Simple Soldered Jewelry & Accessories: A Crafter's Guide to Fashioning Necklaces, Earrings, Bracelets & More

I am a designer myself, and I find that I am always on the lookout for new books which will help me to stretch my creativity in the jewelry design area. This superfun and fascinating book, which emphasizes a style of jewelry making which is incredibly popular at the moment, namely soldering small framed accessories such as necklaces, rings, a charm bracelet, and even some sweet household decorations, is well photographed and nicely laid out. It is easy to follow in a step by step manner which a beginner can understand in a flash, which is a great boon to any sort of reader who is interested in this popular type of soldered jewelry. I personally have a great love of the look of soldered jewelry and have gone so far as to take a stained glass class locally (all that was offered at the time) to try and learn how to use some of things required when you solder. It was really helpful. This book is equally as helpful, if I had to compare the two, with a great collection at the beginning of tools and explanations of their uses (you HAVE to understand them ) of the tools--they are not difficult to use, after you get the hang of them! And after the tools, come the author's projects. The projects are nicely conceived, and you have tons to pick and choose from. If you don't like pins, go for boxes! If you want a holiday item, she has those. If you want a fun charm bracelet (see the photo on the cover), the author has one of those for you to try your hand at as well. I liked her use of wire, and her use of paper, and her fabulous etched glass and pearl necklace which totally appealed to me. I give her an A plus on that one. Toward the end of the book, I think the projects get more dramatic. I noted that one, Triple Strand Transformation, was particularly fabulous. The author essentially took a necklace of one style and expanded upon it by using her soldered pieces to make a triple strand chain necklace. I loved the look of the briolettes draped between the soldered plaques. It was extremely elegant. I will enjoy owning this soldering book...it is not my first one, but I think more than one book on this technique is justified and necessary (why not?) and I am delighted to have this book to add to my collection!

This book is simply fabulous! The details and descriptions make a seemingly challenging craft easy to master. The girls at Simply Swank are simply divine! So accessible and personable! True customer service! Check out their website for more goodies and instruction. The DVD that they have provides a ton of practical information on how to solder with ease and I can't wait to try out my new Simply Swank soldering kit to make all the gorgeous jewelry and decorative accessories in the book and more. The possibilities for this new idea are endless. Definitely a great book to have in your collection whether you are a jewelry artist like me or a scrapbooker, or someone who enjoys making decorations, like Christmas ornaments. Many possibilities from this one simple craft!

Ok so I have been soldering projects off and on for years using hand me down equpment and never really taking a class. I think my work is pretty good and so do others who have purchased it! I figured I knew it all already but this book sparked my interest. I was not dissapointed! You can teach an old dog new tricks! The techniques, tools and materials sections gave me a whole new perspective on how to make my soldered creations easier and look even better! Just by changing the type of iron I was using and tip made a huge difference! The innovative designs using unique embellishements jump started my creative juices!! I particularly liked the use of cabochons and other bead materials to create very stylish pieces. I am so tired of all the collaged charms that have flooded the market place, finally some new ideas to use with the stuff I already have in my studio!! To sum it all up wether you are new or an old hand at soldering this book will guide and inspire you to new heights of creativity!

I had taken a class from the author & bought the Simply Solder Art Kit that she sells on her website simplyswank. She is very friendly & talented willing to share all her ideas and techniques. That said, I have been waiting anxiously for this book. It has surpassed my expectations! It is like a reference manual to soldering. While soldering has been around for ages her approach is more for the artist using only safe materials and techniques. Her style is differnt than other solder artists in that it is more modern & contemporary, the jewelry is very stylish and something you can actually wear. Some soldered creatitons are better left as art and not worn (just my oppinion and style choice!) There are also some artsy projects too not just jewelry. The best book I have found for learning how to create soldered jewelry and art. Cant wait for the next book!

This is the book to get if you want to know how to actually make soldered glass jewelry! The first few chapters focus on all the tools & materials what they are made of & how to use them, the next chapters are all about techniques with excellent photos showing step by step how to use the tools. Even finishing techniques to make your pieces look polished! The rest of the book has amazing photos of creative jewelery projects & other decorative items. So much inspiration you will want to make your own projects right away. Lisa had demystified the soldering process and with detailed instructions she makes it easy for you to re-create your own solder art pieces. In the back of the book are glass cutting patterns, a wire alphabet pattern & reproducible clip art to make a Layered Collage Pixie project one of my favorites! This book is a must have for any creative soul looking to try their hand at art soldering.