Impressive, Innovative, Instructive
Woven, Wire Jewelry by Christine R. Richey
My newest obsession started innocently enough. I stopped in at Borders one day to see if there were any new books I was interested. Of course, I was drawn to the jewelry making section, and after browsing through several books, I happened across Woven Wire Jewelry. The photo on the front cover stopped me in my tracks and took my breath away...and before I knew it, I had said "Holy cow...I HAVE to learn this!" out loud (causing several customers to glance at me quickly and then walk away looking a bit disturbed).
But...""I digress. You don't care about my reaction or that I ordered the book from Fire Mountain Gems ($13.95 as opposed to the cover price of $21.95 US/$29.95 CAN) and stalked the UPS driver until he showed up at my door. You want to know what's inside! Chock full of full-color photos, detailed step-by-step instructions and resources, anyone interested in learning to "braid" wire using only your hands, pliers and a clamp to create incredible, traffic-stopping jewelry should put Woven Wire Jewelry right at the top of their "must have" list. PLUS, if you are interested in PMC (Precious Metal Clay) techniques, there is a bonus chapter on creating gorgeous pendants, bracelet ends, and links that can be used with your woven wire or not.
Content
Chapter 1 outlines the basics that you will need to do wire weaving. Introduction, safety measures, tools and equipment.
In the next chapter, basic instructions for wire weaving are detailed...with 4-5 color photos of each step in the process, you can't help but get it right! My only observation is that some of the photos are a little small and may have benefited with a zoom, but overall, they are excellent. Written instructions are very easy to follow, especially with the accompanying photos.
My recommendation is to use copper wire to practice until you have the initial weave technique down. While it's not difficult, it does take practice to get the right tension, the right moves, and make sure you are following the instructions to the letter. Once you are familiar and practiced in weaving, you will be able to do more innovation...but best to keep to the directions until you've reached that point.
Following basic instructions are 5 projects (3 bracelets, 1 necklace, 1 pendant) using woven wire techniques. Many also use PMC, but you could easily use pre-made or substituted items for the PMC. Photos of finished projects as well as details are included, and again, instructions are detailed, clear, and concise. I would rate most of these projects as requiring advanced skill level in wire work; one free form bracelet is a bit easier to master.
The last how-to section of the book outlines PMC techniques and 4 projects. While I have not dabbled in PMC (yet), I find the instructions again to be very detailed and concise.
Finally, readers are treated to a gallery of woven wire and PMC pieces...inspiration galore! I highly recommend Woven Wire Jewelry for anyone wanting to expand their wire working repertoire. Beginning wire workers may be a bit challenged, but should able to follow through....in my mind, the technique is a bit advanced, but I don''t want to discourage anyone. As an instruction book, Woven Wire Jewelry is top notch in directions and photographs. With the gorgeous photos on the front cover and gallery section (as well as the photos of the finished projects), it merits being kept on the coffee table instead of hidden in my studio!
