A review of FINE ART WIRE WEAVING, Weaving Techniques for stunning jewelry designs, by Sarah Thompson

FINE ART WIRE WEAVING, 
Weaving Techniques for stunning jewelry designs

by Sarah Thompson

a review by Jean Baldridge Yates

Dive Into the Exhilarating Technique of Wire Weaving!

FINE ART WIRE WEAVING, Weaving Techniques for stunning jewelry designs, by Sarah Thompson, is a breathtakingly beautiful introduction to the art of wire weaving.

The book isn't just about the beauty of this jewelry however, although it has that in spades. It also delivers a solid, concise learning base for the reader. 

 You can see just from the cover photo alone how amazing fine art wire weaving is, when taught by author Sarah Thompson. Her step-by-step instructions are clear and understandable. The photos of the projects are totally gorgeous.  

You will be seeing rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Some are fashioned from wire alone. Some have gems, pearls or crystals as a part of the design, front and center or as accents. Many of the projects have really fine variations. You get your money's worth when you purchase  FINE ART WIRE WEAVING!

 There is a holistic sensibility to these woven wire designs,  They are classic in form yet have gorgeous leaps of freedom and wildness. Sarah Thompson balances artful tension and control, backed up by her dynamite originality .  FINE ART WIRE WEAVING  is very  complete, containing not only the projects, but lists of materials,tools, ways to fix mistakes (I love her for that!) and other great additions such as instructions with photos on how to make your own findings for your jewelry. There is also a resource section.

The projects range from beginner to intermediate to advanced, so don't be afraid of this style of making jewelry. You will be able to make your own chic jewelry right away. 

There is nothing which isn't exceptional about  FINE ART WIRE WEAVING. I was immediately engaged by it.  Every detail is carefully thought out and explained. The author has translated her own experience and love of creating this style of jewelry into a treasure chest of inspiration for the reader.

For example, in the earliest section of projects, for beginners, I found the "Embrace" adjustable ring. As the author says, "This ring is beautiful on its own, but when combined with a splash of balled wire ends and an hint of a swirl, you get a wonderful, yet simple, adjustable ring."   This is an understatement--I was blown away by the smashing artistry of her design! It is a knockout. Even better, as with her other designs, there is no sense that anything is forced. It is so great to see such intact design work, with no unnecessary extras clogging it up. All of the designs flow perfectly.    

When you reach the intermediate section, take a look at the Petal bracelet.

This is an instant classic if I ever saw one. Made up of really cool components linked together, it will stop traffic whenever you wear it. Her variation, a pair of earrings made from the same components but with sexy fringe added, are divine! 

Speaking of earrings, check out the "Scorpio" earrings while you are at it. If you are like me, you are going to fall flat when you see these. I have never seen earrings so unique and incredible. Learning to make these earrings alone is worth the price of the book. This is great work from an outstanding teacher.

Finally, to give you an idea of what you will find in the advanced section, take a look at the "Kayla" pendant.

Employing different sizes of crystals, chain and a graceful symmetrical focal, it has a hand made clasp component to complete the elegance. Wear this one to meet the Queen!
Or just hang out at home in it. It is perfect, either way.

If you are intrigued by the look of woven wire (whether plain or set with gems and pearls) but don't know where to start, this will be a great work book to teach and inspire you. Perhaps you don't believe you have the skills to weave wire but would love to try it. With  FINE ART WIRE WEAVING, you will access the confidence to learn, as well the understanding to make your own woven wire jewelry. Sarah Thompson shares her knowledge with great generosity and flair.
She wholeheartedly hands over the "How To" key to fine art woven wire. 

Classic chic, hip and fun,  Fine Art Wire Weaving  has it all going on!  Sarah Thompson is a wire wonder worker!

Her book will entrance you, coax your creativity into full gear, and help you understand how to grow as a jewelry designer at every turn, twist, and swirl.

Fine Art Wire Weaving: Weaving Techniques for Stunning Jewelry Designs

By Sarah Thompson

Interweave/F+W; $24.99

http://bit.ly/1BjCDYr

disclaimer: This book was given to me in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. Thank you, jean