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Handmade Paper Jewelry by H. Borchers, C. Liccione, and T. Windsor – 4/10

Sunday, August 23rd, 2009
Handmade Paper Jewelry: 40 Beautiful Projects to Make & Wear

Instructions Quality: 2/4

Photo/Illustrations: .5/3

Projects: 1.5/3

Techniques Covered: Foiling, glossing, gluing

Recommended For: Beginners who do not need  visual aids; paper crafters looking to try jewelry making.

Comments: There are a few really nice projects in this book, which makes it more of a shame that the book itself is so flawed. I’ll give it to you simply:

The good: Some pretty projects using interesting techniques with adequately written instructions.

The bad: The same small handful of techniques repeated in 40 variations. The only photos in the book were of finished pieces, piles of supplies, and occasionally the back of a piece.

Despite its flaws the book is worth a look since there are some cute ideas here.  I suggest checking it out of your local library rather than buying this one out right. (more…)

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Fabric Jewelry by Teresa Searle – 9.5/10

Sunday, August 23rd, 2009

Fabric Jewelry: 25 Designs to Make Using Silk, Ribbon, Buttons, and Beads

Instructions Quality: 3.75/4

Photo/Illustrations: 3/3

Projects: 2.75/3

Techniques Covered: Machine sewing, hand sewing, finger knitting, wrapping

Recommended For: Beginners and intermediates looking for inspiration

Comments:  This book has a lot to offer. It starts off with a solid introductory section that covers materials, equipment and some techniques. I always appreciate a materials section that includes tips on where to find/buy the materials.  The techniques could have been fleshed out a bit more.

There are 25 projects in the book and templates are included at the back of the book. There are a few that repeat a similar look or technique, but for the most part the projects are unique.  Not every project in this book will be right for everyone, but I think there are enough different styles and techniques that you should find a few different pieces that strike your fancy. The book did lose a quarter of a point because a few of the pieces looked more like craft projects turned into jewelry rather than pieces of jewelry. Having said that though, there are some really gorgeous pieces of jewelry in this book. The Vintage Rose Cuff and Choker is sumptuous, the Flower Garland is fun and beautiful, etc. (more…)

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