Publisher's Synopsis
Achieve the look of designer wire jewelry with this step-by-step guide for the intermediate artist seeking new design possibilities combined with solid technique instruction. Dale "Cougar" Armstrong showcases her classic jewelry style with 18 projects and traditional wireworking techniques using hard wire. Her methods show how to create beautiful custom bracelets, necklaces, pendants, earrings, pins, rings-even a tiara!-incorporating detailed designs, faceted stones, cabochons, and beads.
Wirework begins with an introduction to materials, supplies, and techniques that includes how to work with hard wire (14k and 18k); when to use other tempers and why; Dale's favorite tools; proper tool usage for producing specialized styles; using geometry in wire jewelry formulations; making the "right" right angles; shaping with and without mandrels; using "found" items for shaping; when and how to use "snap-set" components; choosing the right cabochons and gemstones; and much more. Then work through 18 classic, stunning projects that explore and hone wireworking skills. All the projects are shown with detailed step-by-step photography. Also included is a gallery of work from the author and her students to inspire, using techniques featured throughout the book.
Readers will enjoy learning how to wire-wrap using faceted stones, how to create pendants with any size or shape of faceted stone, how to use several methods for working with and setting faceted stones, plus mixing wire gauges and tempers to create stable yet creative pieces. Wirework will challenge artists to be creative, think outside the box, and transform jewelry into their own style.
