Heidi Boyd has written a wonderful new book for wire jewelry makers.
It starts with an introduction to wire types, the tools you'll use and some of the techniques you'll use for the projects in the book. Then it gets right into the projects. Everything is very well photographed in full color.
There are a lot of great wire working books out there, so what makes this one stand out?
Starting from the first project, a necklace made with wrapped wire links that are accented with free floating beads, the projects are inspiring. As it is, it's a lovely statement necklace, but the basic technique is one that can be used in other wire projects. It's a natural for earrings, or a few of the hoops linked together could be woven with ribbon for a choker.
Most of the materials for the projects in the book are easily obtained at a good bead store or craft store. The author gives the sources for the harder to find things like little rubber rings.
The techniques cover knitting, maille, crochet, twisting, hammering, turning, spiraling,working on mandrels and working with jigs.
The projects are great. There are a few things that I look for personally in a wire working book. The first one is, does it have new ideas or interpretations on old ideas that inspire me. This one does have quite a few projects that are inspiring for me. The necklace I mentioned above, the cage filled with pebbles, and the lovely wrapped brass links necklace. Does it have ideas that would make good gifts? Absolutely. I have a friend who would love a couple of the bracelets in this book and I'm planning the beads for them. The last thing I look for is will this book inspire someone who is just learning to work with wire, and can it be followed by a beginner. Yes again. My son is just learning to work with wire and he can follow the instructions in this book.
Most of the designs are modern and good for casual wear, but several can be upgraded to evening looks by changing the metal and the beads. The wrapped brass links necklace for example in darkened silver with crystals would be just amazing with a black dress, and a bracelet and earrings to match would tie it all together. The wrapped loops necklace, with the right beads, would be lovely with a prom dress.

You can get this book directly from the publisher, North Light Books or from Amazon by clicking the link below.



North Light Books provided this review copy of Wired Beautiful to me free of charge.
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