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SPOTLIGHT ON ... ARTICLE
September 2009
What's on the bookshelf
Written by: Charlene Gary
Sadly, summer is over, but happily, not the summer reading. I am a big reader, an avid reader ever since I was a child. Humorous fiction and biographies are my favorites to read always, and in between studying for class I try to get a few of those in, but like most of us I'm sure, I like to read the latest and greatest in the jewelry arts. I like the 'how-to' books especially, and I like the books with large glossy photos of all the meticulously hand crafted pieces. You know, the books with the extreme close up shots that show the almost-visible solder joints, crimp beads, and brush strokes. I've listed some of my favorites that I have on my book shelf. I hope you like them and find them inspiring as well.
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This was my first book on metalsmithing. I bought it for class and it is now a tried and true favorite, so much so the pages are starting to fall out. This is the Complete Metalsmith, Student edition by Tim McCreight. It is a soft cover copy with a metal spiral binding, which is very convenient, since the book gets folded in half most of the time. This is a great book for the hobbyist or student as there are pages and pages of basic skills: hammering, forging, cold joints, filing, scoring, piercing, chain making, annealing, just to name a few. I found the reference charts in the back extrememly helpful. |
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This is another book of mine that is starting to lose its pages as well. Marc Lareau writes this colorful book on wirework. Step by step techniques that are easy to follow with simple line drawings and instructions on everything from how to hold your pliers, to making ear wires, hook and eye closures, and cages for marbles and cabochons. This is a great book for beginners and a excellent reference book. |
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Bead on a Wire by Sharilyn Miller is another good wirework book. This one has some of the basics for making wire findings, from the very simple to the more elaborate, in easy to understand language. No fancy tools are needed either. Sharilyn lives in California and offers workshops on necklaces, bracelets & bangles, pins and rings at her home or abroad. She's the author of several books, as well as DVD's, on wire work. The beads she uses are absolutely gorgeous and the color photos are proof! |
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Susan Lenart Kazmer has over 20 years experience in the jewelry arts and has mastered cold connections. She is famous for using found objects in her work - which I think is oh so very eco-conscious - which brings a very interesting and unique style to her work which is very eye catching. Her latest book is 'Making Connections - A handbook of cold joins for jewelers and mixed-media artists'. This book is stuffed to the binding with gorgeous color photos. It feels almost like a coffee table book than something you would use as a study book. I wouldn't want to get the pages dirty or lose any. |
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And last but not least, is another great book by Tim McCreight, Jewelry - Fundamentals of Metalsmithing. This book is more elaborate than The Complete Metalsmith as it offers a wealth of ideas for the beginning and intermediate metasmith, including lavish photos on pattern, texture, & contour, stone setting, mechanisms & chains, and casting. |
I like all of these books, not just for the aesthetics, but for the insight, wisdom, and knowledge that all of these authors impart. I rarely get rid of any of my books as I enjoy reading, the jewelry arts, and an education. Even if I've read a book several times before, if I am passionate about it, I'll go back to it again and again. Jewelry art and design is a passion of mine and I believe that no education is wasted, and if you are passionate about it, the more the better.
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Charlene Gary
Gray Girl Studios
A schooled jewelry artist, I work from home finding inspiration in the every day. I like color and keeping things simple. I like to read, and write, about jewelry in its many shapes and forms. You can check out my blog at www.graygirlstudios.blogspot.com
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