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it is not. And this is one of many such examples. Take it from someone who is a relative beginner. Sorry to disagree with many of the reviewers who have gone before, but I was guided in part by their judgment to buy this glitzy book, long on inspirational photographs, but short on genuinely helpful advice. Perhaps the 5 star reviews were by accomplished jewelers who didn't need the directions or by those who just bought it for the admittedly wonderful photography. There was no discussion about using solder with different melting points as I subsequently learned was the only to make it happen.
HERE IS THE PUNCH LINE (and there's no getting around it):Following the directions to the letter for soldering applique work will NOT lead to successful results.
This book places more emphasis on presentation rather than truly helpful advice with an almost cavalier disregard for the accuracy of the directions for the projects given within for those who need this information the most.
This is confirmed by referencing other jewelry books, which indicate methods quite different from those given here, and most importantly, lead to successful results instead.
Some claimed this book is for beginners, while others stated it isn't.
Instructions are merely guidance and considerable trial and error to find the correct way of acheiving these results will be required.
The author seems to be so impressed with the photography and layout of the book that the wording was little more than an afterthought.
It would appear that the author assumes her audience to be well-grounded in techniques that are not explained to the point where they would do anyone with less than intermediate experience any good.
Further, discussion of techniques with experts at a course given at a university revealed the concuring opinion that the directions lack the lucidity required to reach the stated goals.
Buy it for the pictures, but take the instructions with a grain of salt.and be sure to have other jewelry-making books on hand or sign up with a jewelry-making course to get correct directions for achieving your goals.
Wow - a picture does say a thousand words and this book is loaded with images that clarify a process, show a finished piece in all its beauty, and inspire confidence to design your own work utilizing the techniques described in this book. The gallery/completed pieces are perfect for throughout each section of the book. The highlights for me in this book are the "Bench Tips" as they provide little tips to help you in the process of working with metal.and yes, a more appropriate title would be "The Art & Craft of Making Metal Jewelry." The techniques described (pretty much covers everything) are short and I would have like more information, particularly if I were a beginner. The organization is excellent (see below). The few projects provided are definitely doable, maybe for the beginner, but more appropriately for the intermediate to advanced metal worker. Each project has each step clearly stated and labeled.CONTENTS (as there is no Search Inside this Book):*Introduction*Metals & Their Properties (highly recommend this)*Tools & Equipment (covers all the truly necessary pieces; the "Tool Kit" listing is very handy; includes recommended Safety Equipment - would have liked more info here, but many of the Bench Tips provide additional recommendations that are excellent reminders)*Metalworking Basics*Forming Metal (bending/shaping, forging, dapping, die forming, scoring, repousse, casting)*Texturing Metal (roller, etching)*Layering Metal (applique, granulation, filigree, kum boo)*Mixing Metals (mokume gane)*Adding Color (enamel, resin inlay, bezels, stones,*Mechanisms (findings, clasps, hinges, chains)*Metal Clay (very brief - basically just mentioning it and showing unique pieces)*Templates (for the projects described in book)*Contributing Authors (contributing in the sense of their pieces shown within the pages of the book)*Acknowledgements*About the Author*IndexThis is definitely a book for the PROFESSIONAL jewelry maker and a worthy reference tool for their library.
This book is really good and loaded with lots of information. It also has really neat projects. Lots of photos and easy to understand. I highly recommend this book to someone who is new to metalsmithing.
This book is worth buying if just for the gallery pictures that line the top of each page. The author reviews a wide variety of metal working techniques and while the instructions aren't thorough enough to stand on their own, there is enough information to introduce you to each method so that you can try it out, or peak your interest to further investigate the techniques using other resources. The photographic illustrations are clear and well-shot and there are tips throughout the book. Pictures of various artists' works are inspirational.
Joanna Gollberg does nice books. I've got some experience with metalsmithing and this book didn't have a whole lot of new information for me, but she explains techniques very well. The projects are interesting and her gallery shots (pictures of work from other artists) are just incredible.
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