The Jewelry Maker's Design Book: An Alchemy of Objects: An Alchemy of Objects Paperback – January 1, 2014

I've been a Deryn Mentock fan for a while and have taken several of her workshops in person and in fact will be taking another one in the coming week. As a teacher in person, Deryn is always organized and has everything timed out perfectly. She's very professional. The Jewelry Maker's Design Book: An Alchemy of Objects, her first book and I hope not her last, is also well-organized and professional while still being personal and personable. She covers all of the basic information and how-to's without getting bogged down in the basics.It is refreshing to have a book that is not just for beginners, though a beginner would certainly find it understandable, useful, and informative. The many Design Tips and Journal Notes were the highlight of the book for me. They pull it out of the realm of 'recipe' books and give you insight into the thought that goes into the design. (And speaking of Journals, if you ever have a chance to see Deryn's journal in person - we see glimpses of it in the photos here - be sure to look! It is a thing of beauty and just what every mixed-media artist's journal should look like, in my opinion!)I gave this book five stars because it gives you a taste of what taking a class from Deryn in person is like, it is full of ideas and of course, contains lots of eye candy as well as solid techniques and designs. Also, the book is not just the designs from her hands on classes. This is new work, made for the book. Yayyyyy! A book by Deryn for when I need a design nudge and some inspiration!

I read the reviews before I purchase, I try to do that to gauge if the book will be useful. I did not find any off-putting religious symbols as was the consensus of the reviews. The author certainly didn't insist that you use exactly the same pieces. As a matter of fact, that would be very difficult as she uses vintage and estate jewelry bits and pieces. I also read that the pieces on the cover were not included in the book. Not true. They are all there. There are multiple necklaces on the manikin that are in layers. The earrings on the left are also included. They just don't show them layered in the book. I would think that would make them difficult to identify and work with. I love this style of jewelry. You can make pieces that are always one-of-a-kind which is really what I enjoy making. The fun is how you put the pieces together. I find a lot of inspiration and it makes me want to scatter everything out to figure out what I want to make next.

What should a good book do? INSPIRE!Sort of the same reason you buy a style magazine... To get your imagination up & running!If you already have the hang of opening & closing a jump ring & want to take your creativity farther then just stringing some beads, then THIS is the book for you.Deryn gives you an amazing peek into how her mind works... Putting objects together you'd never think would go together.Obviously if religious objects aren't your thing you can substitute them for whatever is your own personal taste. Her jewelry is totally my cup if tea & I was elated after reading through the pages.I'm in live with this book.... Even bought a 2nd copy to keep one in "the reading room" & one in the craft studio for instant gratification!!!

I would highly recommend this book. I have taken online classes from Deryn and her teaching style and jewelry making techniques are wonderful. She explains things quite clearly. Her photography is also quite wonderful. If you follow her blog or her on FB, you have seen lots of her beautiful work in amazing vignettes; and, the photographs in the book are pure Deryn. They are so delightful, they lure you in to wanting to make every project you see. I love how she incorporates "found" objects into her work and how many of her pieces have an asymmetrical quality; which to me enhances its interest. Congratulations Deryn! I enjoyed my first read through the book and will enjoy reading it over and over, and working on the many projects you have introduced.

I absolutely love this book. Not only it contains the most beautiful pictures and amazing pieces by this talented artist. She shows you step by step how to do the most basic techniques to recreate her pieces and suggestions on how to improve on your own design. Deryn's ability to explain designs, color palettes and how to rework your own treasures into wearable works of art is stellar and that is a euphemism.Here you will find guidance to find your own path to originality as well as practical business advice. This book is invaluable to the artist that wants to break in the jewelry design work and it is an absolute must have for the assemblage jewelry maker. Five stars all the way!

Beautiful book. Not for the faint hearted bearer but lots of lovely inspiration and ideas.

I did look at a few pages, but still thought there would be more technique instruction. This book has instructions for making someone else's designs. If this is what you're looking for, and you like the styles shown, then this is the book for you. I'm more interested in perfecting some techniques and learning new for my own designs.

Deryn's book does a fabulous job in giving you a good foundation to become a jewelry designer. All of her pieces are great sources of inspiratioand are perfect for my creative soul. I've looked at this book over and over and come away feeling inspired everytime. If you arelooking for a make and take type of book that will give you instructions on how to make what you see, this book isnt for you. It will however, give you great ideas on how to build a solid foundation and gain insight and inspiration. I love this book and keep it on my studio shelf to tefer to for how to reference and inspiration.