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Pretty Little Things: Collage Jewelry, Trinkets and Keepsakes
Whimsical and Elegant Projects from Well-Known Collage Artist Sally Jean Alexander With Pretty Little Things , readers will find collage projects that exhibit a playful air and a sense of magic. The 27 projects and 30 variations feature vintage ephemera soldered within glass, for finished works that tell a romantic or whimsical story. All exhibit Sally Jean Alexander’s signature style - a style that brings new life to antique papers, vintage photographs, found projects, scavenged text, and more.
128 pages, Paperback
First published September 8, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 10, 2022
A really lovely book and a joy to have on my shelf. Most of the things she gives instructions for making are a little too advanced for me at the moment, but it's a wonderful book for inspiration, i recommended
August 14, 2022
Recommendation from Cathe Holden book shelf tour 😍
Since this is an art I have never tried and have very few of the tools for I doubt I’ll ever make unless Kelli teaches a class.
Since this is an art I have never tried and have very few of the tools for I doubt I’ll ever make unless Kelli teaches a class.
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January 28, 2024Great book with wonderful instructions. My favorite part was the collage tutorial! I am not familiar with soldering, so I will revisit most of these projects when that is an option!
June 26, 2009
I admit I was very frustrated by this book. Touted as an insight into making soldered craft, I was keen to get my hands on it. As I'm in Australia, this meant ordering it in specially and paying a premium price of $45. I was happy to do that, though.
Sally Jean is obviously a skilled artist. You can see this in the fine photographs of her work that you'll find throughout the book. In addition, she has an affiliation with whimsy that I appreciate.
However, her instructions aren't clear. In fact, they're downright vague. There are no details regarding measurements, the type of iron or solder used, no references to environmentally aware materials (eg. lead free versus lead solder), the differences between the wattage of the iron and for what purposes they are used (I have since discovered there is a very clear difference depending on what you use the iron and materials for).
I feel ripped off by this purchase.
Sally Jean may well be an accomplished trinket maker but she's no author.
Sally Jean is obviously a skilled artist. You can see this in the fine photographs of her work that you'll find throughout the book. In addition, she has an affiliation with whimsy that I appreciate.
However, her instructions aren't clear. In fact, they're downright vague. There are no details regarding measurements, the type of iron or solder used, no references to environmentally aware materials (eg. lead free versus lead solder), the differences between the wattage of the iron and for what purposes they are used (I have since discovered there is a very clear difference depending on what you use the iron and materials for).
I feel ripped off by this purchase.
Sally Jean may well be an accomplished trinket maker but she's no author.
August 28, 2011
this is adapted from a longer review on my blog
liberal sprinkles
The book is full of very pretty things indeed. Lots of creative and inspiring ideas for making collage, trinkets and accessories from a variety of materials. There are nice photographs illustrating the steps for the projects, which don't look impossible to accomplish - IF you already know how to solder and cut glass, and have the tools to do so, or are willing to invest in them.
Nearly all the projects require soldering of some kind so if you're unfamiliar with this, the book will be nothing but something pretty to admire. If you are an experienced crafter in this area, you may like the book - the author takes you through various techniques and some lovely projects.
liberal sprinkles
The book is full of very pretty things indeed. Lots of creative and inspiring ideas for making collage, trinkets and accessories from a variety of materials. There are nice photographs illustrating the steps for the projects, which don't look impossible to accomplish - IF you already know how to solder and cut glass, and have the tools to do so, or are willing to invest in them.
Nearly all the projects require soldering of some kind so if you're unfamiliar with this, the book will be nothing but something pretty to admire. If you are an experienced crafter in this area, you may like the book - the author takes you through various techniques and some lovely projects.
April 19, 2017
2.5 stars rounded up
This was an odd book. I didn't see the subhead of collage until I read it the book. This is definitely that--very busy items that require a lot of skills that are complicated to learn such as glass cutting and soldering The items are nice and many are pretty. There's a lot of similarity in the projects. Almost all require glass of some kind and soldering. This means that they are all going to be heavy. Some things would be fine such as a trio of picture frames and a doll. But most of the items are wearables and some would be prohibitively heavy.
The layout of the pages is also busy so I was rather overwhelmed as I looked through it. The instructions have wonderful photographs but there are a lot of steps per paragraph and photo.
This was an odd book. I didn't see the subhead of collage until I read it the book. This is definitely that--very busy items that require a lot of skills that are complicated to learn such as glass cutting and soldering The items are nice and many are pretty. There's a lot of similarity in the projects. Almost all require glass of some kind and soldering. This means that they are all going to be heavy. Some things would be fine such as a trio of picture frames and a doll. But most of the items are wearables and some would be prohibitively heavy.
The layout of the pages is also busy so I was rather overwhelmed as I looked through it. The instructions have wonderful photographs but there are a lot of steps per paragraph and photo.
September 2, 2008
I just love Sally Jean's art. They really are pretty. I haven't ventured to make any of the projects but the pictures are lovely. I enjoy looking at them and dreaming that one day I will have time to make them. This book makes me want to get over my fear of a soldering iron and make some funky jewelry.
January 17, 2009
Wow. I needed this kick in the pants to awaken my sleeping creativity. She gives me permission to save all the little trinkets I love (no, it's not trash, and no, it's not clutter!). She gives me ideas to play with, think about, make me smile. The best book on soldered charms I've seen. Thank you for the boost of creative energy!
May 17, 2008
Have I made any projects from this book or used any as an inspiration? No, but I do dream of the day that I perfect the ability to solder and spend hours making amazing trinkets like Sally Jean Alexander shows and explains in this book. Her work is true eye candy and truly inspiring.
June 2, 2008
Another art book I own and keep returning to. Though many projects aren't quite "me," they trigger my creative thinking into hundreds of other possibilities. For this book, think collage/mixed media by soldering! Melted silver solder frame little objects - oh, my!
June 21, 2008
Great book for soldering projects, tips and techniques. Beautiful eye-candy in this one! Have to laugh at her fancy sculptured nails while she's demo-ing ~ kind of like mowing the lawn in high heels!
August 21, 2012
This book made me want to fly to Portland and take all her classes. Inspirations, pictures, ideas,and directions are all in this book. She gives suppliers and her opinion on what tools she likes best and uses the most. Just a wonderful eye candy book even if you don't want to learn how to solder.
October 12, 2007
Sally Jean is a wonderful artist and this book is a great collection of her work. It also does a great job on getting you started with soldering. But nothing beats an in person class with Sally!
December 2, 2007
I can look through this book again and again. It really stirs my creativity.
January 18, 2008
Great book to be inspired with.
Fun design pictures and good references
Fun design pictures and good references
June 3, 2008
OMG!! I need a soldering iron, now!!!
June 10, 2008
I love the projects in this book- I got a soldering kit for Christmas and have not even opened the package yet! Myabe this book will be enough motivation!
June 12, 2008
Full of whimsical images of altered art projects, stirs my creativity, plenty of how-to illustrations. The collage sheets in the back are an excellent bonus.
June 15, 2008
I haven't attempted to make anything from this book but I have sure loved looking at it. Maybe when the home remodeling is complete I'll try it out.
June 28, 2008
pure eye candy...i especially liked her painting techniques & background preps.
March 12, 2009
This book is what inspired me to buy a soldering gun and learn to make soldered charms. It's absolutely beautiful, and Sally Jean is an incredible artist. I'll treasure this book always.
October 3, 2009
A really lovely book and a joy to have on my shelf. Most of the things she gives instructions for making are a little too advanced for me at the moment, but it's a wonderful book for inspiration.
October 26, 2009
The title says it all . . . lots of step-by-step pictures to complete various projects. A beautiful illustrated idea book/ how-to manual for art/auction projects.
June 17, 2013
I adore the work of the talented Sally Jean. This book gives so much inspiration and yummy "eye candy"!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews