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From the Create Your
Style Ambassadors
Karin Van Voorhees,
Compiler
Kalmbach
Books
January 29, 2013 / ISBN 978-0871167019
How To / Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry
AMAZON
Reviewed
by Linda Morelli
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Crystal
Jewelry Inspiration
is an outstanding compilation of 30 innovative designs
by some of the greatest jewelry designers today. Though
each design is unique and the artists use various techniques
to arrive at the final product, they share the incorporation
of Swarovski elements in each product. The designs are
visually stunning, with beautiful full page photographs
that show the final product to perfection. A list of
materials required, step-by-step clear instructions
and respective photographs for each design is included
as well. A brief summary of various methods includes
metal and epoxy clay, gold filled and sterling wire, wool
and metal sheet, to name a few. The variety of supplies
is a small indication of the creativity of these great
artists.
I
love all the designs, but a few inspired me to try something
new. “Audrey’s Torsade,” designed
by Linda Hartung, incorporates Swarovski pearls and
amethyst, purple, opal, gold and pearl colored beads
in multiple strands which provides a visually stunning
necklace that changes as you twist the strands. I've
always wanted to try beading, and Diane Fitzgerald’s
“Stepping Stones” bracelet, incorporating
an African Circle Stitch, had me shopping to buy the
materials I need to start. And that’s only the
beginning.
What
I enjoyed most, outside of getting some wonderful ideas
for my own jewelry projects, are the personal interviews
with each artist. These provide insight into their inspirations
and why they use the techniques, methods and materials
they do. The book is 12” x 9” and printed
on the highest quality paper. In addition to being a
great reference and source of ideas leading to new paths
in designing jewelry, Crystal Jewelry Inspiration is
a beautiful addition to my coffee table. I often
spy guests browsing through the photos to find their
favorites.
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