Elegant Wire Jewelry: Contemporary Designs & Creative Techniques

by Kathy Frey

Offers step-by-step directions for making a variety of jewelry pieces from wire using readily available tools and includes tips on becoming comfortable with such techniques as wrapping, coiling, hammering, and looping.

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction, Jewellery, Jewellery Making

112 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2007

Reviews

[Ligaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so pleasantly surprised at how easy and accessible the projects are in this book. It really delivers on its title, too. I just started doing jewelry and have amassed an impressive bench of tools, but this book uses just a few tools and materials to craft some really beautiful work. There are some subjects that need further explanation, like patinas, but most of the book is well organized, amply photographed, and clearly written. I loved seeing the author's work at the end of the book.

[Maike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the pods. Very inspiring designs that may move this from library loan to a book I need to own.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was prepared not to like this book because as a former professional jeweler few of the projects were ones that I’d actually make. Still, something in Ms. Frey’s style was intriguing. Turns out that this is an excellent book for beginners as well as more advanced students. It’s ingenious that the author makes so many projects without drilling holes. Although hole-drilling is a basic jewelry technique, it also requires pricey equipment. The equipment needed for these projects is affordable and readily available.

Short introductory chapters describe basic and more advanced wire working tools, and the variety of wire available, as well as basic wire working tips. Then the author tells which projects are most appropriate for beginners, intermediate, and advanced students. Next is a section on techniques used in the projects, with easy-to-follow close-up photos to illustrate step-by-step. I particularly like that Ms. Frey gives instructions for do-it-yourself findings such as clasps and earwires. This is unusual in a beginning manual, and makes the final product look more professionally crafted.

This is a great read for anyone interested in jewelry making, especially if they have limited resources and lack a space to set up drilling and soldering areas. Wannabe jewelers who have collected beads will find many uses for them. More advanced jewelers, even those who have an elaborately equipped jewelers' bench, will enjoy the simplicity of these techniques and be moved to create their own designs using Ms. Frey’s diverse work for inspiration.

[Mario Hiter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book erxplores wire working techniques, and how to shape wire into jewelry. It would be a great addition to the classroom book shelf because it would open another world of creating jewelry to students.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adds a lot of interesting ideas to your beading and jewelry making. Only basic wire bending skills are required.

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some great ideas and a whole new set of materials and tools that I'll have to get.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting ways to extend a few wire techniques. I really liked the loose way she works and how she makes simple shapes look elegant.