Silver Threads

I am a beginning to intermediate jewelry maker and designer and I generally like books for the techniques taught rather than to follow the projects religiously, however, I review books taking both into account. I loved this book! In conjunction with Artisan Filigree: Wire-Wrapping Jewelry Techniques and Projects, which reviews cold connection filigree techniques, I think this book provides a lot of teaching, design and project inspiration.First, the author covers all of the tools and materials one needs or wants. There are quite a few expensive things that could be replaced or omitted for the hobbyist, but the best thing about the materials and tools section is that the reader can figure out exactly what s/he needs to buy to get started in a basic way. Then basic soldering with flux and cleaning with pickles and neutralizing the pickle is taught. The author uses chip solder, but I think the wire solder could be easily substituted with the techniques she reviews. I definitely feel like I can solder the tiny filigree pieces now! She also reviews how to twist wire on your own, though basic twisted wire designs are available from the big jewelry suppliers in multiple gauges, but this is good information for when you want twisted wired in an odd gauge or with two metals twisted together. She also reviews polishing, filing and buffing at length. This is a section I am sure I will return to when I actually make some of the pieces.Then she reviews the basic shapes of filigree and their variations. I tried this with some colored artistic wire and her instructions are clear and concise and result in the reader getting what she planned and hoped for. Finally, there are the projects. Beautiful almost without exception, though some are a bit more basic than others. These projects also teach you how to bezel set an odd shaped cabochon using bezel wire and sheet metal and how to set stones in commercial settings. Indeed, etsy has a basic tutorial for making a prong setting for odd sized faceted stones, so these techniques could be further expanded. In most of the projects, the author leaves room for the creativity of the reader and the projects could be followed step by step or modified to make original pieces using the project patterns as a starting point.Silver Threads certainly gives not only inspiration to the designer and jewelry maker but the skills to turn that inspiration into living, original pieces of art. Many of the skills are applicable to other techniques or could be mixed with other techniques as well. Galleries of traditional work from around the world (Boen works mainly in the Norwegian tradition) and the work of other artists complete the work and provide a lot of eye candy and inspiration. I really loved this book and expect to use it quite a bit for many purposes. A generous teacher, writer and artist and a good book to add to the library - especially for those who have been nervous about soldering. This book provides a pain free introduction.

This book is just wonderful. I own many books on jewelry making, especially for metalsmithing and precious metal clay. My son and I both make jewelry, and we were looking for a book to further our wire knowledge. This book more than fulfilled our need.It will satisfy any wire folks out there, whether you do wire wrapping, sculpture, or like me, mostly use wire as a component in larger pieces. Filigree work is different enough from regular wire work to warrant a separate book. Unlike other wire, filigree pieces usually require soldering. (Never fear, it is beginner level soldering, and she tells you how!) Also, the wire used is completely different. Fortunately, Jeanne teaches you to make your own, if you wish. Or, you can buy nice quality filigree wire from Rio Grande's website.The book begins with the basics - the history of filigree, the tools you will need, and basic skills. Then it has numerous projects, which progress in difficulty through the book. The basic projects are easy enough for a true beginner, but attractive enough to appeal to advanced wire artists. Some of the simpler projects could also be used as components in more advanced creations. It amazed me how, once I got the basics down, I was making really gorgeous jewelry that looked much more difficult and time-consuming than it really was! My friends are amazed.Aside from having such great information, the book is very well-written. The step by step directions are easy to understand, so you always know what to do next. And there are lots of colorful pictures, which help you know if you're doing the next step right. You can tell the author really thought about how to make the information accessible to us.If you're a first-timer, don't worry - by the end of the book you'll feel like a real artist! If you're an intermediate wire wrapper, you'll be pleased at how useful your skills are in this medium, but you'll still be learning something new! And for the advanced person - you will learn enough new patterns and techniques to find this book truly rewarding.We've really enjoyed what we've learned so far, and I can't wait to do some more of the projects in here. This book is well worth buying, and its a deal on Amazon. Go ahead and get it - you won't regret it. And you'll get to amaze your friends with all of your beautiful new jewelry! (Or surprise them with a gorgeous gift!)

I am a very experienced metal smith and love to purchase books like this to inspire my creativity. This book is full of great pictures of many different pieces in many different styles, which gives you a great understanding of the versatility of this type of jewelry.As far as functionality, this book has many patterns and pretty detailed explanations on how to recreate the looks which is missing on many "how to" jewelry books. She even goes into the basics of jewelry forming and tools. However, I am do a lot of soldering work in my pieces and her explanation of how to solder is VERY basic. I would hesitate to begin any of these projects if you have not soldered before. As an experienced metal smith, I know that it is very easy to melt such fine wire with too much heat and the simple explanation on soldering is not enough for a true beginner. My advice would be to purchase a jewelry basics book with a more detailed explanation on soldering, practice on some other pieces, and then and only then, would I suggest doing the fine wire work in this book.Overall, a great book that will inspire you to fine tune your jewelry skills and add those details to your pieces that make a difference between nice jewelry and very fine art work.