Metal Work Books

Bead on a Wire: Making Handcrafted Wire and Beaded Jewelry

Sharilyn Miller

Amazon Price: $15.63 List Price: $22.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: North Light Books Amazon Marketplace: 38 new & used starting at $14.62

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Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> Beadwork

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 95 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

WOW 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I recently decided to start making jewelry, got on Amazon and started looking at book reviews. This one seemed to be really popular, so I ordered it sight unseen and I havent been disapointed. Its a beautiful book. Has great pictures and easy to understand directions and her jewelry is amazing. She shows you how to wrap wire around wire. She even shows you how to twist it using a drill. It does take a little practice to get good but what an awesome effect. She also shows you how to do twisted jump rings. I don't think anyone would be disapointed with this book. Another great one I found at book store was Creating Wire and Beaded Jewelry by Linda Jones.

Editorial Review:

Magazine editor and popular author Sharilyn Miller knows the jewelry making audience like no one else. In this latest book, she shows crafters of all levels how to get in on the popularity of jewelry and beading, with:

-An in-depth section on design and construction techniques that makes it a snap to get started -More than 20 step-by-step bead and wire jewelry projects, including gorgeous earrings, necklaces, brooches, and bracelets

It only takes a few basic steps to start making fashionable jewelry that's guaranteed to trigger compliments.

Making Connections: A Handbook of Cold Joins for Jewelers and Mixed-Media Artists

Susan Lenart Kazmer

Amazon Price: $31.68 List Price: $48.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Interweave Press Amazon Marketplace: 27 new & used starting at $31.65

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Full of Little Treasures 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Susan Lenart Kazmer's, "Making Connections" is not only a comprehensive treatment of cold joins, it's also a beautiful book to look at. Mixing simple, straightforward technical information with lovely photography and drawings, Kazmer's book is a rare find - a treat for the eyes and the mind.

The tone is set at the book's beginning with a chapter on the "Alchemy of Susan Lenart Kazmer." An innovative artist using recycled and altered materials, Kazmer focuses on the process rather than the outcome. A conceptual artist, Kazmer's jewelry may not seem beautiful to some, but that's not the point, she creates to elicit a response. I would beg to differ with those who question the beauty of her work and so will you after you see this book.

Nine chapters cover materials, tools and every cold join you can imagine. Chapters detail wire attachments; staples, tabs and prongs; rivets, hinges and attachments with movement just to name a few. I'm particularly inspired by the chapter on staples, tabs and prongs seeing new ways to use sheet metal with the glass cabachons I make. The tips sprinkled throughout the book are insightful and feel like a treasure she's left for you to discover.

If you're serious about learning cold joins or if you're serious about jewelry, Kazmer's book wins on both. You'll find yourself looking through it again and again feeling like you're uncovering another little piece of treasure.

Editorial Review:

Featuring a wide variety of cold-join techniques from the commonly used to the amazingly new, this beautiful handbook is the first on cold connections and combines the art of jewelry making with modern craft assemblage, which metal workers can use to spark creativity and look at their craft in new, innovative ways. Proving everyday found objects—staples, rivets, fibers, resins—can be used to make beautiful jewelry, sculpture, or mixed media, this guide explains how to craft original works with just about anything. Each chapter offers a new technique with a different attaching method along with descriptive sketches showing the connecting layers. This handy crafter’s resource showcases a gallery of 23 top jewelry artists and offers insights, philosophies, and techniques as well as pages of creative musings and stunning photos of marionettes and jewelry.

Wrap, Stitch, Fold & Rivet: Making Designer Metal Jewelry (Lark Jewelry Book)

Mary Hettmansperger

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Lark Books Amazon Marketplace: 43 new & used starting at $14.51

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 17 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Metal Fabric 4 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

OK, I read the other reviews and especially noted the one that sort of slammed the book written by an experienced silversmith. I'm not way great as a silversmith but I'm OK and I liked this book. The photos are great and the ideas are even greater. There is nothing better than a creative mind and the author, Mary, appears to have one. The instructions were not as detailed as I would like them. In some places I was saying 'What?'. What am I supposed to do next? Now I often say that with Tim McCreight also and he writes a really good book and is really respected in the community. Mary (I'm just not doing her last name) is great. The book revs my juices to try some crazy stuff. Let's keep things positive. It's a good book with new ideas.

Editorial Review:

Making gorgeous handcrafted jewelry can be an amazingly simple process that even beginners will quickly master—as long as they have this guide by their side. Written by an experienced artist and teacher, and generously illustrated with attractive how-to photos and drawings, it demonstrates a wealth of easy techniques in superb detail. Twenty dazzling projects—including a twisted wire choker, bangle bracelet, bead pod pin, and mixed metal earrings— are created by wrapping, stitching, and folding metal, and by making cold connections with basic screws, bolts, pop rivets, eyelets, brads, and nails. Sophisticated photographs of each piece highlight its rich textures and visual complexity. Would-be jewelers will love this—and beaders, memory crafters, and anyone eager to explore metal jewelry will want it, too!

The Backyard Blacksmith: Traditional Techniques for the Modern Smith (Backyard)

Lorelei Sims

Amazon Price: $16.49 List Price: $24.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Quarry Books Amazon Marketplace: 29 new & used starting at $14.95

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 15 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

An Enlightening book 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Although I am very familiar with working with Metal, and many other forms of crafting, I knew little of Blacksmithing. I have always been interested in Blacksmiths since I was a child, but knew nothing of their background, history, and the tricks of the trade so to say that they used to form beautiful and more importantly, useful items that they created.

I recently had the opportunity to work in a blacksmith shop, but I had to do so alone, as the former blacksmith had moved on. Hence I purchased several books to learn of their ways.

I was very interested in this book for one just because it was written by a female blacksmith, something I found to be unheard of, as I never in my life saw a female blacksmith working any forge I ever encountered. I felt that I had to have this book over all others as it would give me not just knowledge of blacksmithing, but a woman's point of view on it, which I felt could be very enlightening.

I could not have been more correct. This is so far the best book I have purchased on blacksmithing, and I have purchased 8 here through Amazon. This book is very well written, depicted, laid out, and explained. I loved the mixture of some of the history, and more so the insight of the craft. For example a simple account of how you will keep getting burned, I laughed over for some time, and yes, so far, I have gotten burned twice. Yea, I'm a newbie, read the book, you will laugh and only then really understand this statement. Also how the Blacksmith bug will bite you and you know it has if scraps of iron start to almost call out to you, grabbing your full attention since as you look at it, you depict in your mind all the things you could make that piece into. I for one remember that line in the book since I have already noticed that the Bug has fully bitten and infected me.

Out of reading the whole book, I was only left with 2 or 3 items that I didn't understand, and that may have been that I missed something in my reading of it, since I did so in a hurried piecemeal fashion. In other words, when I had to put it down or get fired from work, I hurriedly picked it back up as soon as I could to read more!

This is an awesome book. If you are to buy only ONE book, then make it this one. Even the projects in the back are as good as or better than a Project book I purchased. LOL... Enjoy!

Editorial Review:

The Backyard Blacksmith takes the mystery out of blacksmithing, but not the magic...

There is an increasing interest and revival in the art of blacksmithing as a hobby and art, and both men and women are becoming at-home blacksmiths. Blacksmithing is a simple, rewarding craft anyone can enjoy in their backyard or home workshop -- even beginners can produce useful and beautiful projects on their first try.

The Backyard Blacksmith shows you how blacksmithing can be easy to learn, and a rewarding hobby, with some patience and a working knowledge of metals, basic tools, and techniques. Through instructions and illustrations, readers will learn to make simple tools and useful items, such as nails, hinges, and handles, and also an interesting mix of artful projects, such letter openers, door knockers and botanical ornaments.

Jewelry Studio: Wire Wrapping (Jewelry Studio)

Linda Chandler, Christine Ritchey

Amazon Price: $15.61 List Price: $22.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Interweave Press Amazon Marketplace: 30 new & used starting at $14.48

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Wire wrapped projects you want to wear 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

A beautifully photographed book with very wearable projects, I was pleased to see that this book is not a beginner's book as many wire wrapping books are. However, each project's instructions are so detailed that a beginner would be able to follow them and could make the projects with some practice. So far, this is one of the best wire wrap books I own!

Editorial Review:

Compiled with advanced beginners and intermediate designers in mind, this guidebook starts with the basics of wire wrapping and builds skills progressively as aspiring crafters work through each project. The easy-to-follow instructions emphasize safety first and list all the steps required to get started, with a detailed discussion given to using tools such as pliers and wire cutters—wire wrapping does not require a soldering torch—and selecting appropriate materials such as copper, brass, and sterling silver. Finishing these stunning projects are a snap with the tips, tricks, and techniques shared within—jewelry crafters will delight in the resulting pieces that include beautiful bracelets, Celtic earrings, wire wrapped rings, and a wire-wrapped cabochon.

Foxfire 5 (Foxfire)

Inc. Foxfire Fund, Eliot Wigginton

Amazon Price: $12.21 List Price: $17.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Anchor Amazon Marketplace: 48 new & used starting at $8.00

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

As always, a pleasure to read and apply 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 9 people found this review helpful.

One of our nation's treasures is being lost one person at a time, and because of Eliot Wigginton, at least some of the treasure is being documented. The people of Appalachia have been marginalized and treated as backwoods hicks and hillbillies, only because of their poverty. That is what makes the richness of their culture all the more amazing. These people live on what an average family throws away every day. They're frugal, resourceful, and highly intelligent. This book only serves to prove it.

If you haven't spent time with hill people, your live is incomplete.

Some information useful to black powder gunsmiths 3 out of 5 stars.
7 of 9 people found this review helpful.

There are some good pictures of gun smiths in this book, performing various techniques. Also a pretty good history of gun smiths, if that sort of thing interests you. The guns they show are flint lock.

The black smithing, horse shoeing and iron making are pretty slim. How to make a horse shoe, cow bell, and stove poker are about it. They discuss how they rebuilt the iron furnace, but not how to use it.

I would recommend this book only to black powder gunsmiths, or those interested in rifle history.

Editorial Review:

The fifth Foxfire volume includes rain-making, blacksmithing, bear hunting, flintlock rifles, and more.

Complete Metalsmith, Professional Edition

Tim McCreight

Amazon Price: $30.00 List Price: $30.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Brynmorgen Press Amazon Marketplace: 5 new & used starting at $29.75

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 35 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

very informative book 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

this book gives lessons on how to do pretty much everything pertaining to the craft of jewelry making. i'm very pleased with the amount of information, i just wish this book offered project ideas on on how to apply the lessons learned. thats my only complaint, and otherwise i truly enjoy this book.

Great Book for any metal enthusiast 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Recently I have returned to playing with metal in designing jewelry, mixed media art, and fine art. The author of this book - Tim McCreight is world-known for his work and providing books to help others learn the basics and some of his own "tricks" in manipulating metal. I have to say this book is one of his best and probably the one I hold in highest regard. It it thorough. It is well written. It is full of high quality, often with color to help know which piece is what when working an item. It is well organized. The appendices are SUPERB - from safety (ventilation, repetitive motion, chemicals) to suppliers to geometric formulas to melting points to conversion factors to properly photographing jewelry AND MORE! It is a great starting point for all those who are seriously interested in pursuing this type of work as a hobby or art.

Some of McCreight's other books (e.g.Practical Joining) are often rehashes with a bit more thoroughness of this book, while others (e.g. on PMC - precious metal clay) cover other topics. Of the numerous books by MeCreight in my library, I refer to this one first. The spriral binding is great and thus when I have to review something when working, the book lies flat and doesn't need to be held down in order to stay in place.

The only drawback is that the cover (at least my version) tends to attact fuzz or dog hair when I take it from my work area to review sections in my home. Weird...luckily tape takes care of that problem for I don't want to give up my pets!

So for beginners to advanced workers in metal - get this book first...or second if you want a more beginner book to see if this work is really for you. Other books by McCreight should be considered IF you are interested in pursuing various aspects of metalwork in detail (e.g. "Metals Technic" - book based on his workshops and focused on producing quality pieces in various methodologies...but some of the images in it have much to be desired - ?new addition might help that???).

Editorial Review:

This handsome book is twice as large as the STUDENT EDITION. IT COVERS THE SAME MATERIAL, but goes into greater depth. A rigid fabric cover and elastic band makes this a place to store sketches and notes; more than a book, it's a practical tool.

Wire Style: 50 Unique Jewelry Designs

Denise Peck

Amazon Price: $13.57 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 2 to 4 weeks By: Interweave Press Amazon Marketplace: 10 new & used starting at $13.55

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Featuring original ideas from top jewelry designers, this collection covers a range of contemporary and stylish projects, such as bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and pendants. Beginning with a primer on basic tools and techniques and covering fundamental wire-working skills in detail, including wire-wrapping, weaving, coiling, chain-making, hammering, texturing, and oxidizing, this guide helps jewelry makers of all skills levels develop a range of talents. Each project includes a comprehensive materials list and step-by-step instructions that guide crafters through a variety of projects, including wrapping found objects with wire, making chain mail, creating spirals, straightening wire, making jump rings and ear wires, and creating clasps. Constructed with many different materials—from precious metals to plated and colored wire—these striking creations are a mix of funky and fabulous wire designs combined with stones, beads, and cords to create an interesting and eclectic jewelry collection.

Inspired Wire: Learn to Twist, Jig, Bend, Hammer, and Wrap for the Prettiest Jewelry Ever

Cynthia B. Wuller

Amazon Price: $14.93 List Price: $21.95 Usually ships in 7 to 11 days By: Kalmbach Amazon Marketplace: 27 new & used starting at $13.89

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

The most inspiring jewelry book I own (or I've seen!) 5 out of 5 stars.
16 of 16 people found this review helpful.

I own many jewelry books of several types and this book is BY FAR leaps and bounds above the rest in all the important areas. It is gorgeous to look at and ALL of the projects are inspirational - meaning that they lead your mind to other applications of the techniques shown. It is an excellent teaching tool: it details particularly well the materials and tools you will need to be successful with this type of jewelry work, and the instructions for each technique and project are so well outlined and easy to follow. I truly am blown away by this book! (in case you can't tell!) Most books I've found to be somewhat disappointing, and not always as well-written as you might hope for. But to find all of that PLUS to love EVERY project... WELL! What an accomplishment!

Editorial Review:

Be a live wire at the next party--with stunning wire jewelry

* More than twenty beautiful projects

* Comprehensive basics section with how-to photos

* Earrings, necklaces, and bracelets; all presented in skill-building progression

Wire jewelry can look complicated...but Inspired Wire makes it easy to create wonderful hand-formed precious metal and gemstone pieces. More than twenty beautiful projects are presented in skill-building progression, from creating basic wire links to forming more complex hand-shaped jewelry. Step-by-step instructions show exactly how to make the Cynthia’s striking designs. With sophisticated yet minimalist jewelry projects, clear instructions, and how-to photographs, Inspired Wire helps beginners develop their skills and allows intermediate crafters to learn new techniques and gain a better understanding of wirework.

Milling: A Complete Course (Workshop Practice) (Workshop Practice) (Workshop Practice) (Workshop Practice)

Harold Hall

Amazon Price: $10.34 List Price: $10.34 Usually ships in 2 to 3 weeks By: Trans-Atlantic Publications, Inc. Amazon Marketplace: 11 new & used starting at $7.34

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Harold Hall Fan 5 out of 5 stars.
9 of 9 people found this review helpful.

I have bought three of Harold Hall's books, and they have all been read, used and re-read.

His writing is clear, expert, well illustrated with clear photographs and drawings and the projects are very suitable to anyone starting in this fascinating field of metal working. They are good bed side reading and/or workshop guides for the actual projects.
The books in the Workshop Practice Series are compact, about 128 pages, but contain a surprisingly large amount of information, and are good value.
The projects in "Milling" are graded from easy to intermediate difficulty, and each tool made can be used in later projects. Each project introduces new milling techniques and information, and in the course of the entire book most major milling procedures which might be used by the hobbyist are covered. The subtitle "A complete course" is appropriate.

The tools look really interesting and useful, and I plan to make most of them.

I strongly recommend this book, and also "Lathework- A Complete Course" and "Tool and Cutter Sharpening" by the same author.

Editorial Review:

A complete self-tuition course which assumes no previous experience of using the milling machine; through the medium of four minor and four magor projects, it leads prospective users of the milling machine through all of the techniques involved.