Tag: Off Topic: Crafts

Aimee Ray’s Sweet & Simple Jewelry: 17 Designers, 10 Techniques & 32 Projects to Make by Aimee Ray

When I received this book from Ken at Lark Crafts, I saw the cover and was really excited. The cover looks like the designer got his/her colors from a candy shop. ‘Sweet’, but not sickly sweet, is definitely how I would describe it. I have to say that I was a little disappointed that this wasn’t a quilt book, but was glad to see that fabric is used in a number of the projects.

I have noticed a trend (can I call it that?) of including a visual table of contents in some recent books I have read and/or reviewed. Purses Bags Totes had one which really helped my navigation of the book as well as writing the review. I notice that this book has one as well.

Not only does this visual ToC, as we, in the Library biz call it, help with navigation, but it gives a potential buyer a little more information. I hope that Amazon and other online booksellers will include such information in their ‘inside look’ pages.

From the ToC, I can see that this book has more colorful projects than some of the other jewelry books I have read recently. This one uses felt, embroidery thread and fabric scraps in many of the projects, which adds to the color choices.

Like many other Lark Jewelry & Beading books, this has a comprehensive Basics, pg.10, section. I love the ‘cover photo’ that begins the section depicting a variety of supplies and embellishments. Many of the supplies can already be found in your quiltmaking cupboard. Each subsection includes a couple of sentences about why you would use each material. Tools are listed separately, starting on pg.17, again, with definitions of what they are and why you would use them.

Following Tools is a section on Techniques, pg.20-, which discusses embroidery, transferring templates and patterns, hooping, to knot or not to knot (HA!), stitches, working with polymer clay type materials and a whole host of other techniques that may add to your creative jewelry designs.

After a very comprehensive 28 pages of Tools, Tips and Techniques, Aimee Ray launches into the projects. The first page of the section includes larger photos of a selection of the projects.

One of my favorite projects is the Felted Terrarium Necklace, pg.45. I wouldn’t make it, but I like the look. It would also be great as a gift for a charm bracelet.

The projects consist of a large photo of the finished piece9s) and 1-2 pages of directions, which includes tips, a materials and tool list. Not being a jewelry maker, I cannot judge whether this is enough information to finish the project.

I also like the Cabochon Hairpins, pg.57. This is a really unique idea, perhaps because I have hatpins on the mind after reading Jacqueline Winspear‘s book, Maisie Dobbs again. I have not seen anything like this before and give kudos to the designer, Kathy Sheldon for thinking outside the box.

This is also a very well designed book. I like the colors of the layout as well as the graphic embellishments and photography on the inner pages. Take a look at this book and be inspired.

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Showcase 500 Art Necklaces by Kathy Sheldon

This is another gorgeous ‘500’ title from Lark Books. More eye candy and inspiration for all kinds of creative people.

This book starts off with an introduction by the juror Chunghi Choo, a professor at the University of Iowa. The introduction is interesting, because Chunghi mentions that “…making art objects…are now wide open to the free use of varied materials, found objects, and flexible meidums.” He is clearly in awe of the freshness of designs as artwork and fashion.

The photos in this edition in the “500 series” depict necklaces. And in this department extreme design is not an overstatement. The artists really press the boundaries of what can be worn as a necklace as well as the principles of design.

Again, neutrals such as bronze, grey, black, gold, pearl and silver dominate the colors in this book, but color is well represented. Vanessa Walilko’s Red Queen necklace is a striking piece is vivid scarlet. The elements of the design look like the tails of a fabulous bird. Marian Acosta Contreras’, pg.344, is a wonderful study in turquoise, using a variety of values in that color family.

The delicate wire structures by Louise Makowski, Dominique Thomas (pg.131), Kristen Baird and Susan J. Cross (pg.130) are examples of equally wonderful yet completely different designs in necklaces.

One piece, Karolina Bik’s Chaos necklace, pg.267, I noticed looked like a melting ice structure. The sterling silver, 18 karat gold and 24 karat gold flakes are mixed with acrylic fiberglass to achieve a completely different look from many of the other examples in this book

Look at the shapes, materials and colors and be inspired.

Thanks to Lark Books for sending this book to me to review!

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Bead Embroidery with Soutache: 25 Gorgeous Jewelry Projects with Decorative Braid by Anneta Valious

I received another group of jewelry books from Lark Crafts. this one has a fabulous gallery in the back that includes a turquoise (color) and pink necklace (pg.136) that I find very appealing.

“Soutache is a flat, fiber braid with a groove down the center, comprised of two rows of piping or cording wrapped in viscose, cotton, or synthetic fibers.First developed in France in the 15th century, soutache embroidery has a made a decorative appearance throughout history in and on jewelry, clothing, military uniforms, and more.” One of the really appealing things for me aobut this book is the section called ‘Soutache Through Time.’ Soutache is a word that was unfamiliar to me, but after reading this section, I knew exactly what the author meant. the section has great examples of historical and modern garments using soutache.

As with other Lark Jewelry and Beading books this one has a section explain materials and tools as well as different projects. What is a little different is the section on techniques that includes stitching, finishing the ends and backing the work in addition to a variety of other topics. Looking at this section makes me think that some of what is shown could be adapted for art quilts.

I notice that the designs are more feminine looking. There are lots of rounded designs and few, if any angles.

As usual, the pictures are fantastic, the supply lists complete and the directions extensive. Even if you don’t regularly make jewelry, take a look at this book for the inspiration it offers.

Thanks to Lark Crafts for sending along this book

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Suzanne Golden Presents!: Interviews with 36 Artists Who Innovate with Beads by Suzanne Golden

I am always interested in books about creativity and the creative process. If you want to read about process, this book is for you, regardless of whether or not you are a bead artist or not. The shapes and colors, alone, are enough to inspire ideas for a few years. The author makes a point of saying that she wanted to go beyond jewelry in showing what could be created with beads.

The artists are from many different countries and backgrounds. The first artist, Ulli Kaiser is dear to my heart simply because she comes from Austria. Her silver and aqua/turquoise (color not bead type) are beautiful.

Each section includes photos of the artists’ work, but also some biographical information. Many of the artists make jewelry, but Marina Dempster’s section includes several pairs of amazing beaded shoes. I particularly like the pair called Horny. I am not enamoured of the name, but can appreciate the play of words. I like the shape and color of the shoes. Another section, from South Africa, shows vessels. Other artist show tableau, consumer goods, sculpture, dolls and statues (Betsy Youngquist’s works are amazing, if a little creepy), wreaths, clothing, animals and much, much more.

Helena Markonsalo’s work reminds me of Susan Shie’s airbrushed quilts.

There are also a wide variety of designs rendered in beads. Markonsalo’s work could be described as “shabby chic” while Jan Huling’s work has a definite Native American feel. There are many other aesthetics to delight all readers.

If you ever wanted to know what, besides jewelry, could be created with beads, this book will provide hours of inspiration. There is so much included that I could not help, but go and visit websites of the artists and I have many more to view.

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Bewitching Bead & Wire Jewelry: Easy Techniques for 40 Irresistible Projects by Suzanne J.E. Tourtillott

I thought I was off the jewelry book reviewers list, but I received two books last week. Lark was so great about supporting the Boxing Day Sew-in that I just can’t say no to reviewing this book. Like the other books in this series, they have a section on tools and supplies as well as a section on techniques. Both are well illustrated. I particularly like the font and layout chosen in this book. There are a couple of things that are really great in these sections. One is the ‘designer’s tip’, which points out, for example, what wire to chose. I also like the Wire Hardness Scale image (pg.10). It is a good illustration that probably would have taken about a 1,000 words and some hard science like physics to explain. 😉

Some of the illustrations are photographs and others are drawings. The mix is a nice change from other books I have seen. These sections are pretty short and then the author gets right into the projects.

I am not a big fan of wire jewelry for myself because of metal allergies, but I have to admit being tempted by some of the lovely shapes. the very first project, the Red Bone Necklace (pg.18), has a great clasp and I like the beads. The Silver & Moonstone Drops (earrings, pg.20) are beautiful and delicate. They would be great with a creamy summer dress. The Asymmetrical Amethyst Necklace (pg.74) reminds me of my aunt. I think she would like it very much. I also like the Star Swirl Earrings (pg.80). They are cheerful and happy. Who can’t like purple wire?

There are a wide variety of designs, shapes and different jewelry in the book. Some have a lot of wirework. Other projects have wire only to hold the piece together. The author also uses different colors of beads and wire, which adds to the variety of projects.

There is an index (YAY!), a list of designers and more about them as well as a wire gauge chart.

Check it out!

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