Wire Writing Secrets by Andy Turner
This is a sample of a wire name necklace...as done by wire writing expert, Andy Turner. I met Andy a few years ago when he asked me to review his e-book, Wire Writing Secrets. Now, at first, I thought since I was a very skilled wire artist, I wouldn't learn much in reviewing this book. Man, was I wrong! Andy has written one of the most detailed and comprehensive books on this subject that I've found. With the recent revival of this old craft, if you have any interest in this, Wire Writing Secrets won't disappoint you. Don't let the rough quality of his website deter you......this is an excellent book. Check it out by simply CLICKING HERE.
A Recommended Sequence of Books for Beginners
Having spent a fair amount of time teaching wire weaving techniques to those new to wire jewelry making, I've spent some time thinking about what would be the best books for them to start off with. Below are some of the very best introductory books for making wire jewelry that I could find. Find more in-depth book reviews for these three books here.
Why these are such good starter books
One of the first things you need to be familiar with when working with wire is with the wire itself. How each different kind of wire moves, how you can manipulate it, etc. You learn that best, of course, by actually doing it. Once you're familiar with the wire, the next step is learning how to form and shape it into something attractive enough to wear. With the books here, you should be able to do all that with flair!
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All Wired Up by Mark Lareau
All Wired Up is an excellent basic book that will teach you how to use wire working tools to accomplish basic loops, bends, connectors, findings, ear wires.......a lot of the essentials that many wireworkers skip over. Starting out with this book can give you a sense of confidence and more than enough to keep you wanting more. The book also shows you how to make some earrings and wrap cabachons (stones). Simple and straightforward, All Wired Up is a great place for a newb ie wire jeweler to start. More details and ordering info here.
Making Wire Jewelry by Helen Clegg and Mary Larom
Making Wire Jewelry is a true favorite of mine. An excellent, excellent book for anyone new to working with wire, this book will not only give you lots of projects to try, it can totally inspire you with all of its' diverse and unique designs. This book is all about learning how to shape the wire. And it does so beautifully. Being able to bend wire into lovely shapes, both sinewy and geometric, is pretty much an essential skill to have and I can't recommend any place better to learn that than with this book. It's both original and a unique classic. More details and ordering info here.
Silver Wire Jewelry by Irene From Petersen
Silver Wire Jewelry is a wonderful book indeed. There are many techniques here that will challenge you, enhance your skills and utterly inspire you. This book will teach you one of the simplest wire techniques, coiling wire, and give you several coiled projects to complete. You may end up being amazed at the elegant jewelry that can be created from such a simple technique. There is a great deal to this book in terms of techniques including braiding, chain maille, knitting and crocheting wire as well. There are a number of delightful, little surprise techniques in this book, too. This book is jam packed with exciting, elegant and very doable jewelry projects. More details and ordering info here.