The Jewelry Maker's Design Book: An Alchemy of Objects: An Alchemy of Objects Paperback – January 1, 2014

I've been a Deryn Mentock fan for a while and have taken several of her workshops in person and in fact will be taking another one in the coming week. As a teacher in person, Deryn is always organized and has everything timed out perfectly. She's very professional. The Jewelry Maker's Design Book: An Alchemy of Objects, her first book and I hope not her last, is also well-organized and professional while still being personal and personable. She covers all of the basic information and how-to's without getting bogged down in the basics.It is refreshing to have a book that is not just for beginners, though a beginner would certainly find it understandable, useful, and informative. The many Design Tips and Journal Notes were the highlight of the book for me. They pull it out of the realm of 'recipe' books and give you insight into the thought that goes into the design. (And speaking of Journals, if you ever have a chance to see Deryn's journal in person - we see glimpses of it in the photos here - be sure to look! It is a thing of beauty and just what every mixed-media artist's journal should look like, in my opinion!)I gave this book five stars because it gives you a taste of what taking a class from Deryn in person is like, it is full of ideas and of course, contains lots of eye candy as well as solid techniques and designs. Also, the book is not just the designs from her hands on classes. This is new work, made for the book. Yayyyyy! A book by Deryn for when I need a design nudge and some inspiration!

I would highly recommend this book. I have taken online classes from Deryn and her teaching style and jewelry making techniques are wonderful. She explains things quite clearly. Her photography is also quite wonderful. If you follow her blog or her on FB, you have seen lots of her beautiful work in amazing vignettes; and, the photographs in the book are pure Deryn. They are so delightful, they lure you in to wanting to make every project you see. I love how she incorporates "found" objects into her work and how many of her pieces have an asymmetrical quality; which to me enhances its interest. Congratulations Deryn! I enjoyed my first read through the book and will enjoy reading it over and over, and working on the many projects you have introduced.

I read the reviews before I purchase, I try to do that to gauge if the book will be useful. I did not find any off-putting religious symbols as was the consensus of the reviews. The author certainly didn't insist that you use exactly the same pieces. As a matter of fact, that would be very difficult as she uses vintage and estate jewelry bits and pieces. I also read that the pieces on the cover were not included in the book. Not true. They are all there. There are multiple necklaces on the manikin that are in layers. The earrings on the left are also included. They just don't show them layered in the book. I would think that would make them difficult to identify and work with. I love this style of jewelry. You can make pieces that are always one-of-a-kind which is really what I enjoy making. The fun is how you put the pieces together. I find a lot of inspiration and it makes me want to scatter everything out to figure out what I want to make next.

I absolutely love this book. Not only it contains the most beautiful pictures and amazing pieces by this talented artist. She shows you step by step how to do the most basic techniques to recreate her pieces and suggestions on how to improve on your own design. Deryn's ability to explain designs, color palettes and how to rework your own treasures into wearable works of art is stellar and that is a euphemism.Here you will find guidance to find your own path to originality as well as practical business advice. This book is invaluable to the artist that wants to break in the jewelry design work and it is an absolute must have for the assemblage jewelry maker. Five stars all the way!

Great book full of helpful tips and interesting ideas.

I have many Jewelry Design Books in my studio that sit on a shelf. This book stays on my bench for all the inspiration and "how to" instructions. I have taken several on-line classes with this artist and she is the best. Instructions are clear and easy to use for the new artist and many new ideas for the more experienced. The photos are beautiful! This book will give you the motivation to find your OWN creative side. Way to go Deryn!

I did look at a few pages, but still thought there would be more technique instruction. This book has instructions for making someone else's designs. If this is what you're looking for, and you like the styles shown, then this is the book for you. I'm more interested in perfecting some techniques and learning new for my own designs.

My heart races every time I open this book. It is packed with amazing tips, photos and instructions. It thoroughly covers the tools you need to design fabulous pieces. I love the vintage and religious pieces used in the designs! If that style isn't your "thing," if you are reading this book, you should be creative and original enough to figure out your own style. This book is well worth the money!

Lots of great ideas!

Thank you for excellent service, delivery, and price! I shall certainly order from you again and can recommend you, too.

Waited a long time for this , and it doesn't disappoint ! Having done a workshop with Deryn , I'm very happy with how concise , inspiring and informative her book is too .

Great in all aspects! Thank you!

Very useful.