30 Minute Rings by Marthe Le Van is a collection of ring projects by designers who work with different materials and using various methods.

A lot of different types of ring projects are in this volume, so if you're looking to expand your skills, this offers projects that may be challenging, and will probably take more than a half hour to make. The projects only have minimal illustrations, but the text is well written. If you haven't worked with a torch or jewelers saw before, you may want to have a good reference for the projects that require them.

Rings as art form, and some artistically made rings that are very wearable, this collection has wonderful projects including several that don't require specialized tools or torches. A lot of the rings that do require more specific silver smithing tools require just a basic set up so you won't need a kiln or casting equipment.

My favorites are

• Wire flower frame ring. The simple technique creates a frame you can slip a small reinforced photo into.


• The ring on the cover. This one reminds me of bracelets I used to make out of silver. The ring as shown is made affordable by using brass sheet which you can pick up from hobby stores


• The wire ring that is the first project. This ring is gracefully shaped from wire and can be adjustable, which also makes it a good style for a toe ring.


• The plumber's pipe ring which is carved from plastic piping. The clever use for a material you wouldn't normally think of as a jewelry making supply is wonderful.

The techniques used include crocheting with wire, various texturing techniques, soldering,sawing, forming, carving,chain mail, setting stones in prong, wire and bezel settings, and drawing up a bead on wire.

It's inspirational, the rings as shown as lovely, but you might have beads you want to instead of the moonstone chips on one, or maybe a special button you want to incorporate into a project. The small scale and small amount of materials needed allows for a lot of experimentation.

I recommend this book mostly for people who like to work with metal or who are learning to work with metal along with their beads.

You can get this book directly from the publisher, Lark Crafts or by clicking the Amazon.com affiliate link below.



Amazon.com affiliate links don't affect your cost, and provide extra income to me personally, which helps support my book addiction.

Lark Crafts provided this review copy of 30-Minute Rings to me free of charge.
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