Metalworking 101 for Beaders

Create Custom Findings, Pendants, and Projects

by Candie Cooper

review by jean yates

Before I actually knew HOW to make any sort of jewelry, I was anxious to LEARN to make jewelry.

I signed up for a local class which was held nearby. It was a two day class, and I was very excited. I didn't realize when I went that it was a metalworking class. I thought I would be stringing beads.

In actuality I was learning everything which Candie Cooper teaches in this wonderful book, but without any preliminary knowledge or understanding of what I was doing at all. I was handed the tools and was taught the techniques without explanation.

I am very sorry I had that experience. I really could have used it in a far more positive manner, slightly later in my design career.

If you grasp what metalworking is, and wish to learn metalworking, on the other hand, you will be delighted to find this great book, Metalworking 101 for Beaders, in which the author, Candie Cooper, illuminates all of the questions I had at the time about the tools, the techniques, such as sawing and annealing (which I was doing, but really poorly), and the materials required. There are even some super design templates for you to use to replicate some of the projects!

I have now progressed in my desire to become a jewelry designer, and I think that the level of Ms. Cooper's creativity is very exciting. I believe the reader will find, as I did, that her encouraging manner is extremely infectious, and that her designs are truly original and charming! I love the way she shows how to switch things out to give the reader more options on some of the projects as well.

You will want to try out this type of jewelry making after one look through the book. The way in which she teaches is very accessible and clear. Having heard my tale of woe, you can trust me on that!

The first part of the book is an extremely thorough explanation of what will be required as far as tools, techniques, examples of finishes, and so on. Great photos make this section extremely easy to "get". In my experience, bak when, I had never seen some of the tools or heard many of the terms which you will become familiar with. It is not threatening however, because when you use Metalworking 101 for Beaders, Ms. Cooper takes you step by step until you are ready to try out some of the projects.

As far as the projects go, if you like "one of a kind" jewelry with an upscale look, and a unique, exotic, or flirty fascination, this book is for you!

Some of the projects are charming, such as the "fanciful feathered friends"; sweet birds with really cool spiral tails which will hold the beads of your choice on.

Some are elegant, such as the pomegranate and sterling colored "square bead cuff", which, if I had it, I would never take off. It is perfectly beautiful! A true incentive to trying one of the author's projects as far as I can see!

Another project in Metalworking 101 for Beaders which I am especially attracted to is the "paisley interchangeable bracelet", which has a giant handmade metal paisley focal, upon which the wearer can choose any number of holes to clasp chains laden with exotic charms. This is just totally unique and gorgeous.

I have to mention the chic "domed earrings and ring" as well. What a wonderful, versatile project!

If you have an interest in metalworking but don't know where to start, this is really the place. With thirty great projects, advice and tips, and little sketches by the author to further help the reader understand the process of creativity and design, there is no way a person can get lost using this book.

Metalworking 101 for Beaders, by the wonderful, accomplished Candie Cooper, is a terrific find for your jewelry library!

Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.