Fashion Jewelry: A Beginner’s Guide to Jewelry Making

Legenhausen, cofounder of Lotus Jewelry Studio in Baltimore, Md., takes care to feature the finer points of finishing sophisticated jewelry pieces while delivering an easy-to-follow overview of jewelry-making techniques for inexperienced and intermediate crafters. The book is arranged in the manner of a class syllabus, with each project building on the lessons and skills learned in the ones before it. The projects start by focusing on the basics of stringing beads, then progress through wire-wrapping and knotting techniques and finish with hammering and stamping projects. Inexperienced jewelers are thoroughly tutored through the essential skills needed to complete simple yet fetching creations. The book also offers a brushup on the fundamentals of jewelry making and new tips for more experienced crafters (e.g., the importance of stretching silk thread before use). Legenhausen has compiled a thoughtful and detailed instructional guide that leaves readers with the knowledge and encouragement needed to create their own designs and advance their jewelry-making educations. (June)