technique.
But the lack of inspirational designs in the project part is compensated by the great gallery in the end of the book. Approximatly 15 metal wire and 12 fiber projects are featured. And as the main part of the book inspires the use of textile techniques, the gallery gives inspiration in the process of going from technique to an actual piece of jewelry. And hopefully also in the process of finding your own style.
You'll have to use your imagination.......2007-06-08
The photo on the cover of this book is beautiful. I am searching for innovative techniques to incorporate into my textile designs and art quilts. I'm not at all interested in the specific projects illustrated in the book, however I was inspired by some of the techniqes. If you are an artist who likes to work in mixed media, then this book will serve you well. If you're coming to the table with your own sense of curiousity & adventure and you just need to see some fresh takes...This book will get the creative juices flowing.
Fabulous Woven Jewelry: Plaiting, Coiling, Knotting, Looping & Twining with Fiber & Metal.......2007-05-14
Nice book but very simplistic. More for the beginner.
Book Description
Wire is hot. The craft has held fascination for many years, but has only come into the limelight as of late. Now anyone with an interest in wire's rich past or the desire to explore this creative medium will find everything they need in this comprehensive volume! Besides giving an overview of how artists have used wire effectively in their art, author and designer Barbara A. McGuire will teach readers the basics of handling wire and about its unique properties.
McGuire is the author of the highly regarded Foundations in Polymer Clay Design.
- 20 projects, including jewelry, functional accessories, and sculptures
- Complete guide to wire techniques and applications
- Showcases the work of talented artists from yesterday and today
Customer Reviews:
Wire Book.......2007-07-09
I liked the begining of this book when they talked about wire and different properties. It was a little too focused on non jewelry items for my liking. However, I did learn some good things. A lot of the designs were somewhat complicated and fanciful for my taste.
I just think it's an okay book.
An Inspiring Book - from cover to cover.......2007-02-08
This was one of the first books I bought when I started making jewelry and is still by far, the most inspirational. The variety of the artists covered and their different styles is what I love. The section on Lynne Merchant was truly one of the reasons I started working with wire, and my life has never been the same! The projects offered in this are interesting and offer a nice opportunity for a person to follow the directions, but still end up with something completely unique.
[...]
Creatively Inspiring .......2006-06-21
This book has beautiful illustrations, detailed and well chosen content and a nice cross section of the artists' crafts in wire. Best of all, it inspires the creative spark.
Must have for your wire library.......2006-04-01
This book is a wonderful look into the world of wire jewelry and other wire made products. If you are a serious wire artist then this book will hold your interest. If you are just buying it for wire projects then I would not recommend you buy it. Although the projects are laid out well and easy to follow they are not the best collection of projects I've seen. I was more impressed with the content of the beginning of the book the delves into the world of wire working and design. BUY THIS BOOK if you have a love for wire. You will not be disappointed.
First rate book on designing with wire.......2005-02-18
Above all, this book shares with us a detailed article (with pictures!) with one of the most influential wire jewelry artisans of the past decade - Lynne Merchant. IMHO, the recently popular thick, oxidized silver, tribal/ethnic, coiled/wrapped style starts with her.
It's interesting to see that at least three of the other artists profiled in the book have mentioned taking classes with Lynne. To see their work, and how they have taken the skills that they have learned from Lynne and utilzed them to develop a style of their own, is just fantastic.
Book Description
-50+ stunningly beautiful projects for beaders of varying experience
-Full color photos show details of each piece of jewelry
-Trendy craft: beading books rank among today's best sellers in national book chains
This clever and complete guide to beading will have novice and expert beaders hunting for more materials, and freeing up more time to create beautiful jewelry.
Inside this must-have beading resource readers learn:
-Wirework techniques such as bending, hammering, wrapping and coiling
-To make clasps, links, bails, drops and ear wires
-Step-by-step instructions and more than 250 illustrations and photos demonstrating projects for a variety of skill levels
Best of all, beaders create jewelry that's a conversation piece, artwork and unique!
Customer Reviews:
Something for everyone.......2007-09-27
having beaded for a number of years I now find most books uninteresting. This was an exception. I have been making wirework jewellry for the last year and still found 6 projects on my first flick through that I am going to make. This is rare as I normally only find one maybe two that interest me. Good for all levels with project ranging from beginner to advanced.
Wonderful Ideas for Wire Jewelry.......2007-08-14
This book contains many easy to complete projects with a ton of inspiring ideas for jewelry creations.
I am just getting into wire working and this book is terrific.
disapointed.......2007-07-20
If i had looked at this book before buying it, I definatly wouldn't of bought it. The instructions were very brief and hard to understand. There was plenty of empty space for the author to put in step by step diagrams, buut there wasn't any. The projects weren't that nice either. In the whole book I only made about 2 of them. there are a lot better free wireworking projects on the wigjig website
Not what I'd hoped for.......2007-05-14
I really liked the piece on the cover and assumed that all the pieces in the book would follow in the same vein and I was sorely disappointed when the book arrived and the projects are kinda crappy. There are a couple of things worth making but they didn't make the purchase worth the cost of the book. The how to part of the book isn't very good either. Explanations assume that the reader knows how to do things and there are very few pictures showing processes. Luckily I know what I'm doing!
Great Buy.......2007-05-13
This is a great book for all levels of crafters. It has easy to follow instructions and great detailed pictures. The projects included in this book are very stlyish. I am extremely pleased with the purchase of Bead & Wire Art Jewelry.
Customer Reviews:
Great book!.......2007-08-15
I found this book very inspiring. There are many interesting projects. I especially liked the projects done with tiny stitches, and the cube pendant. This book covered the basic techniques, but went beyond them. I have referred back to the book many times and will continue to do so. Every time I look at it I springboard off with new ideas of my own.
Good Ideas.......2007-02-14
This book have good ideas wich help me to create my own projects. The models are elegant and easy to do.
Great book and worth the money!.......2006-09-21
This book is inspiring for the depth and innovation of the projects shown. I expect the projects of professional artist to be pushing the limits of what can be done in the medium. I would not be interested in buying a "how to" book that showed me how to make ordinary things -- go to Michael's craft stores for such "make and take" classes. This type of book, with such a variety of projects, is meant to be used as a basis to make your own, unique pieces (not to make copies of other's designs).
Not What I Expected.......2006-07-03
I was very disappointed in this long awaited book. I teach wire crochet at a local craft store and had this book on my wish list for months. While the book had good clear instructions on the various techniques involved in crocheting wire, I found the projects to be way too bizarre to have any use for the average person. As a teacher of this technique, I feel that the person new to wire crochet will be overwhelmed with the oddness of the "over the top" designs featured here while the experienced wire crocheter, will feel let down by the perhaps one or two new techniques they may find as well as the designs being virtually non-usable in the average person's wardrobe. I am definitely feeling as though I wasted my money on this book, and as a previous reviewer stated, it is definitely headed for eBay VERY soon...
Disappointed.......2006-06-26
I was very disappointed in this book. The instructions were very detailed in explaining the basic stitches -- however, the projects were not what I was expecting. The projects were all above and beyond what the average person would attempt, or wear if achieved. I will be selling this on ebay soon! Sorry!
Customer Reviews:
Excellent photos, but strange mix of styles with limited instruction..........2007-04-10
Calling these designs "contemporary" is a bit of a stretch. A number of the projects are contemporary, but others are traditional or ancient-style wirework. That said, there are some beautiful projects in this book and they are beautifully photographed. However, there are very few illustrations and the instructions assume an intermediate level of ability. I think beginners would have a tough time with most of the projects in this book. I recommend Bead On A Wire: Making Handcrafted Wire and Beaded Jewelry.
okay but rehash of previously published.......2006-06-20
first - the cover seems to have changed - mine has a pair of wire wrapped earrings -secondly, several of the pieces show have been published elsewhere, in magazines . when I buy a hardbound book, I'm assuming it's going to be all new material - or that the publishers will be honest enough to indicate that pieces in it are previously published.
Book Description
A new wire weaving technique that varies the number of wires and their thickness to create stunningly beautiful bracelets, necklaces, and pendants is introduced in this guide. Project instructions go well beyond simple line drawings to show the assembly process of each piece in a series of step-by-step photographs. The nine projects begin with an elegantly simple woven bracelet and move on to more dramatic projects that include a domed cuff bracelet with soldered bead ends, a free-form bracelet, a woven neck piece, and a pendant with a woven frame. Projects range in difficulty from easy to advanced, and many can be completed without soldering. The more experienced craftsperson will savor the way Precious Metal Clay adds striking embellishments to three of the projects.
Customer Reviews:
A new twist on wire jewelry.......2007-02-19
The jewelry in this book is gorgeous and ultimately not that difficult to make. You will need to find some way to finish the clasps though as the braiding creates a non-conventional end which needs finishing. The book suggests PMC or soldering to accomplish this. There are only about three basic designs and then variations on the closure techniques. Its all very pretty and inspiring and much more classy that simple wire wrapping. You will have to do a little math too, to figure out how much wire you will need. Its a pretty book with a couple of very nice unique ideas upon which you can build once you get the hang of this technique.
EXCELLENT BOOK . . . for the most part.......2006-11-29
I have to admit that since it took two months to receive this book, I had considered canceling my order on more than several occasions. However, am I glad I didn't!! What a beautiful and informative book! The photographs and the designs are all sensational. The projects looked difficult to me at first, but once I looked at the clear blow-by-blow photographs of each step, I have been never been less intimidated, nor so excited, to get my hands into a project! I LOVED the mold-making lessons on how to make sterling silver accents out of PMC clay if I wanted to add them to the necklaces and bracelets. I'm so pleased to find that I can make an entire piece of fine art jewelry without any man-made additions, nor the use of glue, and many times without any soldering. I'm thrilled, and my biggest regret is that I'm marking up this beautiful book with underlines, written notes, and stickies; it is definitely a working book for me.
**Although I stand by the above review written 11/06, I felt that I needed to add to it hoping that if there is a book reprint, the authors will update what I consider one serious breech of instruction clarity. Now that I've tried some of the projects, what I found was that none of the wire amounts necessary were listed. I had to determine the amount of wire for each project by hunting through the body of instructions until I located the wire length and the cuts, and only THEN could I calculate how much wire I needed. This process is repeated over and over again depending on how many gauges of wire are needed for the project. Frankly, it's irritating. Although, to be fair, all the wire information is there to complete each project, you really have to hunt for it.
In a future reprint, it would be VERY helpful for the amount of wire required for each project to be in the supply list along with each of the wire gauges. Brief instructions on how to change the size of the project through wire length adjustments would be sufficient for those users who might want to adapt it, but for the vast majority . . . specific wire amounts given up front would make it much easier to complete a project.
Braid wire in a day!.......2006-09-19
I found the authors' instructions to be very clear. I had no trouble following their instructions, and made a bracelet in a day! I especially liked the way they showed photos of common mistakes and how to fix them. The section on precious metal clays was very interesting and I am looking forward to trying PMC. I have been braiding wire ever since I got the book, and have received many compliments on the braided wire bracelet I made from the book. My one disappointment is that the authors' showed many beautiful styles in the gallery, but did not include instructions on those braiding/weaving techniques. I would recommend this book for anyone interesting in learing how to braid wire.
dissapointing.......2006-09-12
pros: elegant designs
very detailed instructions, step by step
cons: different designs but same technique. lack variety. there are many different types of woven chain, but not much in this book.
i thought this book was all about weaving, but i found a lot of precious matal clay stuff in the book. it can be good if that's what you are interested
Clever, clear and not for the beginner !.......2006-04-08
Let me start by saying that if you are interested in making jewelry. You should learn to solder! It is not that difficult, nor has to be that expensive. You can purchase a butane torch that is refilled from the same cans that refill lighters. Add to that the three different solders, hard, med and soft or easy. These are different melting temperatures solder needed. with the flux and one or two tools you have you can silver solder form $30 to under $100.U.S. It will expand your work and range more than anything else you can do. As to the book in question. First is if you want to learn these techniques but balk at spending the money for the silver wire. Just replace it with bare copper wire or brass wire from the hobby or home center. The bare copper wire sold in the electrical dept is called ground wire and they have a number of gauges.
The book is laid out with plenty of color pictures. This is nice for us visual learners. They also have complete descriptions
to go along with the pictures.
My biggest problem with the book,is to somebody that is flipping through the projects the material lists doesn't have the total length of any gauge wire needed. It is listed in the description paragraph at the start of the project instructions. It does make it harder for somebody that is new to weaving. Or does have multiple feet of the size wire on hand. The first 8 chapters are for weaving and then the metal clay finishes out the book consisting of one chapter 35 pages in length. Again the clay info is for the brand PMC clay, but they do tell you that if you use the other clay(Art Metal) you will have to adjust to suit the techniques and requirements of it. The quick clamp idea and use is great but it needed to be expanded to show mounting it to a board or pipe so it can be held in a vise or under the legs of the person weaving. I do like some of the projects with the mixed size wire and will replace some of the clay with metal inserts. I do own It.
Amazon.com
To take something as ordinary as wire and present it as a true art form is an amazing achievement, and this book does exactly that. According to Suzanne Slesin, the story of wire as a component of useful and decorative household objects began in Slovakia in the 17th century, where tinkers used thin strands of iron to repair household pottery. The art of wirework flourished and traveled throughout the Austro-Hungarian Empire during the next century, becoming highly developed and quite popular by the end of the 1800s; utilitarian objects such as baskets, bottle racks, serving dishes, plant stands, trivets, and birdcages were both made of and embellished with wire. Sadly, wire ornamentation as a decorative art is mainly a thing of the past, but because these objects are so sturdy, they can often be purchased as antiques. The book has a long directory of European and American sources for wirework.
Customer Reviews:
Comprehensive historical and technical book.......1999-03-04
As an artist and metal worker, I've found this book comprehensive. Great illustrations and historical documents.
Book Description
A new trend in jewelry-making!
*Introduces readers to innovative techniques for crafting jewelry, including crocheting and knitting with wire
*Features 35 striking projects, including earrings, necklaces, bracelets, chokers and barrettes
Crochet Wire Jewelry combines a wide range of wire with gemstones, beads, crystals, and more in irresistible ways. Step-by-step photos and clear instructions make it easy for readers to re-create these pieces of art, which range from the subtle to the sophisticated. The book also includes information on twisting, coiling and threading wire, as well as felting with wire and beads.
Customer Reviews:
Beautiful items - but not as wearable or "giftable" as I'd hoped........2007-05-17
Quite a few beautiful items - but many are so unusual and relatively time-consuming (which is wonderful in its own rite) that gifting them (the purpose for buying the book) is almost out of the question. The more "wearable" are all crocheted, and as a knitter, disappointed me. Certainly interesting visually - and great for someone looking for the truly unusual. But for someone looking for jewelry to make for your "average" friend, sister, etc. - this probably isn't the book.
creative ideas.......2007-01-03
Unlike the first reviewer, I found this to be a creative and interesting book. I think that the necklaces are unique and exciting. I can't even imagine how anyone could say that it was for an elementary age child. It is a great book for beginners to intermediate level wanting to find a new way to use beads
wire jewelry crocheted, kntted, twisted & beaded.......2006-12-04
Do not buy this book unless it is for teaching primary school children.
Very ugly, I'm truly suprised they found a publisher. I was expecting a fine product using 26/29 gage wires, the type Michael David Sterlin does.
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Books Index
Books Home
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General
| Instructional & How-To
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
All Wired Up: Wire Techniques for the Beadworker and Jewelry Maker (Beadwork How-To series)
Creating Wire and Beaded Jewelry: Over 35 beautiful projects using wire and beads
Bead On A Wire: Making Handcrafted Wire and Beaded Jewelry
Moods in Wire : An Extended Guide to the Fine Art of Wirewrapping (2nd Ed)
Silver Wire Jewelry: Projects to Coil, Braid & Knit (Lark Jewelry Book)
