If you're a fan of stamped jewelry or are a novice jewelry maker looking to learn some simple jewelry making techniques, then Stamped Metal Jewelry by Lisa Niven Kelly is certainly worth a look.
Stamped metal can add interesting elements to jewelry designs. Whether you are seeking to stamp a name or a short message or simply are looking for a way to add surface design and texture to a piece, metal stamping is an exciting way to produce highly individual results.
About the Author, Lisa Niven Kelly
Lisa Niven Kelly is an experienced jewelry artist and founder of Beaducation, a website that offers video classes as well as selling a wide range of supplies. She teaches jewelry making and contributes to several magazines including Bead and Button and Art Jewelry.
In Stamped Metal Jewelry, Lisa Niven Kelly draws on her experience both as a designer and teacher to present readers with a comprehensive resource. Starting with the absolute basics, every aspect of making stamped metal jewelry is explained including supplies and techniques.
Supplies and Materials
The beginning of Stamped Metal Jewelry outlines the basic supplies and materials that a beginner will require to start creating stamped metal jewelry. Experienced jewelry makers will have many of these tools and Lisa Niven Kelly helpfully outlines what are the essential tools and what are helpful tools which are useful but not absolutely necessary.
Stamped Metal Techniques
While the focus of the book is on metal stamping, the scope of the book extends to complementary techniques such as how to oxidize metal and how to rivet pieces of metal together. There is a short section on basic wire-work techniques that is useful for complete beginners. Lisa Niven Kelly breaks the techniques down into easy-to-follow steps, with clear photographs illustrating the process.
Stamped Metal Projects
There are 19 projects by the author and other well known jewelry artists. The projects range from simple stamped charms through to elements that are riveted and sawn. The techniques required to undertake each project are clearly listed at the start of the project page. The projects use metal blanks in silver and copper which are readily available from jewelry supply stores.
DVD
One feature that makes Stamped Metal Jewelry really stand out is the DVD which accompanies the book. The instructional DVD is an extremely useful resource and will be beneficial for complete beginners who welcome the additional reassurance of watching a process being demonstrated before undertaking it.
Conclusion - A Stand-Out Book and DVD
Stamped Metal Jewelry is a well presented book and comprehensive guide to making stamped metal jewelry. Lisa Niven Kelly explains clearly the process of making stamped jewelry and offers tips for customizing and adapting the projects to make them with your own style. The DVD adds real value to the book and is a very useful resource. This is an initiative that would be useful in other craft books where new techniques are discussed. Stamped Metal Jewelry is highly recommended to both beginner and more experienced jewelry makers who are interested in making stamped metal jewelry.
More Information
- Title: Stamped Metal Jewelry
- Author: Lisa Niven Kelly
- Publisher: Interweave Press
- ISBN: 978 1 59368 177 4
A review copy of Stamped Metal Jewelry was supplied by the publisher.
Kate Pullen - Kate Pullen is a freelance writer specializing in arts and crafts , and is an accomplished craftsperson. As well as being a designer / ...
