Designer Style Jewelry: Techniques and Projects for Elegant Designs from Classic to Retro

Rating:
Summary: Designer Style Jewelry - Easy to Use
Review: I must say the number one reason why I loved this book was the fact that Sherri Haab clearly showed and explained each step. Chock full of pictures, step by step explanations, and multiple design suggestions per project, made this book not only pleasing to the eye, but a joy to work from and with. There are sophisticated styles, 70's style favorites, antique designs, with some of the projects being downright adorable.

Sherri Haab's techniques and explanations exude simplicity. I may be wrong, but I attribute it to the fact that she's written multiple crafts books for kids, and what are we, but overgrown kids, eager to create, create, create? Taking your time going through this book will not only give you an easy way to create the ideas suggested in each chapter, but each chapter shows a variety of styles and looks for each project.

I've been making jewelry for myself and others for many years, so I couldn't wait to get started. I grabbed my 12 year old and we decided on two projects, the faux ivory scrimshaw pendent and the mica pearl pendent. Both projects were extremely easy to follow and with a picture for almost every step of the way, my 12 year old completed her project with very little help from me. Some of the beading projects are a little more difficult, but not unmanageable. Let's face it, reading a book to learn how to do something with your hands can be daunting, cookbooks, craft books, house repair, it can drive you nuts. Sherri manages to give you a wide variety of projects in a wide variety of styles and mediums without sacrificing the most important part, user ability.

Projects include:

Freshwater Pearl Bracelet
Crystal Flower Bracelet
That 70's Ring
Faux Ivory Scrimshaw Bracelet
Celtic Knots Bracelet, Earrings & Pendent
Shrink Hearts
Asian Style Floral Pendant
Bottle Cap Pins & Pendant
Pressed Flower Pendant & Earrings
Leather Bracelet
Vintage Valentine Bracelet

In the front of the book she includes lists of supplies and "Findings". For the creative impaired, findings are the hardware (jump rings, bails, ear wires, head pins, clasps, etc) that holds a project together and enables it to look professional. There are also lists of tools, glues and adhesives, and stringing materials. In the back you will find templates and a list of suppliers. By far, the project that intrigued me the most was the clear bauble bracelet. It reminded me so much of a bracelet I had when I was little, I would have started on it immediately if I could find the cabochons. Not to fear, I'm heading to Ebay to see what I can find. I'll try a butterfly bracelet for my daughter and a series of hearts for my sister. I can't wait!