The Art of Forgotten Things: Creating Jewelry from Objects with A Past

by Melanie Doerman

Discover a masterpiece that gives new life to found objects in The Art of Forgotten Things . Imagine necklaces and bracelets using one-of-a-kind components that hint at fragments of stories that exist only in the mind, evoking a mysterious past. Author Melanie Doerman will teach you how to take esquisite mementoes from history and make them into meaningful works of wearable art. The Art of Forgotten Things offers a brilliant new take on expressing your story within a jewelry design. Melanie shows how to create delicate beaded frames, clasps, nets, and components with seed beads and combine them with mixed-media elements for jewelry with an evocative look and feel. You'll also find an extensive techniques section that includes instructions for flat and tubular peyote, right-angle weave, bead netting, bead embroidery, and picot edges and fringes; basic jewelry techniques such as wire wrapping; mixed-media techniques such as foiling; and additional embellishment. Detailed step-by-step instructions are provided for each project. You'll learn about various types of beads used in the book's projects, from tiny seed beads to crystals, pressed glass, pearls, and more, as well as other materials, tools, and "treasures" that make each creation unique. In addition, Melanie explores using readily available materials and items that you might already have in your collection, along with directions for locating more unusual or vintage items. The Art of Forgotten Things is truly a one-of-a-kind masterpiece for all imaginative jewelry artists.

Genres: Nonfiction, Crafts, Jewellery Making

160 pages, Hardcover

First published September 4, 2012

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a sentimental person. Are you? If so, this book might be perfect for you. The Art of Forgotten Things contains a diverse collection of project ideas for turning everyday objects into meaningful jewelry. Techniques include: peyote stitch, right-angle weave, ladder stitch, beaded fringe, tubular netting, spiral rope, basic wire wrap, foiling and more! I love the "ribbon strap clasp" tutorial on page 54. I often worry when using ribbon in a design that it won't hold very well. I feel like this technique could be really useful! This book is very imaginative and will help you get your creativity flowing!

From the back cover, "Author Melanie Doerman will teach you how to transform treasured mementos into meaningful and lovely works of wearable art with beadweaving, stringing, and mixed-media techniques."

In this book, you'll find:

Guides for bead stitching
Tips for collecting mixed-media treasures
15 project ideas

[Merovin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book overall, but I didn't realize bead weaving was part of every project.

[Annette McIntyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some really amazing ideas for you to do with things from the past.

[Marissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were a couple techniques that I am interested in trying, but overall, it wasn't really for me.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring techniques and designs for mixed media jewelry using found objects.