The Ultimate Wire Jewelry Making Reference Book
Bead on a Wire by Sharilyn Miller
I had heard so many great comments about Sharilyn Miller's Bead on a Wire over the last couple of months that I knew it was just a matter of time before I ended up picking it up. I kept stalling, picking up a couple of other wire-jewelry making books and thinking "I've got these, why do I need another wire-jewelry making book???"
But am I glad I finally caved, dropped the cash and invested, yes INVESTED in Bead on a Wire.
From my first glance, which went from "It's pretty late, I'm just going to skim a couple of pages" to "OMG!!! I'm going to sit here and read this entire book, I don't care if I don't get any sleep tonight!!!" in a matter of one or two pages, I could tell Sharilyn Miller had a lot of great techniques to share, and she was doing it in a manner that was easy to follow and interpret.
The first half of the book delves into technique only. I learned the "right" way to make loops, swirls, links, cage beads, twisted jump rings and clasps via step by step written instructions and detailed photos. I'm a very visual person, and prefer to use pictures, and these photos are EXCELLENT for wire-workers. Also included in this section is a very comprehensive look at tools, wire types, and how to antique jewelry using Liver of Sulfur.
Miller has some great tips in the techniques section, one of them is that she never solders her jump rings and she shows how to make perfect jump rings that look virtually seamless!
The second half of the book has project sheets that range from very easy to very complex. Every project sheet lists tools and materials needed, techniques used (referencing which page you'll find that technique detailed if you need help with it) and then easy, easy to follow detailed instructions, complete with step by step photos that match up to the written instructions. Of course, a photo of the finished design is included as well.
For some of the projects, Miller includes alternate ideas to utilize basically the same design, but a little different look. She also shares tips, such as "keep in mind weight of the total piece when wearing a pin - heavier gauge wire and beads may tear delicate fabric"
There are 20 main projects in all, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and pins. While there are a couple of pieces that are made strictly of wire components, most combine beads or stones and wire for an awesome effect. All are unique works of art that inspire me to get off the PC and into my workshop!!
So what sets Bead on a Wire so far apart from other wire-working books that I've collected so far? Couple of things. The projects are imaginative and easy to follow. The techniques are documented in such a comprehensive manner that even a complete newbie to wire could create something beautiful after following Miller's directions! I've had experienced wire-artists tell me that even they have learned from Bead on a Wire and consider it essential.
Bottom line, if I were told I could only buy one book on wire jewelry making, it would be Bead on a Wire. Can't get much better recommendation than that. :-)
