Contemporary Copper Jewelry
by Sharilyn Miller
I love Sharilyn Miller’s work. Primarily known as a wire jewelry artist, Sharilyn also works in many other media. She was the original editor of Belle Armoire magazine, which I adore. This new book contains a great techniques section, followed by page after page of Sharilyn’s one-of-a-kind designs. The best feature of this book is the photography. There are a gazillion photos, one for each major step in the process of creating your own wire and metal pieces.
Several other designers have contributed projects to this book. I love many of them, a few I’m not so …read more

If you had it in mind to learn a new technique or two this summer, but you still haven’t gotten started on that goal, here’s something to consider.  There are lots of sites where you can buy a kit or a pattern, where you will learn in excruciating detail how to perform a certain task.  Sometimes we just need it in excruciating detail, huh?
Earring kit by Laura McCabe available from Beads East
For example, my friend Dulcey Heller creates kits and patterns for a site called simply Buy the Kit.  Despite the name, they also sell “bead-less kits”, a clever way …read more

Tara P, lucky number 50, is the winner of the new book  101 Wire Earrings!  Tara wrote:
Ooh!  I am a beginner and would love to learn more about wire-working and earrings are perfect chances to practice!

Oh good!  Another beautiful wire jewelry book to review and give away to a lucky reader!

Denise Peck is the editor of Step by Step Wire Jewelry magazine, and she has written 101 Wire Earrings, Step-by-Step Projects and Techniques.  The first part of the books covers the basics of wire, the tools, and all the techniques you’ll need to make all of the projects in the book.  This section is excellent, with clear photos and well-written instructions.
The main part of the book is devoted to the projects.  Each of the 101 earring designs has a photo, a list of all tools …read more

After making numerous bead-embroidered necklaces, I was looking for a change of technique. Freeform peyote, netting, and brick stitch appeal to me, but I still wanted some sort of support for the work. Heavy gauge sterling silver wire makes an excellent armature to work around. My inspiration for this piece came from Lynda Musante’s lovely book, Exquisite Beaded Jewelry. Lynda shows how to make a bracelet using wire links as a base. My piece uses a single strand of wire instead, but the look is very similar, so I would be remiss in not acknowledging her inspiration!

Materials:
40 inches 14 …read more

Blue Bells has no clasp, so make sure that you string the necklace long enough to fit comfortably over your head. I used some terrific multi-colored ribbon-style yarn to make this necklace, but feel free to experiment with the fabulous array of fibers that are available these days!

Materials:
Ribbon yarn
28 gauge wire
Czech crystals or other beads
Beading wire
2 crimps
2 dozen Indian bells
2 large-holed silver beads
Small beads, approximately 4 mm
Tools:
Large crochet hook
Scissors
Wire cutters
Chain nose pliers
Step by step instructions

Iron Wire Jewelry
Author: Brenda Schweder
Entry deadline: April 27, 2009
If you’re a talented, skilled jewelry designer working with iron, Lark Books needs you! We’re seeking high-quality images for the gallery section of Iron Wire Jewelry, to be released in Fall 2010.

Send us pictures of your best earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, or other creative jewelry showcasing your original designs and amazing skills. If you incorporate other materials like beads or resin, that’s great too, but make sure iron is the most prominent. Submission to the book is free.
Download entry form here.

Artist: Sarah Dircksen
Websites:
Sirene del Mare
Etsy shop
Timeless pieces, that illuminate your inner romantic… Sweeping you away with the organic beauty of seafoam and watercolor skies…
Sirene del Mare jewelry is handcrafted with the finest materials, by designer, Sarah Rose Dircksen.

Technique Tuesday!
A special project created and shared by Paul Bishop, our wire-wrapping champ, of Bishop Wire & Bead. Don’t miss Paul’s great tutorial from last week, Sodalite Delightful!
You need:
· A length of heavy half-hard wire, enough to go around the briolette with room to space and to create the extra bends and hanging loops. Since the wire is on the outside, soft wire will not be strong enough unless you can hammer it to hardness after formed.
· Two lengths of soft, thinner wire. …read more

Technique Tuesday!
A special project created and shared by Paul Bishop, our wire-wrapping champ, of Bishop Wire & Bead. Look for another great tutorial by Paul next week!
Wrapping stones can be fun and challenging. Fairly regular-shaped rocks are easiest. One with a distinct shape can prove a challenge. If you’re entirely new, pick a smooth rounded rock. It is far easier on the hands than a sharp one when it slips out of your grasp.
You need:
· An interesting stone. Mine was sodalite.
· …read more