Discover what can be done with wire in this attractive book on jewelry making.  You won’t need a soldering iron, or any expensive tools either, as this is just about wrapping, coiling and twisting wire.  I say "just" but taking a look at the cover was what convinced me that this was one book I just had to own.  There are some truly stunning pieces in here, and all made predominantly with something as ordinary as wire!

As the author of the introduction says, this is not a beginner’s book, but as she goes on to point out, neither is it an advanced one.  It is a book that sets out to tell you all about the different types of jewelry wire and what they can do for you, and then what you can make.  Each project concentrates on a different aspect of wirework, so you can learn while you fill up your jewelry box.  In my opinion, this is always a good way to learn rather than just by making practice pieces, especially when you are working with materials which do not come cheap.  There are some staged photographs to show how it is done, and if you follow the instructions and work carefully you ought to be the proud possessor of some items that look as if they have come from a high-end jewelry store.  At the back is a short gallery of pieces done both by students and by the author, and a list of addresses and magazines for US readers.  This is a book to grow into—one for the keeper shelf.