I was very disappointed with this book. The cover looked interesting and the topic I thought would be an interesting look at techniques of recycling, incorporating etc.. As it happens its about numerous jewellers who use odd, found or recycled stuff in thier work. Some of it is interesting but in my opinion a lot of it is not - a lot of it, again only in my opinion, is highly conceptual and more in the realms of student experimentation art - not anything that would actually be worn or sold in a realistic market.
There are pieces in here that are beautiful and well made, but not enough to warrent my purchasing this book.(If I had flicked through it in a bookshop I wouldn't have bought it)
Some people will like this book, but for those who are looking for substance and technique or material reference, I'd imagine they'd be as disappointed as I was.
I am at uni at the moment, so conceptual work and "thinking outside the box" is very much within my current interest and research - and I still didn't like this book.
The pages are lovely matte bound with an attractive cover but the contents are just not worth it - I'm sorry, I hate giving bad reviews, but this book was kind of pricey.
For those seeking unusual materials and ideas I would recommend the new design & make books - "mixed media jewellery" "non precious jewellery" "jewellery with found objects"....etc.. these books were much more satisfying and informative and also had the all important eye candy that just adds the extra yum factor in a good book like this. (O:
I haven't sent this book back, but I would have done if the postage was refunded! (and if I wasn't a book collector - even ones I don't like that much I find hard to part with)
I don't see the point in beads set in soap bars or human hair wrapped around thread that looks like a mangy string that the vacuum cleaners cloughed up, or shadows that are projected onto the body via an OHP - again, its more sculpture or art that, isn't it?
A child can string macaroni cheese onto a bit of hemp -that doesn't make it clever because its so "avante" - or stringing leather through neon bottle caps and hanging as a pendant.... I just don't think its that creative.
Anyway, only 1star from this reviewer.