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The Sparkle Factory: The Design and Craft of Tarina's Fashion Jewelry and Accessories
Tarina Tarantino’s love affair with DIY jewelry and accessories began when she was a just a little girl, with each old sweater or bead that she took from her grandmother’s closet and repurposed into a new tank top, headband, or necklace. Eventually, Tarina grew up and moved to Paris to pursue modeling, but never stopped making jewelry on the side. Pretty soon she was selling her pieces to stylists and photographers, leading to her now famous jewelry and accessories brand, The Sparkle Factory. In this inspirational and beautiful book, jewelry- and DIY lovers will learn how to make 20 of Tarina’s most essential pieces, including stretch bracelets, cocktail rings, hair clips, bag candy, and more. Fans of Tarina will also learn all about her brand and how it got started as well as information on finding your own style, tools and techniques, using materials and color schemes, and more. The text is complemented by tips, advice, and 100-150 full-color photos throughout.
272 pages, Paperback
First published April 23, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 17 reviews
October 10, 2013
Thank you Tarina Tarantino!! This book was so incredibly inspiring! As a person who LOVES fashion & is an avid crafter, it was perfection. I loved the tutorials inside because they're pieces that I would actually wear. They're more styled & on trend pieces, not just jewelry making for the sake of making jewelry. Many of the projects include polymer clay which is excellent for me because it's an area of my craft studio that I don't touch very much. I spent the better part of one day pouring over the pages of this book & promptly pulled out all of my clay, beads, and acrylic gems and got to work. I created about 3 pieces that afternoon and have still been daydreaming about designs ever since!
The book not only covers jewelry making and tutorials, but supply inventory, design, organization, and storage. So many pretty things to look at! In addition, Tarina's autobiography portion of the book was very inspiring. I love her story because it makes me feel like there's still hope for the post-college me to create something amazing of my life. She encourages girls to just be themselves and follow their passion! This book is definitely going on my wish list!
The book not only covers jewelry making and tutorials, but supply inventory, design, organization, and storage. So many pretty things to look at! In addition, Tarina's autobiography portion of the book was very inspiring. I love her story because it makes me feel like there's still hope for the post-college me to create something amazing of my life. She encourages girls to just be themselves and follow their passion! This book is definitely going on my wish list!
September 7, 2020
Wow, sparkle indeed. I'm reading this seven years after publication and the big, chunky plastic jewelry trend has abated. Thankfully. But the author's enthusiasm is quite infectious and her story is inspiring. But about the jewelry and projects themselves... Oh, so much glue!!! I don't think it's the most durable connection but then again, she also uses tons of plastic beads. Some of her instructions ran counter to EVERYTHING I'd learned in jewelry: smooth pliers (over serrated) so they don't put marks in your work, twisting jump rings/chain links open (not using a plier to widen them)!!! So, I was suspicious after that. Also, I'd never ever heard of this woman before. How can that be? Anyway. Enthusiasm galore here, but be wary about the durability of your crafted items.
May 7, 2018
A book that I actually wish I could own but, I got it from my library
January 11, 2020
This book made me want to make fun jewelry
May 30, 2013
How could I not want to read a book called "Sparkle Factory"?!?! While I appreciate the author's back story, I almost didn't go on with the book after the first chapter mostly, I think, because I was jealous. I mean, not all jewelry makers are lucky enough to already be models and have other models and famous people literally buy jewelry right off of them... But, I found a lot of inspiration in the book in unexpected ways. For example, I love the way the author encourages people to just be themselves and do what makes them happy. I also love her inspiration boards and the way she displays her pieces.
I don't think this is a particularly spectacular book for beginners. While she gives an overview of various techniques, she doesn't go into great detail about them. Also, she uses some tools that you don't necessarily need, but she makes it seem like you do need them. Not everyone has access to unlimited Swarovski crystals or their own professionally-made custom beads. But, she does offer some inexpensive materials like bows from the dollar store and felt. Finally, it is one of my biggest pet peeves when any jewelry book instructs people to pull apart rings or links rather than twist them apart. There are several times when users are instructed to pull apart chain links. I know that's my own personal bias, but it impacted the way I felt about the book.
Overall, I found this book to be inspiring, but not in the way I think the author intended for it to be inspiring. I would recommend this book to people looking for unique pieces and inspiration for making art-inspired jewelry, but I would not recommend it to people who are just starting out and need to learn techniques and what tools to use. I would probably check this one out from the library.
I received an electronic review copy of this book.
I don't think this is a particularly spectacular book for beginners. While she gives an overview of various techniques, she doesn't go into great detail about them. Also, she uses some tools that you don't necessarily need, but she makes it seem like you do need them. Not everyone has access to unlimited Swarovski crystals or their own professionally-made custom beads. But, she does offer some inexpensive materials like bows from the dollar store and felt. Finally, it is one of my biggest pet peeves when any jewelry book instructs people to pull apart rings or links rather than twist them apart. There are several times when users are instructed to pull apart chain links. I know that's my own personal bias, but it impacted the way I felt about the book.
Overall, I found this book to be inspiring, but not in the way I think the author intended for it to be inspiring. I would recommend this book to people looking for unique pieces and inspiration for making art-inspired jewelry, but I would not recommend it to people who are just starting out and need to learn techniques and what tools to use. I would probably check this one out from the library.
I received an electronic review copy of this book.
May 25, 2013
Props to Tarina Tarantino for actually putting together this book to share how she makes her jewelry and accessories and her story (which includes how she surrounded herself with supportive and creative people who didn't let her give up) with the goal of inspiring you to take action with your artistic vision. I've admired some of her pieces as seen on celebs, but now I have great admiration for how she's put her story out there.
While most of the designs she shared were bold, quirky and unconventional in appearance - sugar skull bracelets, necklaces made of toys/dolls - what stopped everything from being too "out there" was her addition of very brief history lessons and notes on inspiration help personalize why she's showcasing the design in the book. In general, it's not exactly something my more conservative personality could really pull off in the office or at a family get together.
I'm particularly interested in knowing how my children and I can make pieces to share with her school community. Unfortunately, we're not jewelry makers, so a lot of the tools she's listed are $ investments we'd need to make. I am particularly interested in hair accessories (especially for the wee gals) and was relieved to learn that making felt flowers may not be as expensive as the Swavorski crystals she sprinkles onto her other pieces. I plan to give it a try over the summer and see if I can create some stunning plumeria clips for the school's teachers.
Likely, after the publication and my attempt at a project, I will come back and update this review on how it worked out.
While most of the designs she shared were bold, quirky and unconventional in appearance - sugar skull bracelets, necklaces made of toys/dolls - what stopped everything from being too "out there" was her addition of very brief history lessons and notes on inspiration help personalize why she's showcasing the design in the book. In general, it's not exactly something my more conservative personality could really pull off in the office or at a family get together.
I'm particularly interested in knowing how my children and I can make pieces to share with her school community. Unfortunately, we're not jewelry makers, so a lot of the tools she's listed are $ investments we'd need to make. I am particularly interested in hair accessories (especially for the wee gals) and was relieved to learn that making felt flowers may not be as expensive as the Swavorski crystals she sprinkles onto her other pieces. I plan to give it a try over the summer and see if I can create some stunning plumeria clips for the school's teachers.
Likely, after the publication and my attempt at a project, I will come back and update this review on how it worked out.
July 21, 2013
La verdad es que personalmente no conocía a Tarina pero como adoro las manualidades de este tipo me entró la curiosidad. Es un libro curioso. Primero la propia autora nos habla sobre sí misma, Tarina, que ha ido consiguiendo fama con sus joyas y accesorios, y aunque no la conocía la he investigado un poco después de conocerla un poco más.
La verdad es que me encanta la forma en que lo ha escrito, porque se nota que las cosas que escribe y describe son desde su propia experiencia, y que plasma sus sentimientos a la hora de elaborar joyas y complementos. Además las expresiones que utiliza buscan confortar y ayudar al lector en la búsqueda de inspiración, animarlo a darse cuenta de que la creación existe si sabes dónde buscarla y darle consejos sobre cómo prepararte antes de trabajar en tus manualidades, y te da consejos sobre las joyas y la importancia de que las joyas expresen cosas sobre ti (lo que llevo tiempo intentando hacer yo misma), te anima a ver que las joyas y accesorios son complementos para cualquier momento, te da trucos de cómo guardarlos, ordenarlos o presumir de ellos...
Realmente me ha gustado como está preparado, dividido, redactado y maquetado porque incluye muchas fotos de complementos suyos y sesiones fotográficas temáticas. Pero lo que más me ha gustado son los complementos que te enseñan a hacer porque son muy originales, y ayuda mucho que estén descritos paso a paso con fotos y herramientas necesarias para realizarlos con gran facilidad...
Aquí la reseña completa:
http://chibiakasworld.blogspot.com.es...
La verdad es que me encanta la forma en que lo ha escrito, porque se nota que las cosas que escribe y describe son desde su propia experiencia, y que plasma sus sentimientos a la hora de elaborar joyas y complementos. Además las expresiones que utiliza buscan confortar y ayudar al lector en la búsqueda de inspiración, animarlo a darse cuenta de que la creación existe si sabes dónde buscarla y darle consejos sobre cómo prepararte antes de trabajar en tus manualidades, y te da consejos sobre las joyas y la importancia de que las joyas expresen cosas sobre ti (lo que llevo tiempo intentando hacer yo misma), te anima a ver que las joyas y accesorios son complementos para cualquier momento, te da trucos de cómo guardarlos, ordenarlos o presumir de ellos...
Realmente me ha gustado como está preparado, dividido, redactado y maquetado porque incluye muchas fotos de complementos suyos y sesiones fotográficas temáticas. Pero lo que más me ha gustado son los complementos que te enseñan a hacer porque son muy originales, y ayuda mucho que estén descritos paso a paso con fotos y herramientas necesarias para realizarlos con gran facilidad...
Aquí la reseña completa:
http://chibiakasworld.blogspot.com.es...
June 21, 2013
For one, I am not creative enough for jewelry making but I do like to read about it and there are times where I found these do-it-yourself books on bargains but this got to be my first read on DIY jewelry. Unfortunately, I dislike chunky jewelries which contribute to the main part of the book although I adore custom and gemstone jewelries.
I do like reading about her own side of the story in the business, how she learn craft from the beginning to her later work in the industry and how she love doing the work she obviously love. As for the DIY instruction part, there's a bunch of ideas to choose from. I particularly love the petit chapeaus, chunky bracelets and the 20s headbands. Unfortunately, a bunch of these things are common in shop nowadays especially the Made-in-China mass produced plastic stuff which I usually avoid. Despite obviously being a designer handwork, I do find it disheartening.
There were additional chapter on pairing up with type of clothing and fashion which is a good read on its own. The organization ideas at the end is a decent read since I do have inability to be organized in anything. There was a good balance of picture and text in this book and the ideas provided would inspire the readers interesting in making DIY accessories.
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I do like reading about her own side of the story in the business, how she learn craft from the beginning to her later work in the industry and how she love doing the work she obviously love. As for the DIY instruction part, there's a bunch of ideas to choose from. I particularly love the petit chapeaus, chunky bracelets and the 20s headbands. Unfortunately, a bunch of these things are common in shop nowadays especially the Made-in-China mass produced plastic stuff which I usually avoid. Despite obviously being a designer handwork, I do find it disheartening.
There were additional chapter on pairing up with type of clothing and fashion which is a good read on its own. The organization ideas at the end is a decent read since I do have inability to be organized in anything. There was a good balance of picture and text in this book and the ideas provided would inspire the readers interesting in making DIY accessories.
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 5, 2013
5 Stars
Techno tribal pin color- Paris Apartment- Cocktail Ring
This is one of the better jewelry craft books to come out in a while. The ideas are fun enough for little girls, quirky enough for teens & yet intriguing enough for adults of any age. I will be trying a few of these like the Techno Tribal pin and the cocktail rings.
(PS. The cover on NetGalley is much better then the cover on Good reads).
Techno tribal pin color- Paris Apartment- Cocktail Ring
This is one of the better jewelry craft books to come out in a while. The ideas are fun enough for little girls, quirky enough for teens & yet intriguing enough for adults of any age. I will be trying a few of these like the Techno Tribal pin and the cocktail rings.
(PS. The cover on NetGalley is much better then the cover on Good reads).
June 15, 2017
As a crafter this book had some fun ideas. I will say that I'm not much for jewelry or fashion so the actual projects weren't my favorite but I loved so many of the ideas and techniques.
If you are a chunky jewelry lover then this is the book for you. Her projects are fun and great for younger recipients.
It's a great book to check out for ideas and interesting techniques with recycled materials.
If you are a chunky jewelry lover then this is the book for you. Her projects are fun and great for younger recipients.
It's a great book to check out for ideas and interesting techniques with recycled materials.
April 18, 2016
If you are into large jewelry, this is a book with lots of different ideas. The instructions seemed easy enough although I didn't make any of the pieces. I'm sure it would appeal more to an younger person than I am. I know I would have loved it in my younger days. :)
Lots of info and great pictures for jewelry designers!
* I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Lots of info and great pictures for jewelry designers!
* I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 5, 2013
The Sparkle Factory is a charming how-to book that shows you how the author makes her quirky and original jewelry and gives you step by step instructions on how to make some of her designs.
It is full of bright colors, sparkle and charm and provides some interesting information about Tarina's work, as well as encouraging you to embrace your creativity and craft your own.
It is full of bright colors, sparkle and charm and provides some interesting information about Tarina's work, as well as encouraging you to embrace your creativity and craft your own.
Read
November 11, 2013Always looking for summer projects for the kid, I checked this out. No crafter myself, I found the instructions clear and easy to follow. The kid was DELIGHTED with the pictures and I'm going to guess she was inspired, as she begged for a trip tomorrow to the Fashion district. Fun, cheerful, doesn't appear TOO daunting.
September 5, 2013
Review to come.
July 17, 2014
LOVE THIS BOOK!
Read
October 10, 2013The Crafty Chica interviewed the author, that's where I heard about this book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 17 reviews