Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Metal Clay Rings

Not Enough Fingers or Toes

Do you remember playing with that lump of clay as a child; kneading it and then rolling it into a ball? I would pull off a small amount, roll it on a hard surface to create a snake and then form it into a ring. If it was well done, I would keep if, if not so well done, I would give it to my younger sister.

I marvel at the various styles of rings presented in this book by Irina Miech, published by Kalmbach Publishing. All were constructed using silver metal clay PMC3 which comes in lump, syringe, paste, and sheet.

The rings in “Metal Clay Rings” are more than snakes of clay. Their thickness is measured and then the various projects show step by step instructions for finished rings that have been fashioned by various techniques. Some have been rolled and trimmed, others incised or stamped, while others illustrate such techniques as molding. Many are enhanced with CZ and lab-grown stones and dichroic glass.

There is no guess work involved. It was almost like deja vu. Hot or cold weather didn’t deter me. All I needed was my small lump of clay.

What my sister wouldn’t give for one of these delightful metal clay rings.





Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Beading with Gemstones

Valerie MacCarthy

A Gem of a Yard Sale

My visit to my children’s principal’s home one day promised to be quite fortuitous.  He was gathering things together for a yard sale.  The money gleaned would pay the insurance premium at his daughter’s “special needs” school program.

The backyard was filled with all sorts of odds and ends.  A box of sparkling gemstones caught my eye.  Evidently a former beader had donated them for the sale and he hoped they would bring a good price.  There were various shades of coral, tourmaline, amethyst, quartz, amber, etc.  Inasmuch as I have had experience setting and stringing beads and gemstones, I knew this was my treasure trove.

The book “Beading with Gemstones” has been a valuable source of reference for many of my beginning to intermediate beading students.  I have shared this book and many of the gemstones I acquired that lucky day.  The instructions leave no questions unanswered.  The photographs are well focused and a very good list of materials and tools were included in the presentation.  Each project has its own special sparkling allure.

One doesn’t need a yard sale to acquire any of the gemstones.  But, sometimes we do luck-out!






Friday, August 17, 2012

WINNERS

We have two lucky winners in the August contest.  Congratulations to D. Sislen, who won the wonderful Lark Book, "Showcase 500 Necklaces" and B. Etta, winner of the Carol Sharpe beautiful bracelet.  

Making Metal Clay Jewelry

It’s Probably on the Shelf

As I looked over this list of supplies in this book written by Cindy Thomas Pankopf, and published by Kalmbach Publishing, I was overjoyed.

In terms of the tools listed, no problem. I have a deck or two of cards. When I’m thinking about my next book review, the game of solitaire helps me focus. My kitchen cabinet proudly displays my butane torch which I light with quite a dramatic flourish when presenting my crème brule. Freezer paper is ever present for the meats and poultry brought home to languish in the freezer. Striped and multicolored straws rest side by side in the drawer for my grandchildren’s visits. Paper towels are stacked row after row, can’t ever turn away from a sale at Cosco. Oven toaster always plugged in ready to go inasmuch as it was once reserved for bagels. Always plenty of olive oil and hopefully neither I nor it will get rancid before our time. Files, paintbrushes, sandpaper, drill bits, tweezers, and polishing pads are a given in any artist studio.

The above is not a long list and is a fairly inexpensive one. Once you have them all collected, you are ready to go for it.

“Making Metal Clay Jewelry” has a wonderful step by step progression of exercises. The oval loop earrings on page thirty are a great example of an easy but sharp look finished project. The photography is excellent and directions are easy to follow. Very good tips are presented on practically every page.

Pendants, rings, earrings, stone setting, bracelets, necklaces, and beads beckons the metal clay enthusiasts on each and every page of the book. One can have almost immediate gratification when attempting any of the designs. And, you don’t have to worry that you’ll make the kitchen too hot when lighting your oven.



Saturday, August 11, 2012

500 Earrings


Precious Lobes


Lightness, length, movement, suspension, symmetry, etc., are always attributes to take into consideration when designing earrings. No other forms of jewelry are as visible as earrings. They are sculptural manifestations of a designer’s and wearer’s mindset.

“500 Earrings” published by Lark Books, is a wonderful compilation of unique and interesting forms, concepts, and presentation.

Ear piercing was something I had never considered until I was in my late 20’s. Since my budget was limited, I could never envision owning a pair of Tami Dean’s Glitz Kick earrings of 18Kt gold decorated with rainbow pyrite, spinel, and diamonds. My style gravitated to a simple pair with small hoops and a most uncomfortable clip on mechanism.

Sometimes I would wear a conventional pair of pearl earrings, decorated with a faux jewel dangling on a jump ring. Nothing was as striking as Deborrah Dahr’s Red, White, and Blue earrings created using 22kt, and 18kt gold, lapis lazuli, garnet, and pearl.

Today, my style has changed, but alas not my jewelry budget. What I would give to own Masako Onodera’s “The Mating Season.” I have a long neck and the sterling silver, freshwater pearl, polyethylene cord earrings would surely enhance any of my ensembles

Hsiao Chia-Pei “Change” with its aluminum, dye and anodized material sieve like shape might fit well into my stash of kitchen utensils.

Alan Revere’s shield like shaped earrings “Pearl Reflections” brings out the battle cry in me.

Tessa E. Richard’s earrings could be worn as a hat if one was so inclined.

The earrings featured in “500 Earrings” should convince a designer that “once you get the hand of it,” anything goes.





Sunday, August 5, 2012

The Complete Book of Jewelry Making

By Carles Codina

Not Just Another Juice Table Book

This Lark Books publication is heavy with material and not just weight. I studied with Heikki Seppa for many years. He had retired as the “master” in the Fine Arts Metal Department at Washington University in St. Louis. During our sessions together, his adage was “learn one, teach one.”

Carles Condina does just that. He learned his lessons well. In this well documented and illustrated book, there are lessons that he shares to be studied and learned by all.

I used to marvel at the ingenious hinges, pin back, and latches that I would examine on many pieces of jewelry. How does one construct, place, and design these elements to do their trick. How does one become “unhinged?”

My strong recommendation is to get your gloves on this book. It contains invaluable information on many of the skills needed to become a heavyweight in the jewelry making arena.



Thursday, August 2, 2012

Winner of "1000 Rings" contest

AJ Henry is the winner of the Larks Book Contest, which ended July 31, 2012. Congratulations AJ.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

500 Necklaces

The Juice Table Book

Many of the marvelous Lark Books are described as “coffee table books.” They are great conversation tomes. Since I don’t drink coffee wherever I sit or recline, what should I call them?

Finally the inspiration came to me. On glass table surrounded by clutter, a brimming crimson glass of cranberry juice stood out. Thus I labeled my table “The Juice Table.”

“500 Necklaces” is a beautifully produced book to sit on any “juice table,” to be picked up, contemplated, and examined page by page. Juried by Marjorie Schick, this was quite a demanding task. She had to consider over 5000 entries. I believe she was very astute in her final 500 choices.

The necklace form of adornment goes back to the Neolithic Age, around 15,000 BC. There are many reasons given for making necklaces such as “demonstrations of power, love, status, religion, and wealth, etc.” My reasons are pure and simple. I create because the act gives me tranquility and happiness.

The materials utilized in the featured group ranges from the radiant gold, fine silver, and wonderful gemstones, to the innovative use of steel, silver, and hosiery (now I know not to discard anything,) by Sarah Turner. Christine Bossler’s neckpiece tickled my fancy. Yael Krakowski “Elephant Necklace” with glass beads and knitted cotton thread related to my interest in textile techniques for jewelry. Dallae Kang captivating squared box-like shaped structure was tension set, fabricated and hand cut, making use of sterling silver, and acrylic.

These are just a few of the presentations that drew me into the book. They all project a wonderful glass filled to the brim with creativity. I believe “500 Necklaces” is guaranteed to quench your thirst with inspiration. This is another winning “Juice Table Book.”