Handcrafted Wire Findings [Paperback]

I was keen to get this book, being something of a beginner in wire work, plus I fancied making my own findings for jewellery. I was not disappointed. This good-looking 128 page book with coloured pictures of designs on the cover - all of which are fully described in the book - also has coloured pictures on practically every page. The authors include a short section on the tools needed, all fairly basic except for a butane torch, for more advanced techniques and a tumbler, used to polish wire and metal jewellery after the work-hardening has slightly dulled the metal. These two items are not essential to get started with the basic techniques and instructions that follow, but will probably be on your shopping list as you gain experience and want to progress further into the book!
Then we get into the exciting part: from page 26 the authors take us through a series of projects, going from the very basic to the more demanding. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn wire-working and who are looking for a practical workbook to get started. This is an excellent book, with clear instructions and photographs of the stages in each project. I particularly liked the sections on `links and connectors', and `toggle clasps', showing how we can produce unique findings to match or complement our jewellery and which are surprisingly easy to make!

I have been making jewellery for several years now using stringing, simple loops and basic wrapping techniques. I brought this book as an advanced-beginner wire worker looking to take the next steps into the craft, especially as I have recently started trying to make my own findings.

First of all I must commend the layout of this book. It begins with a good outline of the various types of wire, tools and basic techniques needed for the projects to follow. Techniques include making jump-rings, using a butane torch and oxidising using liver of sulphur.

The finding projects themselves are arranged under the sections of Ear Wires (8 Projects), Links and Connectors (10), S-Hook Clasps (4), Hook Clasps (4), Toggle Clasps (6) and Extras (2). Each section is colour coordinated in an aesthetically pleasing way.

Each project begins with a page showing a large clear picture of the finished finding, a list of the materials and tools needed and an approximation of the finished finding size. This is followed by a page or so of instructions with large clear pictures and well written instructions.

After the above you may wonder why I have only awarded this book three stars. Although it is well laid out and nicely presented I feel there is something missing. Most of the projects are very basic, and I feel that I have come across a lot of them from other sources, many of them free. In a book by a jewellery artist as well respected as Denise Peck, I would hope to see some more adventurous and inspiring projects, especially in the 'Links' section. I would also like to see matching catches described alongside some of the clasps.

Another niggle is that a couple of the tools used in the projects are not listed in the tools section. Not so major but it would be nice to see a full description, especially the metal stamps used to create lovely textures, for which I would have liked to have seen a section under 'techniques'. I would also have liked to see the gallery at the back of the book extended beyond two pages, or perhaps even to have seen an example of each finding in use alongside the projects.

All in all this is a lovely looking book, but I would have liked to see it go a bit further. If you are a true beginner and have not seen instructions for s-clasps and the like elsewhere, this book will be great and hopefully be a springboard for your own creativity. However be aware that some of the nicer projects require fusing with rather expensive fine silver wire!

I would recommend going for something like Sara Withers' Encyclopedia of Wire Jewellery, which covers most of what is presented here as well as a whole lot more.

Really NOTHING NEW!

I wish this book would show different and new things.
You can find those items in other books or in the internet/You Tube.
I send it back straigh away.