Wire Jewelry Masterclass: Wrapped, Coiled and Woven Pieces Using Fine Materials

I think I am probably never going to be fully satisfied with any particular book on wire jewelry, but I do like this one a lot. (I think my strategy is just going to be ordering a whole bunch of books that excel at certain things and try to cobble together knowledge of the subject that way. Hopefully I do not end up with too many gaps.)In terms of being an actual book (as opposed to an evaluation of the projects, which will come later), this is very nice. The photography is lovely and clear throughout. The steps of each project are illustrated with individual photos and matching instructions. (The photos are kind of small, but I guess I didn't notice so much because I work with a lighted magnifier most of the time, so I could just slide the book under the magnifier if I needed to see better detail.) Every image is in full color and the paper is nice and sturdy. You may have to bend the spine to keep the book open while you work (this is not an issue for me).A variety of metal finishes are used in this book. I very much like the inclusion of copper, as that is what I have chosen to work with. (I decided I was going to learn everything about one metal, from wire to stamping/embossing on up to copper clay.) But don't feel limited. The bracelet on the cover, for example, could be made with silver or gold or some base metal if that is what you prefer. There is a small amount of information about oxidation and such. I am definitely a fan of the idea of using hardboiled eggs instead of liver of sulfur. (I have a PhD in chemistry and I am averse to using poorly-defined mixtures developed by alchemists. Not only is there a flammability issue with liver of sulfur, but it can have a short shelf life in lump form and the actual mixture isn't very precise, which could lead to results that are not reproducible.)Moving on: The book is divided into sections with projects of increasing difficulty. One thing I definitely like is the variety. There are necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, but there are also simple clasps and chains (few clasps and chains, but still, they are there). There are also instructions for making your own earring findings (which I may try if I can track down some niobium or titanium wire). So following this book, you will be able to make lots of different things and it has the potential to keep you busy for awhile.The one criticism I might level is that a fair number of the projects involve taking tiny wire (say, 28 gauge) and wrapping it around fatter wire. This does give some pretty neat results, but later projects in the book start to resemble one another quite a bit.One note: The author lives in the UK and so most of the suppliers are in the UK. But, these days, it is not hard to do an internet search and find what you need. I actually buy the majority of my wire and tools here on Amazon. (I am just a beginner and pretty happy with what I have purchased so far. I reserve the right to become picky about things later on.)Overall, though, this is a lovely book with lots of useful information and I am glad I bought it!

Masterclass is the most comprehensive, descriptive, user-friendly book that I’ve found on wire working!Here are just some of the top quality features that impressed me:Concise, detailed information, directions, and pictures in preparation for using for tools, materials, findings, cold connections, and a resource list of online suppliers included.Tutorials for projects are in both standard and metric measure with information to increase/decrease size of finished projects.Sequential skill building is taught and utilized in a variety of skill appropriate projects and projects are progressive, providing growth and challenge for all skill levels.The gallery pictures of projects per chapter includes an itemized list of skills utilized to complete each item.The basic well-chosen, project selection is versatile allowing for creativity to alter or expand designs for personal taste.Alternative color and metal option pictures are included with each project.All projects have large, sharp, close-up step-by-step colored photosto coincide with the detailed and explicit text on the page for easy visual reference.I highly recommend Masterclass and feel that it is the best available resource for learning, practicing, implementing and personalizing wire jewelry techniques and projects. The author has even included her contact information, so that readers can get their individual questions answered! . Masterclass is a complete jewelry class in book form!

This is the perfect book if you are starting to wire wrap. It is step by step with instructions and pictures of each step.. I can go at my own slow pace and I don't miss anything. I recommend this book to any one just starting. It build on and reinforces each new skill.

Book purchased used. It was in excellent condition.It was less expensive to buy used. And it's good for the environment.I've purchased from this seller before and I'm always Happy.

This book is a fairly detailed guide to a wide variety of wire wrapped jewelry techniques. There are instructions for making your own findings/components like clasps, earwires, bead dangles, headpins, and even a bead cone and a brooch pin. For me, this was the big selling point. I want to make my own components to save money and open up my options for personal style.The projects are grouped from easy to advanced, and include rings, bracelets, pendants, and necklaces. Within the projects, there are instructions for even more techniques. As someone else mentioned, while some of the projects may not match your personal style, they will provide a lot of inspiration to add to your own style.I am in love with the lace filigree-inspired cuff and can't wait to have the skill to make it.I love that this book uses a simplified list of tools and even an alternative way to oxidize metal without liver of sulfur (eggs! whodathunk?). Some books require endless lists of tools that really eat up your wallet. On the other hand, I do wish she had provided a little more detail on selecting tools and differences in materials.

Lovely, lovely designs that show the author has a real talent, the book is largely designed pretty well. A couple of issues, though, make it harder to follow the techniques. First, the photographs don't show the specific detail clearly enough. Sometimes the image is taken from the wrong angle and it's impossible to see where the wire goes, and sometimes it is just too difficult to distinguish the wire that the instructions refer to. The instructions by themselves are not always described clearly enough to be understood without the images.The second issue is that although the design of the book is pretty easy to follow, and honestly much better than most step by step books I've used, a real blooper is that the numbered paragraphs are laid out in four columns, reading from top to bottom, while the corresponding numbered images go across the page left to right. This creates a weird dissonance; makes it a challenge to find the right image to match what you're reading. You can't just glance at the image while reading, you have to stop reading and find the picture.Apart from that, some lovely ideas and nice ways of doing things once you've figured it out. I've learned some real skills using this book.

Where do I begin, there are not enough words to describe this book. This is the best book on Wire Work by a British Author. Like the previous reviewer said it is not for a beginner as you will need to know the basics such as wire wrapping. However, don't be put off as the book is divided into 3 sections - Beginner, Intermediate and Advance. If you want to take your Wire Working skills to another level then this is the book for you, the designs are just fab! I have been making jewellery for 4 years but decided to start from the Beginner chapter as I just want to create the beautiful designs.Another reason I like this book is the fact that you can change the designs to suit your style which is what I have done with the lariat necklace I am currently working. Loads of my fellow designers have bought this book, the Author now has a facebook page where people are free to leave messages and share their versions in the album page. For those new to Wire Work I will suggest any book by Linda Jones, very easy to master and will get you on the road to using and understanding Abby Hook's designs.HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

I have made almost all of the projects in this book and would recommend it to anyone as the techniques you learn will increase your skills as a jewellery maker 10 fold. I have used what I learned here and gone on to create my own designs and techniques based on what was shown in this book. The pictures showing each step of the project are excellently done and show all the detail required. I found they were invaluable in helping me to complete the more complex projects when I became confused by the written instructions. (Confusion was my fault, I'm better visually). All in all, I think this book is a revelation. Beautifully illustrated, with loads of useful reference info. Also shows you how to make all of your own findings from clasps to ear hooks, which will save you a fortune in the long run. Truly a must have for all budding jewellery makers. Cannot recommend it highly enough.

I have many books on wire jewellery and this is by far the best! Although I would say it is prob better to have at least some previous knowledge I do think that a hands on beginner would fare ok as the book is written extremely well with great detail and lots of pictures!I have not done any of the projects yet but after having read the book I have already learnt some new things that will be invaluable to wire working. Also there are other tutorials on her website available to purchase that are not in the book so if after finishing the book and still not being confident with designing your own pieces of work then you can always download some more projects! Plus eni oken (someone she learnt from) has a site where many artists work are available as a tutorial to purchase once you have built up your skills.It is well worth the price, don't hesitate!

The book starts with easy projects and advances more and more with each new project - perfect for practicing the important wire wrapping techniques.I still consider myself a bloody beginner and found a good share of easy to follow projects in there and look forward to do the more advanced ones :) this books is highly recommendable for beginner even if the later projects are more complex.Finally a book that deals also with layered wire wrapping (Gorgon Pendant). I have been looking for a good tutorial or book dealing with this kind if technique, but so far this is the only good one I could find.