Have you always longed to create handmade wire and metal jewelry but didn't know where to start? Step-By-Step Jewelry Workshop is a multi-technique guide for the novice jewelry maker covering a range of all the basics needed to get started creating great designs. Even if you've never picked up a pair of pliers, Step-By-Step Jewelry Workshop will guide you every step of the way from setting up your workspace and transferring designs to basic filing, sawing, and soldering skills. Diagrams give clarity for tricky stages, and there are examples of what can go wrong and how to fix the problem!
A comprehensive tools and materials section will familiarize the reader with how to choose metals and stones, select and store useful materials for this adventure in jewelry making, plus how to start a beginner's tool kit and the best way to store these items. Next, move into techniques and projects, from how to plan a simple design to how to transfer designs to metal; then how to pierce, file, solder, and pickle, plus clean your jewelry for that finishing touch. Other techniques include learning to use wire, making stone settings, and forging. All techniques are shown through detailed step-by-step photography.
Advice on practicing with inexpensive materials until you get your skills honed and tips on designing your own unique pieces are also inside. Techniques are interspersed with projects so that you can create beautiful jewelry as you learn-from simple silver rings to elegant stone-set pendants.
Nicola Hurst earned a degree in jewelry making in 1990 and began her own jewelry-making business five years later. She teaches adult evening classes to complete beginners as well as to more advanced makers. She also teaches private classes from her own workshop. Nicola's jewelry sells in galleries and shops throughout the United Kingdom. Visit Nicola’s website at www.nicolahurst.co.uk