Sunday, April 10, 2011

Easy and Elegant Beaded Copper Jewelry by Lora S. Irish PLUS Giveaway!

From Goodreads:
Bend It, Shape It , Anyway You Want It...Wire Jewelry 
Prolific craft author and instructor, Lora Irish is back with a fresh volume of craft techniques - this time on making wire jewelry. 
Using inexpensive wire and tools commonly found around the home, readers will learn how to bend, twist and coil wire to create an endless variety of shapes for attractive necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Once readers master the basic wire shapes, they will learn how to create finished pieces by incorporating fasteners, earring hooks and cording. When these basic building blocks are mastered, readers will learn how to embellish their designs with beads and more complex designs. Practice projects, step-by-step instructions and a gallery of designs will show readers just how easy it is to get started in this fun and rewarding craft.
Okay, some of you know I like to dabble in jewelry. Granted I'll never be showing my stuff on the red carpet (well, unless I install some in my home) but I loved to have fun with it. So, when I had the chance to review this book... I grabbed my tools and took a chance!
What I loved about this book is that it went through the complete basics. It shows you how to do simple links, links with beads, and even jump rings. Sometimes that is useful if you want to use the same materials to create an even finish. Along with the basics you also find out how to create more complicated type of wire work and wire work that involves wrapping. It really isn't harder, but it is a bit more involved.
It ends with several projects you can do. There are earrings, necklaces and bracelet projects. There is even a section which helps you change parts of a project to make it your own. It was fun and easy and I tried a project myself. Now, I had some tools and just had to get some extra wire. I didn't get anything expensive since I was just trying it out. I tried one of the earring projects and this is what I did:

I'd have to say one tool I didn't have was one that holds it without damage. The metal part is usually padded by plastic or nylon. So, I did strip some of the color off the red. However, other than that, it was a fairly easy and quick project. Oh and here is the kicker... I decided to give them away! Keep in mind, it may have nickel for those that have metal allergies. It is inexpensive wire, but wire that was designed for this purpose. It also was the first project I did just to see if her instructions worked. So, it isn't my best work. Okay... with those disclaimers in mind all you have to do is say you want to enter for the earrings in the comments. Yes, I will do it internationally. Don't forget to leave a e-mail if it isn't in your profile. I'll end it on the 20th, 10pm MST.
Giveaway is closed!
I received this ebook from netgalley and Fox Chapel Publishing and no compensation for my review was given.

17 comments:

  1. Definitely a book I would like to have in my library - you know I like making jewellery and I think it would help me to be more creative! Thanks for a lovely review and pictures - your earrings are interesting!

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  2. Book sounds very interesting. I try to make jewellery. Thanks for the giveaway. Your earrings are very beautifull!!!

    artgiote at gmail dot com

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  3. I think your earrings are beautiful. I love these kinds of books.

    LadyVampire2u AT gmail DOT com

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  4. Your earrings are beautiful! I could've never managed that even after reading the book.

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  5. Yaaaay, your earrings are beautiful...!

    agataknurowska(at)o2(dot)pl

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  6. Sigh...I wish I had your gift and patience for such lovely work.

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  7. These are beautiful.
    Ann
    cozyintexas@yahoo.com

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  8. So pretty! For all that I'm crafty, jewelry has never been a strong suit of mine. My attempts usually come out looking like a 2 year old got a hold of them. I might as well be working in macaroni:)

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  9. Count me in please!
    k_anon[at]hotmail[dot]co[dot]uk

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  10. Sounds like something a friend of mine would like, not entering though.

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  11. Wow dooood, those photos are all professional looking, as it the jewelry. You all that dabbling? Really??

    Truly exquisite Melissa!

    Me want.
    missie at theunreadreader.com

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  12. You did a great job with those earrings. Really pretty!

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  13. You are so adorable trying out the books steps! Unfortunately my ears aren't pierced and I'm too much of a coward to do it now as an adult LOOL

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  14. OOH how pretty. Funny how I can sit for hours with a book and yet don't have the patience for anything like this.

    tracy.terry1@yahoo.co.uk

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  15. beautiful! i'd love to win

    hockiemack at hotmail.com

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  16. I *heart* my talented friends and I am so going to the mat for these!

    thehistorychic@gmail.com

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  17. These look wonderful! I really like the design to it. Cool. Sounds like a great new way of making the jewelery. :)

    I would love to enter for the earings, but my ears like to be picky sometimes and I'm afraid they might react to the metal. But very nice jewelry. :)

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Thanks for commenting! I ❤ comments!