Review of Mixed Metals Mania
With
mixed metal works among the hottest trends going in today's jewelry design, I’m
sharing thoughts on one of my all time favorite how-to books, which was
recommended to me by a super talented jewelry making friend.
Mixed Metal Mania is aptly titled, especially for the
metalwork maniacs among us, but also for other designers, connoisseurs, wearers
and collectors of handcrafted artisan jewelry. Subtitled “Solder, rivet,
hammer, and wire exceptional jewelry," Kim St. Jean’s book never fails to
instruct, entertain, inspire and delight.
After
a Foreward and Introduction, discussions of Tools, from the unconventional
(think clothespin, paper cutter, chicken feeder) to the basic, and a studio
tool checklist, St. Jean treats us to a survey of Basic Techniques - from cold
connections and sawing to soldering and fold forming, from making holes and
finishing to making findings - along with some helpful tips of her own.
St.
Jean explores her subject in four chapters. Beautifully illustrated throughout
with color photos and well written, unpretentious explanations and
instructions, each chapter presents a step-by-step tutorials for a number of
specific projects.
Project
tutorials include, among many others:
Twisted
Paddle Earrings
A
Little Bit Whompy Stack Ring
Sweat
Soldered Negative Space Earrings
Basic
Sterling Silver Chain
Old
Bones Ring
Copper
Coral Bracelet
Nightmare
Catcher (Eeeek! A Skull!)
Reticulated
Brass and Copper Cuff
Pine
Straw Casting Bezel Pendant
Whether
you’re a maniac for silver, copper, brass or an eclectic mix, you’re sure to
find Mixed Metal Mania jam packed with ideas, hints and helpful
suggestions. And oh, those lavish photos!
The
only fault I’ve found is that there is no index -- a small matter indeed,
considering the many ways this book has inspired me in my own adventures in
metalwork.
Published
in 2011 by Kalmbach Books of Waukesha, Wisconsin, this 112-page paperback
measures 10.75” x 8.25” - a lovely presentation all the way through.
Mollie
RoughMagicCreations
11 comments :
I love reading these book reviews. There are so many different techniques and materials with which to work with. I wish I could try them all.
looks like a good jewelry book to have - thank you, Mollie :)
Very cool!!!
Thanks for the review Mollie! It sounds like a very handy book to have in your library.
What fun and innovative projects!
Thanks for sharing, looks like there is a lot of inspiration to be found in this book!
Interesting book, it's nice to try something new!!!
That book looks amazing and would definitely get anyone interested in mixed metals.
Great review. How awesome are some of the samples.
Awesome review!
I have this book Mollie - your review is right on!
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