Making your own findings from wire and metal really does up the ante on handmade. By doing so, the jewelry designs will truly be unique and one of a kind. Sure it takes extra time but the effort is worth it in the long run. The most common findings people make are ear wires and clasps. But there is so much more you can do.
I recently received this new book Handcrafted Metal Findings from Interweave (also available on their website) for review. Denise Peck and Jane Dickerson were the main designers behind this book. This is the follow up to their first book, Handcrafted Wire Findings
.
There are 30 projects in the book which cover both cold (wire or riveting) and hot connection (easy soldering) techniques. Both the projects and the methods used are not that difficult and can easily be tackled by a determined late beginner or intermediate jewelry maker. Cutting metal, for example, is accomplished with metal shears not saws; simple hand held butane torch for the basic soldering.
Most of the tools used in the book are common ones like pliers, hole puncher, hammers and dapping blocks. But there are tools which may yet be on wish lists - disc cutter, Crafted Findings Riveting System (see my past post), tube ringer
(for corrugated metal effects). This book, while not intended as such, also serves as a handy reference for the kind of tools and techniques one needs to advance in jewelry making.
The techniques are covered at the back of the book. The templates used for some of the projects are also there. Here too is a helpful list of metal supplies - some of which are more unusual like the patterned wire.
Shown here are some of my favorite projects from the book. The Poppy Bead Caps by Kiersten Giles is a simple metal work project requiring punching holes into a metal disc and using metal shears to shape the bead cap. Hammering and patination really enhances the pieces.
I was indeed Easily Charmed by this design by Jane Dickerson. The snap rivet is a clever adornment.
Other standouts from the book are the toggle clasps like this one, the Fizzy Flower toggle by Cassie Donlen. The copper enameled flower is riveted while the central lamp work bead is glued on.
The Bubble Wand Head Pins by Denise Peck shows how versatile bead wire can be. The bead wire is soldered into a circle and another wire is soldered on.
The all in one textured ear wires (Speak to Me) by Denise Peck also caught my eye. 18G wire was used which may not be okay for those with smaller ear holes. However, there were two other projects in the book where short textured pieces of a narrow metal strip are soldered onto thinner ear wires.
The Starlight studs by Denise Peck required the soldering of shortened head pins behind the small metal rectangles. The unusual texture was formed using dimpling pliers, one of the less common tools in the book.
The Buttercup Bead Caps by Jane Dickerson demonstrates how a tube wringer can be used to add texture to metal discs.
The instructional pages had large and clear closeup images in this beautifully presented book. Each project also had a resource section for suppliers. There was just one thing I wished this book had - an indication at the beginning of each project whether the techniques used were hot or cold ones. Not everyone is ready to use the torch. So it would have been useful to be able to quickly pick out the relevant project given a particular skill set.
If going totally handmade is your thing, then this book might just rev up your creativity.
Giveaway
If you'd like to win a copy of Handcrafted Metal Findings
please make a comment below. Make sure you leave contact info below if you do not have an online shop or blog.
Email subscribers need to scroll down the post they receive, click on Share Comment and enter your comment. Pick Name/URL. If you don't have a store or blog, leave the URL blank.
This giveaway is international.
If the winner has a non-post box US address, the prize will be a physical book. Otherwise it will be an eBook.
Extra entries if you become or are a blog subscriber or follower etc. If you also do shout outs about this giveaway, those will count as additional entries too! Please say so in the comments.
It ends in a week's time at 6 pm EST Thursday, September 3, 2015 . I will pick the winner randomly and announce the results as soon as possible after. So be sure to leave a contact email if you don't have an online link or make sure you come back and check! Otherwise I will redraw in a week. Good luck!
Disclosure
I receive books and products for review. I do receive a small fee for any products purchased through affiliate links. The opinions expressed are solely my own. They would be the same whether or not I receive any compensation.
Before You Go:
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
I recently received this new book Handcrafted Metal Findings from Interweave (also available on their website) for review. Denise Peck and Jane Dickerson were the main designers behind this book. This is the follow up to their first book, Handcrafted Wire Findings
There are 30 projects in the book which cover both cold (wire or riveting) and hot connection (easy soldering) techniques. Both the projects and the methods used are not that difficult and can easily be tackled by a determined late beginner or intermediate jewelry maker. Cutting metal, for example, is accomplished with metal shears not saws; simple hand held butane torch for the basic soldering.
Most of the tools used in the book are common ones like pliers, hole puncher, hammers and dapping blocks. But there are tools which may yet be on wish lists - disc cutter, Crafted Findings Riveting System (see my past post), tube ringer
The techniques are covered at the back of the book. The templates used for some of the projects are also there. Here too is a helpful list of metal supplies - some of which are more unusual like the patterned wire.
Shown here are some of my favorite projects from the book. The Poppy Bead Caps by Kiersten Giles is a simple metal work project requiring punching holes into a metal disc and using metal shears to shape the bead cap. Hammering and patination really enhances the pieces.
I was indeed Easily Charmed by this design by Jane Dickerson. The snap rivet is a clever adornment.
Other standouts from the book are the toggle clasps like this one, the Fizzy Flower toggle by Cassie Donlen. The copper enameled flower is riveted while the central lamp work bead is glued on.
The Bubble Wand Head Pins by Denise Peck shows how versatile bead wire can be. The bead wire is soldered into a circle and another wire is soldered on.
The all in one textured ear wires (Speak to Me) by Denise Peck also caught my eye. 18G wire was used which may not be okay for those with smaller ear holes. However, there were two other projects in the book where short textured pieces of a narrow metal strip are soldered onto thinner ear wires.
The Starlight studs by Denise Peck required the soldering of shortened head pins behind the small metal rectangles. The unusual texture was formed using dimpling pliers, one of the less common tools in the book.
The Buttercup Bead Caps by Jane Dickerson demonstrates how a tube wringer can be used to add texture to metal discs.
The instructional pages had large and clear closeup images in this beautifully presented book. Each project also had a resource section for suppliers. There was just one thing I wished this book had - an indication at the beginning of each project whether the techniques used were hot or cold ones. Not everyone is ready to use the torch. So it would have been useful to be able to quickly pick out the relevant project given a particular skill set.
If going totally handmade is your thing, then this book might just rev up your creativity.
Giveaway
If you'd like to win a copy of Handcrafted Metal Findings
please make a comment below. Make sure you leave contact info below if you do not have an online shop or blog.
Email subscribers need to scroll down the post they receive, click on Share Comment and enter your comment. Pick Name/URL. If you don't have a store or blog, leave the URL blank.
This giveaway is international.
If the winner has a non-post box US address, the prize will be a physical book. Otherwise it will be an eBook.
Extra entries if you become or are a blog subscriber or follower etc. If you also do shout outs about this giveaway, those will count as additional entries too! Please say so in the comments.
It ends in a week's time at 6 pm EST Thursday, September 3, 2015 . I will pick the winner randomly and announce the results as soon as possible after. So be sure to leave a contact email if you don't have an online link or make sure you come back and check! Otherwise I will redraw in a week. Good luck!
Disclosure
I receive books and products for review. I do receive a small fee for any products purchased through affiliate links. The opinions expressed are solely my own. They would be the same whether or not I receive any compensation.
Before You Go:
- Free Micro Torch Basics Online Class
- Book Review - Unexpected Findings
- Simple Riveted Flat Wire Bangle Tutorial
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
Facinating book! I've wanted to get into more metalwork.
ReplyDeleteGreat book. Tclah9183@yahoo.com
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteMetal work is something I have always wanted to try but can't seem to afford the tools like the punches, anvils, torches, etc.
I have to post anonymously since google will no longer recognize my password.
dragonswing15137@yahoo.com
I am a blog follower.
ReplyDeletedragonswing15137@yahoo.com
I have been wanting this book since I first saw it. I love to make my own wire findings, and would love to learn to make metal findings as well. I am teaching myself metal work and this would be an awesome book to help me learn even more. Thank you, Pearl for the wonderful giveaway.
ReplyDeleteLooks like another great resource book. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI shared on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI shared on Twitter.
ReplyDeleteI shared on Google+
ReplyDeleteI shared on Pinterest
ReplyDeleteThis book looks like a time saver to me. I can't tell you how many hours I have spent looking for something similar to what I think a design needs. Then, of course, there is the wait time for products to arrive if ordered online or the time spent driving to shops to hunt for something special. Sure would love to win!
ReplyDeleteA Subscriber loving your reviews.
I shared on my blog on Blogger.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a fascinating book! I would like to get both of them, so I can learn more ( in my "spare" time) SOOOOOOOOOOO much to do........ so LITTLE time!!! Thanks for Sharing Pearl - You are Terrific too!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a fun and very useful book. I would love to add it to my library!
ReplyDeleteSheila
swillert@new.rr.com
This sounds like a terrific book! Thanks for the great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteOh My Gosh! How awesome are those pieces! Would love to make them myself!
ReplyDeleteNever would've thought of snaps, I'd like to see that.
ReplyDeleteThrow my name in the hat if you would please Pearl!
Following on all the usual social media sites :)
I need to step up my beading and I want to make better findings. This book looks like a great gateway for me. As usual, thank you for all you do to teach and enlighten beaders and artists everywhere.
ReplyDeleteThis would be great. I've been eyeing this book for a while now and would love to win this. Thanks,
ReplyDeleteI'm a blog subscriber
ReplyDeleteI tweeted about the book and giveaway.
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/kayzkreationz/status/636894010263539713
This looks like an awesome book and I would love to win.
ReplyDeleteThis would be a welcome additon to my library.
ReplyDeleteThis is one book I would like to add to my library. The finding are unique and appear easy to make.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like some fun techniques that I would like to try.
ReplyDeleteOh this book looks great. Thank you for this opportunity to win.
ReplyDeleteWhat a creative and handy book! I'd love to win it and learn to make some of these findings sel.
ReplyDeletemary.seagrave@sympatico.ca
always looking for new stuff to do . cherylgrinnell@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteWow, this looks awesome. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting looking book. Sounds like so much fun and the pleasure derived from creating fully handmade creations would be wonderful. I would be delighted to receive this book.
ReplyDeleteMy contact info is: donnacorn@juno.com
Thanks for the chance at winning yet another fantastic prize! And international too-I do like these ones even better as I'm in Australia ;) would love to win this. Am a blog follower & subscriber too, can be contacted via retro-grrl@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteBeautiful review of this great sounding book. You are good at these reviews, Pearl. I have the first book on Findings by these authors and it is wonderful and easy even for beginners. I would love to win this book.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your review, I am ready to jump into the metal works. I would love to have this book as a reference. Pick me! Pick me! lol
ReplyDeleteYou know me - I love creating from scratch. I've eyed this book every time I see it talked about but I've never had a small chance to look inside.
ReplyDeleteYour review is excellent Pearl! I always appreciate knowing what is inside something before I purchase it and being an online buyer doesn't give you the chance to see the contents of the book beforehand. I've bought things and been very disappointed because the small written reviews don't accurately describe the product. So - thank you once again!
Every designer worth his or salt should know how to whip up unique findings when what you need isnt exactly available in the market. In that regard this book is outstanding as it shows you how to get it done. Would love to win a copy, thanks for hosting the giveaway, Pearl
ReplyDeleteI have their first book and i refer to it all the time . I prefer making my own findings as that makes my jewellery designs truly personal. I'd love to win this follow up book .
ReplyDeletedeb4tin@gmail.com
I love this book. I got it a month ago. So fun!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great book. I love those hammered caps/bail. What a great idea!
ReplyDeletewww.allfiredupglassbeads.com
I would love to win this one. It would be great to make my own findings.
ReplyDeleteLooks cool! Would love to win!
ReplyDeleteDonna J
datmine2009@hotmail.com
I love this book and would love to try the things she shows in it. Thanks for the chance to win it.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a great instructional book. I'd love to win a copy.
ReplyDeletemastdenman@gmail.com
I have not long started in wire work, and this book would seem to be a good way to proceed.
ReplyDeleteshw_samuel@sky.com
Oh my, this is exactly the kind of book I need. I am a beginning metal smith and would really put this to use. Thanks for the opportunity
ReplyDeleteThis book looks really great. Thank you for the review. I would love to have my hand held through the projects you showed. I love the look of detail findings but don't know how to do them. This book would be great! Thanks for the chance to win! (Kateyhbf@gmail.com)
ReplyDeleteThat looks like an awesome book to improve my craft.
ReplyDeleteLynne Clark
th_bookfiend@yahoo.com
What a generous giveaway! And something I would really like to learn. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHi there Pearl,
ReplyDeleteI would like to win this prize as I can see it would be very handy for me to be able to do these things - as findings are fun to make - jill - www.beadbugs.co.nz
What a wonderful give away thank you! I would love to win a copy of this book.! joanie_99@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful giveaway. thank you! I would love to win a copy of this book. campbell.jj@outlook.com
ReplyDeleteHi Pearl,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win - looks like a cracker of a book.
victoria_farrell at hotmail.com
Wow awesome. Such a useful book idea! I love making stuff for my friends, if I don't win I will have to find a copy!
ReplyDeleteI really want this book! If I don't win then I will have to find a copy somewhere!!!
ReplyDeleteAppears to be an interesting and useful book. 🌲
ReplyDeleteOut of the ordinary creations that further bring in the hand crafted touch. I love that!
ReplyDeleteI am a subscriber and have shared on Facebook and Pinned to my Pinterest page.
Thanks for the opportunity Pearl
Mona
This is right up my alley of the area I am going in my artisan ship!
ReplyDeleteNeat Book... I am always looking for ideas for findings that could make my work stand out. carolhettenbach@msn.com
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting book of techniques. It would be a wonderful win and set off a new angle for my jewellery.
ReplyDeleteI'm loving all of the projects shown in your post, so I'm sure there are many more wonderful projects to learn!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance!!
I'm a blog subscriber. I've learned so much from your posts!
ReplyDeleteI have been I'll for a long time. This caused me to give up doing the crafts I loved most... wireworking, beading and chainmail. This past May we finally found the cause! Celiac disease! I am now recovering and eager to start crafting again. This would be wonderful in helping me back to full function!
ReplyDeleteKaren
ltdnorg@gmail.com
Looks like a great book, so much to learn.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great book. Would love the chance to own it. Thanks for the opportunity to do so. I also follow your blog.
ReplyDeleteThere are some very new ideas I would enjoy exploring. I especially like the Poppy Bead Caps and Fizzy Flower Toggle. One doesn't see such unique items at any store or online. Looks like a great book to add to my library, but it certainly wouldn't stay on any shelf very long!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful book! Carlee O. Fargo, ND
ReplyDeleteI would love to learn new techniques! This book looks awesome! Thank you for the opportunity to win! I'm a blog subscriber and FB follower.
ReplyDeleteKatrina@katrinapeebles.com
Just tweeted again about your giveaway. Would love this book.
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/kayzkreationz/status/638357006600957953
Would like to have this book. New at Jewelry making and can use all the help I can get.
ReplyDeleteI was so enchanted with the designs on the cover of your book, it sent my mind whirling in a dozen different directions! I would love to win a copy. Thank you for sharing your creativity.
ReplyDelete