This is not a primer on now the various techniques of the craft are mastered, as Search Press already produces a formidable library of titles that do exactly that. Rather this is a book showing how to make some attractive and very contemporary costume jewelry items using the beautiful materials around today. Everything in the book can be bought at the website mentioned below, or at many other places and makes thorough use of such modern materials as organza ribbon, felt beads, buttons and wire mesh ribbon. Simple but effective methods such as wrapping plain beads with linen thread or tying knots in cord complement these materials for a thoroughly fashionable look. Each page shows a simple idea and then describes how to make it, and another variation on the same theme. If this sounds as though the instructions are scanty then this might not be the best book to introduce a complete beginner to the wonderful world of jewelry making, but anybody who has ever bent a headpin or made an earring should be happy enough. What the instructions and photographs do manage is to show how simple and fun this hobby can be, and at under £5 (or under $10US or $15CAN) this is about the cheapest book on the subject. My copy isn’t going anywhere!

If you cannot find materials for jewelry making locally try SearchPress.com for a list of suppliers.