"The book examines a series of practical goldsmithing projects, each of which has been successfully completed by student goldsmiths using its instructions ... The creation of rings, chains, bracelets, earrings, and clasps, the use of specialized tools, as well as hand positions, movements, and technical data are described in lucid text and demonstrated with an abundance of detailed color photos"--Cover.
The definitive reference for jewelry makers of all levels of ability--a complete, profusely illustrated guide to design, materials, and techniques, as well as a fascinating exploration of jewelry-making throughout history.
The basics of using beads and wire to create custom pieces. Each technique carefully described and illustrated. Create pieces for yourself and friends, or to sell.
An illustrated introduction to the art of making jewelry, providing a review of metallurgy, describing basic and advanced techniques, examining various surfaces, and including step-by-step instructions for several projects.
- Complete book on creating inexpensive, but beautiful jewelry - Traditional methods are adapted for inexpensive materials - Heavily photographed techniques
Metalworking is generally regarded as a skill that takes years of dedication, requires a large studio space, and costs a lot of money. Fortunately, Simple Soldering proves that does not need to be the case. This handy how-to guide is complete in its exploration of the craft of creating soldered metal jewelry, including tools, techniques, and 20 beautiful projects that beginners and enthusiasts can make at home. Author and teacher Kate Richbourg demystifies basic soldering for any home crafter, showing how to create sophisticated, polished, and professional-looking jewelry pieces through simple soldering techniques. First, she instructs how to set up a jewelry workspace that fits the confines of your budget and living space. Detailed step-by-step instructions walk you through the basic tools and materials you need, plus how to use them. A sample chapter gives a host of introductory exercises that teach solid skills, allowing you to test these techniques on a small scale. Finally, you'll discover 20 finished projects that include earrings, pendants, rings, bracelets, and clasps that may also include bead or wire embellishment. Kate also demonstrates how to combine and layer techniques to gorgeous effect. She also examines common mistakes, shows how to correct or adapt them, and gives advice on when it's time to start over. Most of all, having taught thousands of classes on soldering, Kate has a "you can do it!" attitude that shines through to help even the most reluctant jewelry maker fire up the torch with ease. With Simple Soldering, the art of metal working one-of-a-kind jewelry is now at your fingertips.
An invaluable step-by-step guide to traditional Native American jewelry. From exquisite squash blossom necklaces, buttons and bola ties to hair ornaments, pistol grips and silver goblets, traditional Indian silversmithing is one of the foremost crafts in America. In this Southwestern classic, Oscar T. Branson provides a wealth of knowledge on the tools, techniques, history, and styles of Indian jewelry--timeless art from yesterday that still influences today's metal craftwork. Wire-O binding. 120 color photos.
"Here, for the first time in book form, the artist-craftsmen of Penland reveal their jewelry-making techniques - along with a set of magnificent projects - which have drawn thousands of students to the celebrated Penland School of Crafts in the mountains of North Carolina. In a fascinating step-by-step text, these master jewelers explain exactly how to make pieces of jewelry they have designed especially for this book. In language clear enough for the beginner to follow, they teach their own basic techniques, as well as some innovative ones that have never before been described in print. They also include lists of supplies needed to execute the projects, sources for obtaining them, and a glossary of standard jewelry-making terms. The instructional texts are enhanced by a series of close-up photographs - nearly 150 in all - which demonstrate with stunning clarity each step in the jewelry-making process. In addition, there are over 40 exquisite full-color photographs, forming a gallery of these artists' outstanding creations. The texts are further highlighted by autobiographical sketches of the artists, in which they reveal how they got their start, how they work, and what they think about jewelry making today." -back cover.
