Jewelry Studio: Wire Wrapping

I, like others, bought this book based largely on the lovely bracelet on the cover. If you really like that bracelet and want to do endless variations on it, this book could work for you. My main reason for taking off stars here is that, although the projects are reasonably numerous for the thickness of book, they are mostly variations on a theme. Nearly all are bracelets (and don't get me wrong, I love bracelets and wear them almost daily and am happy to see that a lot of these are NOT cuffs). You will see a few non-bracelet projects in the "Look Inside" preview but those over-represent the number of non-bracelet items included in the book. And most of the bracelets look very similar. I'm sure part of that is the wire chosen by the author, which is generally silver and gold.With regards to materials, of course you always have the option to buy and use different materials. If you are a beginner, you may want to work with something cheaper until you get your technique down. (I have chosen to work with copper, for example.) But there are intricacies of working with other metals, especially in terms of oxidation, polishing, patinas, skin discoloration and potential remedies, etc. that are not discussed in this book, so I am already having to refer to other sources. At least I know that these things are issues. But if you don't, you would end up stuck with potentially some ugly, atmospherically-altered pieces and not know what went wrong. If you want to try to make these designs with copper, I'd also suggest buying a book with more details on how to work with copper. (If you want to work with the same materials as the author, be prepared for a lot of mixed metal pieces.)On to the strengths of this book. As I said, the projects ARE lovely (if a bit repetitive). The photography is excellent, with sharp details even on close-up, tiny details. Someone who is quite skilled took and edited the photos, and that is super helpful. For each project, there are clear, step-by-step instructions, with photos for each step. So it is definitely easy to follow the directions, and that is much appreciated. This level of instruction is probably more suited to beginners or people needing to brush up on their skills (after all, I am new to wire work and I can follow along).Be prepared to buy a lot of tools, but probably you have already done that or are thinking of doing it if you are interested in working with wire. I am not going to decrease my rating because of that, since the same issue would come up with pretty much any book on wire work.Overall, I do like the projects in the book and I especially like the instructions and photography, I just wish there was more variety, and I found the Look Inside preview a bit misleading in that regard, since a wrapped pendant and ring are shown (and these are the only examples of such projects appearing in the book).

I have purchased many wire wrapping books searching for patterns and ideas as well as good instruction. This book has both. The designs are lovely and instructions are extremely clear and supported by good pictures. The pictures of variations made to the basic designs are also very inspiring. I have been able to use the basic skills taught in this book as a jumping off point for making many of my own designs. The instructions are so clear that for some patterns I have invested in sterling and gold filled wires for my first attempt (instead of trying them out first with craft wire).This book could also have been called "Non-frilly Wire Sculpture!" It is much more than the basic "how to make a loop" or "how to wrap a bead". It uses square wire which enables you to actually build a piece of jewelry including bangles from the wire. When made, the pieces are very sturdy and quite lovely. I love the idea of wire sculpture but don't like all the curlycues you find on many of them. These designs can be worn by anyone with every style. I have only two complaints: (1) I wish there are more earring designs in this book, and (2) I wish Linda Chandler and Christine Ritchey had a sequel I could purchase!

Buy this is you want to make bracelets. One ring pattern using a snap in prong setting, one pendant with a rounded bottom, square topped stone and a pair of earrings using 8mm wide patterned wire. The bracelet patterns are good. I just never wear them. The book cones with an insert telling you how to contact if you have problems.

AS DESCRIBED SHIPPED TIMELY.

I received this book quickly and it was in excellent shape.

Not crazy for the design sense here. (Too much like computer components for me..LOL! but to each, our own,) HOWEVER.. the info in this book is given IN WONDERFUL DETAIL..great little thumbnail photos accompany most processes . I've been able to figure out how to make whatever I've tried to make... I'm glad I bought it.

If your looking for something boring, uninformative, poorly organized and disappointing, GO ELESWEHRE. Chandler & Richey have outdone themselves in this amazing, fascinatingly illustrated and documented work. Step by step photographs of projects are detailed and specific. Materials lists from tools to specific items needed to construct their pieces are a joy. Local shops I buy from had not seem it and when I shared it with them, it went on their list of books to order. For me, this work makes what seems complex, look easy and fun. It starts the mind spinning and creating. I bought it sight unseen on the basis of the cover illustration and what I could view on line at Amazon. The cover piece in itself was worth the price for me. When it arived and I began thumbing through it, I knew I had found a book that answered question after question and would become a key resource for my work. KUDOS to Chandler & Richey!!

Just received this a couple weeks ago and can honestly say the author has lived up to expectations. This is not the first I've purchased from this author and I'm sure it won't be the last. The pictorial guide to these projects makes it easy for even a beginner to follow and produce jewelry they can be proud to wear while still having something for the intermediate level craftsman to learn.

This book is not the best on the market about wire wrapping while it gives some info on textured wire I did not know about.The projects are made by using square wire which is unusual. I would only recommend for those who are looking for ideas rather than starting out in wire wrapping (For beginners ASIN:1861088426 Wire Jewelry Masterclass is great).

A great little book. Would have given 5* stars, but often the pics are on e next page to the description of the next move.

I love the projects, haven't try to do any yet, book arrived very quick, in perfect condition, like new. I'm very happy with my purchase.

Great book, full of great instructions and pictures

the book covers all the aspects I wanted to progress my wire wrapping skills when making jewellery, very easy to follow