Bead & Wire Fashion Jewelry, by Jessica Rose. Guild of Master Craftsmen Publications, 2014

This book is a great one for learning the basics of wire working. It has step by step photographs of each process, making learning the bends and turns easy. The author shows how to make and use the basic findings: jump rings, head pins, wrapped tops on large beads, clasps, earwires, loops, simple charms, and how to crimp. Then she has eighteen projects: bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and rings- rings aren’t something you find in very many jewelry making books.

While the book doesn’t go into fancier things like making a jig and creating extensively wrapped pieces, it can be the basis for a solid foundation on wire working. You can’t do the fancy stuff without mastering the basics. And being able to make your own findings can save you a lot of money when you’re making jewelry!

Book Review: Upcycle Your Wardrobe

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I've seen some upcycling books that are 

very poorly done- poor sewing techniques, shoddy looking projects. Most of the 

projects in this book are well done, and many are quite sophisticated. The author 

demonstrates good sewing techniques, and even finishes her seams. An A+ for not 

just doing a few cuts on a shirt and calling it upcycled, and for creating things

that a person would actually buy if they found them in a store!

Review: The Handbag Workshop, by Anna Mazur. Taunton Press, 2014

Most books from Taunton Press are very good, and this one is no exception. I've looked at a lot of books and articles on making purses, and this is by far the best. Rather than yet another book on making tote bags from novelty cottons (not that there is anything wrong with those totes; I've made some myself and use them), this book demonstrates working with leather as well as cloth, inserting zippers in all kinds of places, creating multiple compartments, hard sided versus soft sided bags, lining, creating strong straps, and making all sorts of shapes of handbags. Using this book, it should be possible to turn out professional quality designer purses, in styles from wristlet to portfolio, bucket bag to slim clutch. Making designer quality handbags is a very complex process and I am extremely impressed by the detailed instructions and photographs showing the step by step process.