Getting Started Making Wire Jewelry and More

Even though Woven Wire Jewelry was more advanced than this great beginners book I had to add it to my library. My favorite projects are the spiral bracelet and knot rings. There are many great things for the beginner and above to learn. Great pictures and facts about tools, sources, safety and products. Projects are easy to follow and have a great range to choose from for a "getting started" book. Another great book from Linda and Christine. I anxiously await the next book.

Great title for a good beginner's book on wire jewelry: It really is all about getting started with this marvelous craft. The authors provide a comprehensive text on this subject, including how to shop for beads, materials and tools, safety issues, and basic techniques such as jump rings, head pins and coils plus making your own clasps, chandelier earrings, a spiral bracelet, and much more. Linda Chandler and Christine Ritchey cover a lot of ground in just 88 pages, offering great advice and instruction as well as close-up, step-by-step photography showing you how to do what they do. I like the Bead and Pearl Bracelet project featured on the cover, and the knot rings as well as the clever handmade toggle clasp. Recommended by Sharilyn Miller, author of Bead on a Wire.

I had read that this book was a good resource for beginning beaders. That was not an exaggeration. Since i have only been beading a short time, this book was a huge help. The author goes completely from wire to tools to how to make your own findings. The directions are very explicit and there are even pictures for every single step just in case the directions arent clear enough. The photos are very clear and there are some beautiful ideas in the finished products. Nothing over complex and very good tips for mistakes or inevitable problems.

Do I need another book about making wire jewelry? Linda Chandler and Christine Ritchey co-authored the highly-rate "Woven Wire Jewelry". This is another 5-star book. So I bought the book. Chandler and Ritchey don't start with wire and tools; they take you to the supply section at the bead store then tell you about wire, necessary tools and bead sizes. Next is a primer about safety and posture. The lessons start with the essentials: jump rings, loops, head pins, eye pins and goes into bead wraps, ear wires, coils and findings. There's also a lesson on wrapping briolettes (YES!) and simple wire rings. As a bonus, they includes a wire-embellished greeting card. Every technique has beautiful step-by-step photographs and jewelry showing the technique. There are hints showing inevitable mistakes and tips on how to correct them. This is not only an excellent primer for beginners; it's also a good manual for more experienced wire-jewelers to teach others.