Basic Jewelry Making All the Skills and Tools You Need to Get Started

by Allison, Sandy; Walker, Ted; Wycheck, Alan

• ISBN13: 9780811732635
• ISBN10: 0811732630
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-02-20
• Publisher: Stackpole Books

Summary

This fully illustrated guide shows how to make all kinds of funky and elegant bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and pendants using beads and wire. It begins with the basics--planning a design, attaching fittings, making secure crimps, selecting beads--so crafters can quickly get started creating one-of-a-kind pieces. Simple wire-bending techniques allow them to make beaded drop earrings as well as more elaborate necklace and bracelet designs. Advanced techniques use metallic, sterling silver, even 14-carat-gold wire to make gallery-quality jewelry in almost any style and size. Featuring design ideas by a variety of jewelers, this book includes pictures and descriptions of tools and materials, a guide to common types of beads, advice on proper lengths and fit, and inspiration for creating a wide range of styles.

Author Biography

Ted Walker is a juried member of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen and the owner of a handcrafted jewelry company based in central Pennsylvania. Alan Wycheck is an award-winning photographer based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	iv
Introduction	v
Working with Beads	1	(34)
Tools and Materials	2	(4)
Selecting Beads	6	(1)
Making Crimps	7	(2)
Making a Necklace with a Clasp	9	(7)
Making a Bracelet with a Toggle	16	(3)
Making a Triple-Strand Necklace	19	(3)
Making a Floating Crimp	22	(2)
Working with Elastic Cord	24	(4)
Crimping Onto Cord	28	(4)
Making Your Own Polymer Clay Beads	32	(3)
Beads with Wire	35	(24)
Making a Loop in a Headpin	36	(2)
Making a Drop Earring	38	(3)
Making a Loop with Wraps	41	(4)
Making Headpins and Dangles	45	(2)
Making a Wire Dangle Necklace	47	(2)
Putting It All Together	49	(4)
Bending and Shaping Metallic Wire	53	(6)
Bending Silver and Gold Wire	59	(50)
Tools and Materials	60	(4)
Making a Simple Loop Design and Forging	64	(11)
Making an Alternating Loop Design	75	(9)
Making a Zigzag Design	84	(5)
Making a Square Coil Design Bracelet	89	(12)
Texturing and Bending Pendants	101	(8)
Resources	109