Book Review and Giveaway

 What a wonderful concept... a collection of favorite projects taught by author Diane Fitzgerald over a span of several years! The projects included range from beginner to advanced, and cover a wide range of techniques and styles. Flipping through it, my eyes are tickled by the wonderful colorful photography and as a beader, I am instantly inspired. Although many of the projects are beadweaving and not my genre, I am still inspired by the beauty and uniqueness of each pieces. Diane has put together a strong body of work here and I recommend this book if you are running low on inspiration! My favorite project is Tie-One-On, one of the prettiest pieces I've seen using shells and knotting.

You and I both know that Metal Clay is all the rage right now. What makes Gordon Uyehara's book different than all the rest?
He's a master at his art, and one of the most renowned and popular metal clay artists in the world! In Metal Clay Fusion, Gordon covers all the basics and some really cool advanced skills from carving to developing your designer's eye. I always like a jewelry book with great step by step photos. The photography is lovely and the whole book has this beautiful glow and positive feeling. Want to learn how to create an intricate focal bead? Or a ring with a hinged top? These are part of this lovely collection of projects.

Creating chains is something that I am not quite ready to tackle but I know some of you out there have been playing around with soldering and this is right up your alley. Joanna Gollberg and Nathalie Mornu, talented duo, have put together 25 necklaces, bracelets, and earrings designs using handmade chain, in Chains Chains Chains.
I have to admit, it's very inspiring! For someone like me, even, who has zero skills in soldering. What better way to spice up your handmade jewelry designs, than to include chain that you made from scratch!
I love the contemporary designs in the book. And really so many of the chains are lovely as jewelry by themselves with no other components. The technique section in the back shows great step by step photos.


I have decided to hang onto this copy of Chains Chains Chains, but will be giving away my copies of Metal Clay Fusion and Diane Fitzgerald's Favorite Beading projects.  If you would like your hat thrown into the ring to randomly win one of these, please leave ONE comment on THIS post, and I will pick 2 random winners tomorrow, Wednesday morning. Good Luck!