Free Downloads Wirework: An Illustrated Guide To The Art Of Wire Wrapping
Intermediate jewelry artists seeking new design possibilities can learn step-by-step instructions on how to wire-wrap using faceted stones, how to create pendants with any size or shape or faceted stone, how to use several methods of working with and setting faceted stones, plus mixing wire gauges and tempers to create stable and creative pieces.In Wirework, Dale "Cougar" Armstrong showcases her classic jewelry style and shows how to create beautiful custom bracelets, necklaces, pendants, earrings, and rings in 18 projects. You'll learn:how to work with half-hard wire; when to use other tempers and whyDale's favorite tools and proper tool usageusing geometry in wire-jewelry functions; making the "right" right angles; shaping with and without mandrels; using "found" items for shaping; when and how to use snap-set components; choosing the right cabochons and gemstonesWirework will challenge artists to be creative, think outside the box, and transform jewelry into their own style.
File Size: 12326 KB
Print Length: 128 pages
Publisher: Interweave; Pap/DVD edition (March 10, 2013)
Publication Date: March 10, 2013
Sold by: Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B00DH40UTM
Text-to-Speech: Enabled
X-Ray: Not Enabled
Word Wise: Not Enabled
Lending: Not Enabled
Enhanced Typesetting: Enabled
Best Sellers Rank: #229,793 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store) #55 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Metal Work #116 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Jewelry #162 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Metal Work
I have been wire wrapping jewelry for 3+ years. I thought the items in this book were stunning and I wanted to learn some of her techniques. Well....I learned alright.I learned to read the directions multiple times before ever picking up a piece of wire. I learned the measurements given are frequently WRONG. Case in point, the beautiful bracelet on the cover. For the base bracelet, it states "wrist measurement + 0.5 inch". What it does NOT tell you, is that when you get to the step where you form the chevron, this pulls the bracelet in so far, I ended up with a bracelet that might have fit a 3 year old child. For the Ornate Cabochon Toppng to go on this bracelet base, it does NOT tell you how to take into account the length of the cabochon wrap at top and bottom, which resulted in a topping that was 1" bigger than the opening I needed to stuff it into. (Fortunately, I was able to remake and repurpose so I didn't completely waste several feet of wire)I learned that the directions and the pictures are not necessarily the same thing. I tried to make the orbit prong setting pendant. If you follow the written directions, you end up with your prongs pointing in the wrong direction. If you follow the picture, you end up with them facing the correct way, but you don't necessarily understand how to get from picture 1 to picture 2.The jewelry is stunning. There is no doubt the author is an accomplished wire smith. What this book desperately needs is editing by someone who does NOT know how to wire wrap so they can ensure the directions and photos are accurate.
I am reviewing the book from when it was first published, when it did not come with the instructional DVD. I contacted the publisher, and found they have chosen to punish early purchasers by not making the DVD alone available for sale, not even to those who purchased the book back when it came without it. I was willing to purchase the DVD, but am not willing to purchase the book again solely to get the DVD.First, the positives. I like the formulas given for fitting, and the "re-check" measurements. I like the clear instruction and photos. My taste in jewelry is not the same as Dale "Cougar" Armstrong's, but the techniques were what I was after anyway. Great ideas abound in this book, and some student work is shown that creatively combines the various techniques.Now to the negatives. I will say again that my book did not come with the DVD, so it's possible that the DVD showed how to do this better than the book did. I found much of the jewelry uncomfortable~even when I did test pieces precisely according to the book's instruction, which is not my preference because I like to make my own designs. The wraps were placed in such a way that they cut into my skin. In many places, I had to modify the wraps to correct these flaws. I also found that I sometimes had to use half round wire for wraps in places that square wire was specified for wraps in the book.Also, many of the wraps themselves were not very secure, as some structural wires were wrapped only around one other wire. I prefer to make jewelry that lasts better than this.I think people who love the designs and are willing to put up with delicately-made jewelry that may call attention to itself not only because of appearance but because it is not comfortable to wear (surprisingly, this seems to be a plus for some people) will love this book.
I have been making jewelry for several years, changing techniques from time to time to increase my skills. I had watched previous video clips by this author, and was happy with the instructional format. I had looked through the book at a brick and mortar book store, but did not see the DVD until I received the book. Photography is excellent, illustrations are clear. I liked the explanations of tools used in the book. Lots of tips. I was less pleased with the DVD. I found the language condescending and less instructional. Projects were not completed on the video, and different tools were used than in the book, frequently substituting found objects for commercial tools. That is not all bad, and can enable beginners to move their production along without over investing in tools. I would buy the book again, but not for the video. Like many hand skills, it is just important to get hands on and work until the skill belongs to you.
I bought this book on pre-order, but it's far from the book I expected or need. I don't want to start with rings--I need a good, solid book on how to wire wrap. The photos are of excellent quality, but there are few that don't assume you already know how to wire wrap in the first place. If it's not for beginners, say so, and don't spend two chapters on wire and tool basics! In fact, even the latter chapter isn't helpful--there are photos of tools that simply aren't covered in the print descriptions.I wasn't thrilled with the designs, either. While technically well made, they are busy and overly complicated. I don't think there was a single item I would want to wear.There are plenty of other how-to books available, and plenty of others offering pretty pictures of completed jewelry. At the time I ordered this book, I also purchased Wire Wrapping: The Basics and Beyond, by Jim McIntosh. Although some have criticized its black and white photos, they at least show how to do these projects, and the jewelry is exquisite. Less wire, more design!I wish I had seen this book before I ordered pre-release. I have returned it.
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