It feels a little strange reviewing my own book, but I so rarely get the opportunity to do so, I might as well...Contemporary Copper Jewelry is my fifth book (my bestseller, Bead on a Wire, was published in 2005) and I'm really quite pleased with it. You'll find a good range of designs—a few for beginners, but most for intermediate wire jewelry artists—and some very creative ideas. I'm especially pleased that we were able to showcase several jewelry designs created by my friends: Eugenia Chan (Wire-Woven Pendant & Artsy Fibula Pin), Richard Salley (Found Pebbles Necklace), Rachel Nelson-Smith (Peacock Wheels Necklace), and Dale "Cougar" Armstrong (Elemental Necklace).
Click on any of the names above to visit the artists' Web sites... they're terrific, and well worth a visit. By the way, Dale has a new book out (see my previous post for a review), as does Ms. Rachel (I'm so proud of her—can't wait to see her book and will review it here soon). I'm still trying to talk Richard and Eugenia into writing books of their own... I'll keep you posted on that.
Getting back to CCJ, here's what you can expect inside: a short section on basic techniques, followed by 22 wire jewelry projects, each one stepped out in detail with photos. If you like my Spiral Link Bracelet, you'll find it here, followed by Rachel's exquisite Peacock Wheels Necklace, Richard's Found Pebbles Necklace (I had to simplify his amazing design to make it fit within the pages allotted to the book), my Funky Chandelier Earrings and Coin-Pearl Copper Washer Bracelet, Eugenia's Wire Woven Pendant, my super-simple Forged Paddle Earrings and Coin-Pearl Coil-Wrapped Bracelet, and perhaps the "star" of the show: Dale's Elemental Necklace. There's more, of course, but it would be boring to list all the projects.
What's missing? Well, there wasn't room for me to write an introduction for you, and there is no section on tools & materials. The publishers assume an experienced audience for this book. The one omission that I was very sad to see was our gallery of artists' projects. We planned one, but in the end there just wasn't enough room.
One more reason to persuade my artist friends to write books of their own...
The one question I always ask myself whenever I pick up a new book on the shelf or write a new one of my own is: Would I buy this book? When it comes to CCJ, I can say honestly, YES, yes I would. This is a very good book, and I like all of the designs found within. I would buy this book if I hadn't written it myself, and I feel very confident recommending it to you.
I hope you enjoy Contemporary Copper Jewelry as much as I did writing it. Special thanks again and again to my friends (previously mentioned) who supplied me with their beautiful wire-art jewelry designs!
Happy wrapping,
Sharilyn
16 comments:
I'm getting my copy from Amazon next week. Can't wait! All your other books are so great and I know this one will be just as good. I'll let you know what I think when it comes. :)
My book came today, and I love it! I am anxious to begin some of the projects! It's a great book!
You convinced me, Sharilyn! I just ordered a copy from Amazon.com. I can't wait to receive it!! I have Bead on a Wire too...love it.
I hope you like my new book! And if you'd like to leave a review on amazon.com, I'd really appreciate it. Thank you!
Sharilyn
My friend Deb bought this book and is raving about it..tells me I should get it..I say I'm not into wire...that she can make everything I need for me...I think I'm going to buy it anyway, but don't tell Deb!
Yes Sharilyn... I am raving about this book to Carol... Plus I took it down to my LBS Farrin O'Connor Design Studio in Pasadena (where I want you to come teach...) to show Sue so she could order it for the store... You are responsible for my forray into wire... I can't wait for this NEXT book I see her on the side... When is soon?
Deb
Just looking at the cover and hearing your description makes me want to get that book right away! Copper is such a beautiful material to work with and I am pleased to see its resurgence. Congratulations on another successful book!
I just purchased the book today. It looks great and projects are diverse and interesting. I loved bead on a wire, but that may become my second favorite wire wrapping book because of CCJ. I went looking for copper washers during my lunch hour. I can't wait to get started on my first project from this book.
Really very informative book, i never read this much informative book before, actually that was not my book i have borrow it from my friend but after reading a bit part of this i cant stop myself to buy it, i will suggest all my fellows here to read this book.
I got this book a few days ago and I'm writing a review on it right now, actually. Real glad I decided to buy this one -- love it!
I think it's the perfect time of year to release this book too. Not least the Copper Spiral Bracelet with Wire Charms and Elemental Necklace feel very autumnal. Yes, copper in general feel like a perfect choice for autumn jewelrymaking to me. What a perfect match: my favorite metal and my favorite season. And a great book to that.
I need this book and want it...Can't wait to get it!
I just ordered this book and I can't wait to get it! I bought "Bead on a Wire" a few years ago and absolutely LOVE it. Of course shortly after buying it I took a 3 year hiatus from making jewelry, but I've recently started back up. "Bead on a Wire" was a great help in technique review.
I love working with copper, so I'm very excited about CCJ.
Sharilyn...What a great book! I already have a love for working in copper, have two packages of Harbor Freight copper washers and am ready to go. I have been buying Romex house wire and stripping the insulation to get to the copper, I have this in all sizes from 12-gauge to 20-gauge so am ready to go with your lovely examples and demos in the books. Thank you for reading my mind about what I want to create!
Although my Google sign-on is for my watercolor art blog, I have started an additional blog for my artisan jewelry at http://lovebeadsandwire.blogspot.com/ . You can bet that many of my attempts at the designs in your book will be posted here as I get them done. They look very do-able!
Sharilyn, I love, Love, LOVE this book! There's something inspiring in every project, and I've already started playing with elements from a few of them in different projects. THANK YOU for putting this book out there!
hi! I LOVED YOUR BLOG! VISIT-ME IN MY BLOG! KISSES
I love this book; I bought one for me and one for my friend. We have been pounding and twisting copper ever since we received it. It is an awesome book and helps even the novice jewelry designer make gorgeous pieces! Thanks, Sharilyn, your work is wonderful! And you are an inspiration to all of us.
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