Metalsmithing Made Easy: A Practical Guide to Cold Connections, Simple Soldering, Stone Setting, and More

by Kate Ferrant Richbourg

Following the success of her first book, Simple Soldering , Kate Ferrant Richbourg walks kitchen table metalsmiths through the basics and into new territory! In addition to teaching the essentials of soldering, Metalsmithing Made Easy demystifies rotary tools and introduces different kinds of hotter small-space torches.

In her signature friendly, easy-to-follow style, Kate lays out a lesson plan of techniques to help readers gain familiarity with soldering tools and methods. In the chapter "The Field Guide to the Rotary Tool" you will learn how to quickly and efficiently, with a simple handheld tool and a few select bits, add professional-quality surface effects and finishing to your jewelry designs.

A practice sampler of metal tiles, to be worked on step by step, helps to hone skills in surface manipulation, stone setting, cold connections, and more. Once these skills are mastered in the sampler, you can undertake any (or all) of fifteen gorgeous projects included, such as a locket, bail with set stone, prong-set pendant, and much more.

Genres: Jewellery, Crafts

144 pages, Paperback

First published July 31, 2016

Reviews

[Ligaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book I've read by the author. I read the first section of the book much more closely than the projects section and I was disappointed by many editing errors that I encountered, some gibberish words, some Figure captions that didn't sync up. The hole punch guide was very helpful and one that I will post in my studio space for reference. The Locket was the most interesting project, for me. But there are several things here that sparked further ideas.

[Bonita Mccullough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

I really enjoyed this book, I am newbe to silversmithing, and she showed me some new things to try. I never tried coiling to make a ball.

[Janice Root · Rating 2 out of 5]

For Beginning Metalsmiths

Next time, I'll do more research before I buy a book. This one was strictly for novices. It was very disappointing.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her introduction, the author says, "You and I have something in common. We both like to make metal jewelry."
She goes on to add, "The more you learn and build on your technique, the easier new or difficult things become. That's why I wrote this book.
I'm here to share my tips, steps, tricks, and methods, to answer your questions, and to coach you through the tough spots."

With those heartening first words, off we go into the exciting world of metalsmithing. It begins with a brief but thorough explanation of how to use the book, including how to set up your studio. The author suggests that the reader follow the book from beginning to end before a tool is even picked up.
This overview will come in handy when you work with this book.
The first chapter is titled "Lets Talk about Solder". This chapter alone is worth the price of the book. It anticipates and answers the numerous questions a reader might have about soldering, torches, the how-tos of soldering, and more.
The second chapter introduces you to "Tools". One of the most helpful aspects of Metalsmithing Made Easy is that the author explains each tool that the "DIY Metalsmith" might need very well. Because of this, the reader will be prepared and will have all of the tools needed. The few you might not have will be addressed by the author and there will be suggestions for substitutions. This is a wonderful chapter.
Chapter 3 covers "Metals and Materials". It includes metals such as copper, fine silver, sterling silver, gold fill and brass and looks at the forms they come in. It also discusses stones, patinas, and polishes. The photographs are excellent. The reader will see and understand how different patinas affect different metals.
When the reader reaches Chapter 4, it is very exciting, as this chapter is all about the rotary tool, a very useful tool for a metalsmith to understand. It will be covered in this chapter every which way plus loose!

Chapter 5 is titled "Sampler". These little beauties are 1 X 1 inch and each one is packed with information from the author to the reader about a specific metalsmithing method. For example, one square ("sampler 7") teaches dapping and soldering domes. Sampler 15 instructs the metalsmith reader how to make a tube setting, which has a stone bezel set in it.
Once Chapter 5 is mastered, the reader is ready for Chapter 6: "Projects". As the author writes, "Time to make your skills shine!"
This lovely chapter offers earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets and pendants. All the projects are amazing and you will be able to make them because of this book. If you like one but are looking for a slightly different look, there are design alternatives, too! Gorgeous, lovely and hip designs which you can make yourself and add your own signature touches to.

This is art jewelry of the highest quality and the reader will be thrilled to know that is is possible to create these pieces from this fun and fabulous book by Kate Ferrant Richbourg. It has everything you need to get you started on the path to metalsmithing.

Metalsmithing Made Easy is a brilliant book by a great instructor and designer!

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just received today from Amazon. Look forward to reading this even though I am very familiar with soldering. I use my studio and not the kitchen table. However, I am a fan of Kate.