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A Charming Exchange: 25 Jewelry Projects To Create & Share
Make your own stunning jewelry and meet new friends in the process! Welcome to A Charming Exchange , a place where inspired minds meet to combine and swap ideas and techniques to create unique charm bracelets, earrings, talismans and more. Your hosts, authors Ruth Rae and Kelly Snelling , have joined forces with a diverse group of talented contributing artists to bring you 55 step-by-step techniques in 25 inspiring jewelry projects. Combine the techniques in your own way, learn how to collaborate with other artists, create pieces for yourself or trade what you make with others. Whether you are new to jewelry making or a seasoned pro, you'll find plenty to inspire you to take your creations to a new level. In addition to basic jewelry techniques, you'll learn Let A Charming Exchange show you how to connect with like-minded souls and start making your own gorgeous jewelry pieces today.
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
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29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 22, 2008
There are some splendid pieces in this book, just really lovely assemblage style art/jewelry pieces. Having said that, there are a couple of quibbles too.
First of all, much of what is in here is collaborative work... not that that is a bad thing in and of itself, but it does result in some of the pieces becoming really cluttered. Like two or more of the artists involved threw ideas like "focal point" and "wearability" out the window. Additionally, as far as the instructional part is concerned, the authors chose to only explain one or two parts of the construction, like the chain, or one of the charms. This left me wishing they had at least said something about the other components, like, "This piece was done with resin casting." You can't always tell how something was done just by looking at the pictures, and this is frustrating.
One other thing that is not really a problem, just something that struck me. Many, if not most of the pieces in this book are religiously oriented... many of the makers are "keen on Jesus" as Mr. Burns would put it. This is fine by me, but it is so prevalent that I checked the back cover and introduction to see if this was a deliberate theme, although it doesn't seem to say that anywhere. Just FYI.
First of all, much of what is in here is collaborative work... not that that is a bad thing in and of itself, but it does result in some of the pieces becoming really cluttered. Like two or more of the artists involved threw ideas like "focal point" and "wearability" out the window. Additionally, as far as the instructional part is concerned, the authors chose to only explain one or two parts of the construction, like the chain, or one of the charms. This left me wishing they had at least said something about the other components, like, "This piece was done with resin casting." You can't always tell how something was done just by looking at the pictures, and this is frustrating.
One other thing that is not really a problem, just something that struck me. Many, if not most of the pieces in this book are religiously oriented... many of the makers are "keen on Jesus" as Mr. Burns would put it. This is fine by me, but it is so prevalent that I checked the back cover and introduction to see if this was a deliberate theme, although it doesn't seem to say that anywhere. Just FYI.
April 25, 2009
This is completely fun. I've been so into altered art lately, and this book is just my cup of tea, using jewelry as canvas. I recently scrounged up an old Underwood typewriter, hoping to salvage the keys. Well, as I disassembled it, all these interestingly shaped pieces and parts emerged from it. As I read this book, I got all sorts of crazy ideas.
It's a book about collaboration, too, and what can happen if you hook up with other artists and stretch yourself. Includes links to blogs where you can hook up yourself! Might give that a try!
It's a book about collaboration, too, and what can happen if you hook up with other artists and stretch yourself. Includes links to blogs where you can hook up yourself! Might give that a try!
August 22, 2008
i've preordered this book from amazon 'cuz a couple of bloggy pals are featured in it...can't wait to get my copy!
wowzers! i loved seeing my pals jes berry & judy scott featured in this book...so amazing & inspirational! love the book & am so excited for my pals!
wowzers! i loved seeing my pals jes berry & judy scott featured in this book...so amazing & inspirational! love the book & am so excited for my pals!
January 11, 2017
I enjoyed going through this book. There are projects with wonderful designs and photos to go along with the description on how to make the projects. If you don't like a design you could still use the techniques given and make something you would like.
October 19, 2008
Really cool projects! Lots of vintage type projects, and lots of collage pieces.
June 22, 2010
well written instructions, lots of pictures, cute and interesting projects
May 1, 2011
An excellent jewelry-making book. Especially good if you are ready to move from beginner to more complex/intermediate projects.
June 3, 2013
Artsy, shabby chic jewelry projects, with a unique twist to gothic flair. Very much customizable to your own style of pendants and special charms. Lots of different materials and inspiring ideas.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews