Pretty Pictures, But Lacks Originality
Creative Wire Jewelry by Kathy Peterson
I purchased Creative Wire Jewelry in the summer of 2005, thinking that from first glance, it appeared to have some fun project ideas and good tutorials, especially in wire wrapping, which I was anxious to begin learning.
I've had the book for about 6 months now, and am having a hard time getting excited about anything in it.
Creative Wire Jewelry is well-laid out, with a nice comprehensive section on tools needed for making most wire jewelry, and a good overview of wire basics (gauge and wire type definitions). Projects are well-organized by type: bracelets, pendants, necklaces/chains/chokers, earrings, rings and hair accessories. The photographs are quite good - showing much detail in up-close shots that help to give instruction. Peterson likes to use colored wire, so photos are aesthetically pleasing and vivid.
Unfortunately, that's where my pros regarding this book end.
Probably because Peterson favors colored wire and "wire beads" (created by winding wire around a coiling gizmo), I feel most of the projects lack originality. Too many use the same components over and over, and using a different focal bead or color of wire doesn't make it a different project.
Projects are rated in difficulty, and there are very few rated as "beginner"; most are intermediate or challenging level. I consider myself a beginner in wire work, however, I don't find any of the projects particularly challenging.
It's difficult to teach wire-wrapping, so when I initially picked up Creative Wire Jewelry, the section on wire-wrapping caught my eye and drove me to purchase it. However, Peterson's technique is mainly freeform, not the more structured wrapping technique that I really want to learn. While I love freeform work, the wire-wrapping projects (with one exception) look sloppy and are something I can figure out on my own.
My biggest gripe with Creative Wire Jewelry is that while it seems to cater to beginners (despite the project ratings), most of the basic information I'd be looking for related to making wire jewelry is so high level that it's essentially useless. Essential Techniques takes less than a full page, no photos or details. Wire Bead Making, on the other hand, has two full pages, complete with 6 full-color photos.
Bottom line, I'd recommend this book only if you are into colored wire, wire-coiled beads, and have some degree of experience with wire work. For anyone else, I'd say pass and spend your $20 on another book or two.
