Handcrafted Wire Findings: Techniques and Designs for Custom Jewelry Components

Before I pre-ordered Handcrafted Wire Findings by Denise Peck and and Jane Dickerson about 3 months before it came out, I hesitated for all of about 30 seconds. I wasn't sure it would cover anything I haven't already done or tried. However, it seemed like a good book to have in my ever expanding book collection. When the book arrived last week, I was pleasantly surprised at its usefulness and wished it had been written about 5 years ago when I first started trying to make my own wire findings.The book starts out with an intro explaining what findings are and types of findings. The last paragraph explains my personal motivation for making my own findings: continuity for the piece of jewelry. It's difficult to find the perfect finding for each and every project. The 2nd reason is cost effectiveness. Not only are findings less expensive to make yourself, but you reduce the amount of inventory you have to keep on hand.After the intro is a lesson on wire basics: material, sizes, hardness types, and shape.The next section is on tools, which have been divided into general, pliers, hammering, fusing and flameworking, and finishing. The tool section is followed by techniques. Techniques covered include how to use a wire gauge (which is surprisingly counterintuitive), flush cutting, straightening wire, hammering, using a micro torch, quenching, balling wire, fusing, annealing, coiling, spiraling, making and using jump rings, making head pins, making ear wires, loops, piercing, and oxidizing.The first project section is all about Ear Wires. They are easy and perfect for beginners. Eight different ear wire designs are taught, including a hoop style, a couple post styles, and several variations of the French wire that are easy to do, but so awesome looking. Two of the ear wire styles use a micro torch, but if you don't want to use a torch, they would look fine without the balled end.The second chapter covers 10 projects worth of Links and Connectors. The projects range from the very streamlined and simple to decorative hammered, stamped or twisted wire. Five of the projects use a micro torch.The third chapter is all about S-Hook Clasps. They take a basic shape and show some amazing possibilities with this utilitarian shaped finding. Two of the four projects use the mirco torch to ball the ends of the s-hooks.The fourth chapter covers four different styles and techniques for hook clasps. Two projects use the micro torch to ball the ends.The fifth chapter might be my favorite because it teaches six different styles of toggle clasps. I love toggles, but hate to pay for them because they are usually expensive and it's often difficult to find just the right one for the rest of the design. If you make your own, both problems are solved. One of the toggles, called Asian toggle clasp, is so simple to make, but absolutely brilliant design. Four of the clasps use a micro torch to fuse rings or ball wire ends. One fuses balls of silver to the surface.Last, but not least, an Extras section with two projects: a ribbon bail and a knot spacer. The ribbon bail is gorgeous and something I would totally use. The beauty of it is it never has to look exactly the same. The knot spacers is often referred to a love knot and is something I've always wanted to try.Overall, the book is gorgeous, instructions clear, and the step by step photographs are crisp and make sense. I said it before, but I have to say it again, I really wish this book was written about five years ago when I was first trying to make my own wire findings. It would have saved me much trial and error and given me a fresh look at what one can accomplish with wire. Beginners will have no problems getting great results with this book and there are some fun new ideas for more seasoned wire workers.A note about the micro torch: You don't have to use a micro torch to get amazing results with wire or with the projects in this book. However, these little torches are easy and fun to use, not expensive, and ultimately in not intimidating. These are the same torches cooks use on creme brulee. I had 7th and 8th graders using micro torches on copper and brass. They did great and no one got burned. If 13 and 14 year olds can do it, you can too.

I'm always wary of buying craft how-to books without seeing them first. About half the time, I'm disappointed in the book and in myself for succumbing to the temptation.This is not one of those times. My current skill level is that I own some hammers and a block, and have turned out a few okay-looking pieces, probably due to luck as much as skill. I've taken a soldering course (but have yet to do anything with it) and have used a MAPP torch a few times. In other words, I have a few of the skills needed for the projects in the book, but none of the skills for turning out the professional-looking pieces in the pictures. I need a book that will help me fill the gap, and this is it.I'm impressed that many of the instructions in the introduction are repeated in the book. . .seems the authors are well aware that many people don't have the patience fo reading introductions. I'm impressed that procedures are well thought out and presented clearly. I'm most impressed that the authors didn't skimp on pictures or instructions for the kinds of steps and details that other books assume you'll figure out on your own. I'm also impressed that there are many 'secrets' hidden in the directions -- the kinds of things you often learn in a class but seldom in a book. I am comfortable that there's enough information in this book to help me turn out really nice pieces that look about as good as those in the pictures. That's exactly what I buy a book for.Best of all: I'm now unafraid to begin working on these projects. I feel ready.Now for an important detail. I will admit that if I find copy that is not well written, pictures that are mislabled, chunks of instructions missing, misspellings and typos, that tends to affect the credibility of the authors. I have a bit of a chip on my shoulder when it comes to buying expensive craft books that I later realize were hurriedly slapped together, or assume a higher skill and experience level than I have. If there are any editing problems in this book, I haven't found them yet.Good job, ladies!

This book goes beyond what I am wanting to do as a beginner, but it also covers where I want to end up if I find I am good at this jewelry making. For now I am wanting to know how do some very simple soldering, like soldering a jump ring so pieces cannot slip off a charm bracelet. Was also looking for info and how to's on fasteners like the closures to hold necklaces, and bracelets on. I have lost so many pieces because the fasteners were no of a good quality. This book is definitely going to help me with that.Of course it cover wire basics, tool and techniques for all kinds of findings from ear wires , all kinds of clasps and links and connectors. A bit on ribbon bail and knot spacers is included and a list of resources.I love old costume jewelry and have lots of pieces in need of the kinds of repairs that are covered in this book. This book is just what I was looking for. I did end up going to a store nearby that had over 30 different books on any and every kind of jewelry making you can imagine. I went so I could look through the books as I was not sure exactly what I needed and did not want to end up buying several books that when they came in the mail where not what I needed after all. So am glad I did my research finding that a great book on findings and how to do the basic soldering I want was all I really needed to know how to do for now. I feel I found the perfect book for my needs and am delighted that if I choose to make my own ear wires and a few other fancier wire wraps for my findings later this book will take me there. If you are wanting to make your own findings I recommend this book above all others I have found to date.

I luv this book. Instructions written very clearly, so easy to follow. Pictures are great.I wanted a book that would help me add to my repetoire of wire links & clasps. This fit the bill for me.forI would recommend this book based on my experience.

A beautifully illustrated book with so many ideas for cheaply making your own findings (things you'd otherwise buy from a craft store - such as earring wires, hooks and clasps). From wire basics and tools to techniques and designs, this has to be one of the most useful and reader friendly books on the subject. I am now able to save money and release my inner creative!

bien exliqué .. bien sûre faut co9mprendre l'anglais un peu.. mais ne trouvant rarement ce que je cherchait en Français je me suis mis e a acheter en anglais car on retrouve beaucoup plus d'info dans cette langue et comme les même termes reviennet souvent .. un bon dictionnaire et des sites de traduction on en viens a bout .. de plus bien imagés ca aident énormément ...

Definitely for early beginners. I browsed it, set it aside and have never used. Frustrating that most of these books do not show you pics of the overall projects to make it easier to decide which ones to get.

Fast delivery by amazon as always. Good covers and binding to the book. Nice glossy large pictures with clear instructions. A good addition to your crafting book collection.