"McKinnon presents an intriguing, highly professional way to create beaded
jewelry that doesn't resemble loving hands at home. 'I'm a maker of components,
an engineer of connections,' McKinnon says, and throughout the 15 projects and
seven structural elements (e.g., clasps, ear wires, ring findings) she
discusses, it's clear that the engineering conceit fuels her work. Curiously,
much of the volume's presentation centers on beading, a craft she learned as a
child. Yet her incorporation of best-possible materials, whether a slew of
Victorian buttons or already fashioned felt cupcakes, distinguishes each
design. Unfortunately, skill level is not always designated clearly, only
indicated from time to time in introductory material. Trial and error, though,
is a welcomed technique, which McKinnon encourages through her inclusion of
project notes, tips, and possible variations. The last chapter summarizes the
basics and refers readers to her previous book, Sculptural Metal Clay Jewelry.
So, if today is Tuesday, do we opt to fashion and wear a dramatic mechanical
chain, the whimsical Puck's bracelet, or the extraordinarily intricate
corset-stitch cuff? Many top-notch choices." - Barbara Jacobs, Booklist
*Starred Review*
“I love Kate's jewelry making philosophy: let's make jewelry that lasts a
thousand years. Buy the book and learn to make better jewelry than you have
ever made.” – B’Sue Boutiques
“The Jewelry Architect may not appeal to those looking for quick
fix, immediately gratification projects. Instead, it is geared more towards the
knowledgeable (though not necessarily expert) jewelry maker who is looking for
ways to better construct his or her jewelry as well as find methods for
combining interesting materials such as fiber, metal clay, and glass beads.” -
Tammy Powley, About.com Guide
“Let Kate be one of your teachers. Get the book, read it carefully, and
watch the DVD over and over until it is imbedded into your brain. I learned
something about myself and my own creative philosophies by reflecting on hers.
I wish the same for you”. - Bsueboutiques.typepad.com
"My favorite jewelry-making book of all time." - Tammy Jones,
JewelryMakingDaily.com
“This book is a delectable smorgasbord of color, material, and technique,
which not only enticed me to try some of the projects but to dream up new ones
on my own. She offers basic skills in beadwork, metal clay, and stringing that
you can incorporate into your own work no matter what style you embrace, and she
teaches you how to build it so it will last a lifetime. I value books that can
give me a foundation in some area that I may build upon later with my own
experimentation.” - Pattylakinsmith.blogspot.com
