The Metalsmith's Book of Boxes and Lockets

I've been waiting to purchase this book for a very long time and finally have it in my hands. I did a quick scan through, and it has such amazing photos and detailed instructions. Highly recommend this book for anyone doing metalsmithing.

Moving on from Jewelry: Fundamentals of Metalsmithing, McCreight has produced an excellent reference book for the metalsmith. Certainly not intended for a beginner, this book is inspirational in the examples shown, beautiful photography, clear consice instructions and more than adequate step by step photographs of some of the techniques. This is more about techniques used than a project based book. Even if you are a beginner, the photographs/gallery alone are worth buying this book for so that you can aspire to create pieces on a par with some of the artists represented in this book. I will never look at a box or locket in the same way.

I found the section on hinges to be worth the price of the book, and another section on catches is almost as good. Many other topics are covered as well. The color photos illustrate what can be done with the techniques and materials being discussed. A wide range of styles is portrayed, and not everyone would find all of them to be attractive, but that really does not matter. You can create something in your own style using the techniques described. This is a reference work, but I also consider this an instructional book with a number of projects anyone can pursue if he or she owns the basic tools for metalworking.

After having enjoyed his "Jewelry: Fundamentals of Metalsmithing", I decided I definitely wanted to purchase Tim McCreight's book on boxes and lockets. I had no doubt that this book would be as informational and interesting as the previous book, and I was not wrong. This well-written book excels not only in its specialized instruction in hinges and catch mechanisms, but also in its foundation of basic and intermediate metalsmithing. In addition, the wealth of color photographs of works by many other artists in addition to the author provides a veritable trove of inspiration for one's own original pieces. The appendices provide helpful information and numbers pertaining not only to fabricating boxes and lockets, but to all silver and goldsmithing in general. I must concur with the general consensus that McCreight's book are all essential resources for the metalsmith.

Tim has gathered beautifully photographed examples of remarkably intricate and creative boxes and lockets. However, rather than intimidate the novice, his instructions are so clear that one can turn out a modest success quickly. This book is to box making what Stark's book is to chains.

As usual, Tim McCreight has created an awe inspiring (and inspirational) book with great direction, beautiful photos, unique creativity, and I can't WAIT to get my own copy in my hot little hands !