If there was a beading “bucket” list for classes then you’ll
find both Janice Berkebile and Tracy Stanley’s name high on that list. The wire divas are not only extremely
talented and informative on the subject of wire, but also both are wonderfully
entertaining. I might be a little
biased reviewing this book as I have been lucky enough to have taken classes
with both of these tow instructors.
Last year at the Bead and Button show in Milwaukee, both Janice and
Tracy were telling us about this their upcoming book offered by Lark. They both said there were lots of
instructional photos. At that time
it was hard to imagine what they possibly meant, but let me tell you that they
did not exaggerate at all. I
struggle with wire classes because I get so excited in class and when I get
home I would absolutely forget all the little twist and turns you make with
your tools. Plus I would forget
which tool is used where. Imagine
how happy I was when sent this Lark Craft book to review and saw right there on
the front cover of Making Wire & Beaded Jewelry: Artful Wireworking Techniques “Learn visually with 500 How-to Photos”. I opened the first few pages a little
skeptical as I thought to myself how I could really learn with pictures when
real time classes couldn’t do that for me. Then I started to leaf through the rest of the book and was
just astonished with the amazing amount of full color photos with step-by-step
instructions clearly written for each project.
The first chapter outlines the tools needed for working with
wire to created jewelry. The on
thing both Janice and Tracy stressed to me in classrooms is that quality tools are a MUST not only for ease in execution but also in safety issues. I can still see in my mind’s eye my
first classes with both of them at the Puget Sound Bead Festival. I was struggling with my (okay I admit
it) cheap tools I had bought here in Columbus. My hands were just aching so badly and I had cut myself on
the knuckle with the metal exposed grips.
I asked if I could use their tools in class and could not believe the
difference. I’d pick up another
tool and questioned if I needed it looking over to see Janice bob her hand at
an angle at me & slightly nod with a grin on her face or Tracy standing
with hands on hips saying, “YES!”
So as you can see each page I turn I could hear their voices ringing out
as I viewed each project showing me in detail all those things I had forgotten
in class. That is why I am saying
that for anyone this book is a MUST for your library no matter if you are a
beginner who has never taken a class at all or are an intermediate wire worker
looking for more advanced techniques to take your wire art to another
plane.
For me the chapter on wire techniques are those I will go
back to over and over again. Even
if you only use this one chapter of this book you definitely will be happy with
the reward of learning that you’ll never have to every buy another clasp or
jump rings again. This is a
definitely must for you reference library.
Each project progresses along teaching new techniques from
Janice’s “Dog Bone Earrings” and Tracy’s “Go-To Bracelet” that are both simple
enough for a novice to complete with the colored step by step photos are
written instructions. From project
to project you will add another wire technique to your learning belt until you
reach the final projects of Tracy’s “Cascading Spiral Bracelet” and Janice’s
amazing “Bloom”. I have to repeat
myself here, but each project has so many clear photos to follow which is the
perfect way to learn. This
reference book is a great keeper for you to always have at your
fingertips. The only thing better
is to actually have Janice or Tracy sit right next to you, but in this case you
get all the chocolate for yourself.
I find it extremely hard to choose my favorite projects from
this book. Janice’s “Wire Pods”
teaches how to make a three dimensional cage by using a basket weaving
technique is one I want to perfect, but I am also drawn to her “Spiral Waves
Ring”. Tracy’s project “Cage It”
stimulates my Muse to pull out all those irregular shaped stones I collect and
create a way to merge them with wire and pearls to finish a stunning
pendent. But “Rock & Roll by
the Sea” is my definite favorite that maybe someday I’ll be able to attempt.
I know this book will help me achieve success over my fear
of wire and will probably be one of those books that over time will become dog-eared
from use.
Disclosure...As
a reviewer of products from Lark Books, I receive the book above free of
charge. I have been asked to review these products and give my honest opinion
of the products...positive or negative. I am not being compensated by Lark
Books for my endorsement as it pertains to the products received and reviewed.
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