Wire work is one of the most popular techniques for jewelry makers out there. The wire wrapped designs will never go out of style!  Flowing elements and scrolls with gemstones for pops of color, the pieces can go from one dimension to 3D. One of the most popular wire work instructors out there is Sarah Thompson.


I have featured her first book, Fine Wire Weaving, before - see my review. Sarah now has a second book out , Woven in Wire.  I recently received a copy from Interweave for review.


In just over a dozen projects, this designer carries on where she left off from her first book.  Here, she not only wire weaves but shows how designs can get much more dimensional by "sculpting" or forming woven sections. A wonderful example is her Tidal Wave ring design :


You can also see more forming in the Lilium bracelet shown below.  The design does remind one of basket weaving or loom weaving.  That is not a surprise as the soumak weave used in wire weaving is adapted from the weaving one.

The earlier chapters in her book are invaluable. It is not just about wire weaving but her tips.  Wire work can cramp the hand if one continues to grip a thin wire constantly. So her method of holding the wire somewhat like yarn workers do is a good idea.


 Also included in the book are good instructions on how to make the scrolls and finish them in a professional manner.  She does use a torch to anneal (soften wire) and to ball ends.

This designer works with fine silver because it is very soft.  She goes on to patina the silver for further definition.  Students are best off working with copper first.  Copper is also a very soft metal.


The second half of her book contains inspiring designs which are symmetrical.  Sarah shares her own unique tips on how to achieve symmetry.  She often shows alternatives to her main designs - ways to customize them!


This book is highly recommended for all wire working enthusiasts!





Giveaway


If you'd like to win this giveaway for a copy of Woven in Wire, 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.  It is a physical book for US and Canada, PDF for international.

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. (The exception is Facebook - just like/comment on the giveaway status there!!)

It ends in a week's time at 6 pm EST Monday, July 23, 2018. 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!

Before You Go:


Disclosure
This blog may contain affiliate links. I do receive a small fee for any products purchased through affiliate links. This goes towards the support of this blog and to provide resource information to readers. The opinions expressed are solely my own. They would be the same whether or not I receive any compensation.
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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
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