Getting Wired Is Easier Than You Think
Creating Wire and Beaded Jewelry by Linda Jones
Oh, I’m starting to love wire. After several years of being obsessed with beads, semi-precious gemstones, and darn near filling my spare bedroom with all of it, I’ve found a NEW medium that’s even more fun (and I can still use my beloved beads!)
Wireworking. Ahhhhh. Just the thought of strands of 20 gauge sterling wire, round-nosed pliers, and a great cutting pliers is enough to make me start drooling.
And while I absolutely LOVE making abstract pieces of jewelry, I knew I needed some guidance in the basics. I knew I could make my own clasps. I knew there was a way to make chain and jump rings that would be great in quality, and less expensive than even buying wholesale. But I lacked the basic knowledge to know the best way to do these things.
Enter Creating Wire and Beaded Jewelry. The first time I browsed wire-working books at my local Barnes & Noble, I looked through several books before deciding on Linda Jones’ oversized paperback. And what, you may ask, made it stand out? Well…
Fabulous photos…all in color, close ups of both finished pieces and step-by-steps of the procedures to create fun, interesting pieces. This book is chock full of photos, and good quality ones, at that. I can easily duplicate the step-by-steps with someone else’s nicely manicured hands demonstrating the correct way to hold the pliers or other tools with my own less-than-nicely manicured hands. 
Basic Instruction that really is basic. And for the beginner, this is critical. In the basic chapter, you’ll learn about the equipment you’ll need, background on wire types and sizes, (quick: what’s thicker, 20 gauge or 26 gauge?), a short section on beads and findings, and then a nice section on some basic techniques that are essential to master before moving on to projects.
Cool projects*…after getting through the basics, there are 6 chapters with 3-4 projects in each.
Decorative Chainmaking
Rings, Brooches, Bangles
Wrapped Jewelry
Valentine’s Jewelry
Wedding Celebrations
Classic Collections
End notes that include a glossary of basic terms – who can tell me what a mandrel is? 
, a list of suppliers with web sites (including a couple of my favorites), and of course, an index.
Bottom line, the pictures are fantastic, and you’ll have fun creating the various projects. Hopefully, from the projects you create, you’ll be inspired to create designs of your own! For a beginner’s book, Creating Wire and Beaded Jewelry is a bit pricey at $19.99 retail, but I do think it’s worth the investment.
I’ll continue to make my abstracts, but now, thanks to Linda Jones, I have a better range of knowledge in creating shapes, clasps, and some great ideas to build on.
*Copying designs from a book or another artist is fine if you are creating for your own use. It’s considered unethical to use another artist’s designs and resell, if they are recognizable as that other artist’s design. Feel free to be INSPIRED by another artist’s work, but don’t pass it off as your own.
