Description:
First of all, some facts:
Full title: "Wirework - An Illustrated Guide To The Art Of Wire Wrapping"
Author: Dale "Cougar" Armstrong
Publisher: Interweave
Pages: 128
current price: $22,95 (around 18 EUR)
Review:
I never thought I would ever buy a book on jewelry making. All things before, I have learned online searching free information and buying a few tutorials. But the preview I saw just convinced me. You can take a look at this preview here
So now let's get back to topic. This book is not for beginners. It does not teach basic techniques, i.e. Dale Armstrong assumes you know how to bind square wire or how to use a pin vise, etc.
But I guess a beginner wouldn't buy this book anyway, so this is just OK.
"Wirework" gives the reader a nice choice of projects: pendants, earrings, rings and bangles.
The instructions are clear, the pictures are good and very often (but not always) self-explanatory. In some cases an additional step between two shown ones would have been nice (I can't give an example this is just some strange feeling I have).
The tools that are used are quite common, so no buying of special tools needed, even though Dale Armstrong shows some special tools in the first chapter. (3-step pliers or bail-making pliers...)
Besides the projects, there are also nice introductions to wire gauges and tempers and some tools (basic + special).
The chapters start with some general words on the chapter's topic. General ring sizing tips, bracelet clasps, etc.
Dale Armstrong uses square and half-round wire in different tempers. All projects recommend square wire, and almost all of them also need half-round. There are very few projects that might also work in round wire (although I know that there are wireworkers who can set cabochons in round wire - it is usually done with square wire).
The "Sparkle Earrings" might work with round wire, but you have to omit the twisting.
This book does not stick to beads only, or cabochons only, it shows projects for all kinds of stones.Even snapsets with faceted stones are used, which I had not seen often before. Snapsets are a fun and easy way to get a professional look, although it's sometimes considered cheating ;-)
What I really like about this book are those projects that can be combined to finished designs, The "Chevron Base Bracelet" is only a basic bracelet that can be embellished just like the wireworker wants - or with the "Ornate Cabochon Bracelet Topping". To the "Drop Necklace Base" only some simple beads can be added - or the "Gemstone Drops for Attachment"...
Another thing I like: when it comes to mentioning measurements, they are not only shown in inch but also in the metric system.
The project names:
Rings:
Free-form Orbit Ring
Crystal Wave Ring (a variation of the commonly known wave or weave ring)
Filigree Pearl Ring (this is project that made me buy this book. I saw two pictures of these rings and I fell in love)
Bracelets:
Chevron Base Bracelet
Ornate Cabochon Bracelet Topping (part of the cover project, stunning piece)
Beads All Around Clasp Bangle
Earrings:
Angel Chandeliers (cute chandeliers with beads)
Gem Drops (made with faceted gemstones)
Sparkle Earrings (a big part of this project can be found in the preview. This project also shows the use of snapsets)
Pendants/Necklaces:
Mixed Wire Cabochon Fish
Orbit Prong Gemstone Pendant
Drop Necklace Base
Gemstone/Cabachon Drop for Attachment
Neck Collar
Bonus Project: Filigree Flower
Besides the tutorials, there are always pictures of variations and some design ideas.
Recommendation? Yes, if you are intermediate or better.
Thanks for posting this! I have seen this book advertised, but never really looked at it or considered buying it. This is an excellent review.
Arya
Thank you for the review. I started wire wrapping using Dale Armstrong's Jewel School Videos (which I think are great for beginners). I had seen the preview of her book and have been very curious. Very nice review.
Tara
Thanks for such a timely and complete review. Very helpful, especially to those of us who buy books on line and can't flip through the pages first.
JKay Jewelry
http://www.jkollmann.etsy.com
Hallelujah! A book that is not aimed at beginners at last. I can't thank you enough, when people ask you what to get for christmas, I can never think - now I know! Thanks!
Thank you for this review! Living in a small town I'm not able to run down the street and flip through before a purchase either. I was considering this book and it's nice to know it's a good one :o)
Dana
I've been lucky enough to have taken a full day's class with Dale "Cougar" Armstrong and when I purchased her book, have to say that it is just like being in class with her (in person!). I also have the Jewel School DVD's (not the beading one, just the 2 wire DVD's) and would highly recommend them to anyone that is interested in learning her techniques.
Like kasi1983 states above, this is definitely NOT a book for beginners (I HATE books that treat you like you haven't a clue what your doing, yet they state the project is 'advanced').
Of note, many years ago Dale put out a design called "Anything Cocktail Ring" through the Wire Artist Jeweller Magazine Dec 04/Jan 05 issue(no longer being published, but you can order back issues)-- the base for this SAME ring is called "Filigree Pearl Ring" - the only difference is what you do with the wires on the 'face' of the ring. I have always wanted to learn how to make the Anything Cocktail Ring and now that I have Dale's book with instructions for the Filigree Pearl Ring, I've found there is so many different styles of rings you can make, just from this one "base".
I highly recommend the WireWork book to anyone -- it's WELL worth your money!
Beth
maltesergr8 ;)
Thank you all for your nice comments, and especially to Beth for these nice additions. When I read the instructions of the filigree ring I immedeately had to think about a standard cabochon ring which starts with the same basic steps. (And which I really love to make, so I will make some filigree rings soon *g*)
I just thumbed through the book at the book store and was not impressed by the jewelry designs, especially since the book is directed toward more advanced students. The use of the little coils EVERYWHERE seemed an unimaginative way to deal with wires. I realize that the book could have excellent instructions even though one is not crazy about every design. Will the book be worthwhile for the instructions about how to build a project? Is there a possibility that one could change projects, or make variations?
Barbur
It's hard not to be subjective when it comes to designs. I myself did like the designs - but it's a matter of taste.
The instructions helped me with making my first bangle ever and with making properly mirrored earrings.
I liked the design variations shown besides the projects, because you can see, you don't have to follow the instructions too strictly.
If you have good ideas about finishing the wires without coils everywhere (I agree that somestimes it's just a bit too... let's say - ornamental...) you could maybe share them - I guess we all are eager to see :)
I just borrowed this book from my local library and I am just in aw of all the wonderful work in the book. Now I just need to get some wire and try my hand at it. I wish I were able to take a live class from Dale. Maybe some day I will.
First: a whole-hearted recommendation for Dale "Cougar" Armstongs' 'WIREWORK'and second: excellent review kasi1983. I purchased the book almost as soon as it came out and very glad that I have it in my library.
I would, respectfully, disagree with the tone of the comments by 'barbur' and add an exclamation to kasi1983 additional comments.
This book is an excellent resource for any wirewrangler, it is clear and precisely presented with complete instructions and well photographed. Very similar to Dale's work which is precise and tight. Her twisted coils are recognized as a signature for her work. Each of the projects could be utilized as an inspirational springboard for one's own creations.
Dear Kasi1983,
What beginner's skills does one require to do the projects from this book? Being able to do the projects in it is one of my jewelry making goals. Have you worked through her beginner's DVD's, and do you know what tools and materials she uses in them? I live in a small town in Israel, and have to get my supplies from the States when I visit annually. Looking forward to hearing from you,
Riki
Dear Kerstin,
Thank you for your prompt reply. I will be working through Dale's Jewel School DVDs before attempting the book. It looks as if I have all the tools already, and need to learn to wrap Cabochons.
I appreciate your help,
Have a great day,
Riki
Thanks, this is great information for us wireworkers. I am always looking for new ideas and new tecniques.
thanks
Beth