Mixed Metal Mania: Solder, rivet, hammer, and wire exceptional jewelry

I just have to say that this new book by Kim St. Jean is AWESOME!!! Did I say AWESOME? OMG--it is SO DETAILED! I have never enjoyed a tool section until now...and so many photos. I love the photos! If I am ever unsure of the written instructions for a project, I look for an accompanying photo. Of course, there isn't always one around in most books. However, in Kim's book, there are as many photos as there are detailed instructions.I, too, have been fortunate enough to take a couple of classes with Kim. She is an amazing teacher and generous to a fault. There is nothing she won't share with you in one of her classes, so if you are ever given the opportunity to take a Kim St. Jean class, do not hesitate. You will learn so much. Kim's generosity is reflected throughout her new book -- she leaves no details out from the fantastic tool section throughout each of the beautiful projects--and there are a lot of projects. I worry now that I won't live long enough to try them all! I am now scrambling around for all those little things I need to make some of the projects -- things I never thought of using in jewelry before like deer antlers for starters (yes, really)! And beach stones and fossils like ammonite, just to name a couple.Ever since I purchased this book, I have carried it with me everywhere. It goes to lunch with me, it goes to the movies with me, it is with me as I watch tv at night and of course, it goes to my studio with me. So far, the only place it has not gone is to bed with me. This is not one of those books you will want to "ride the fence on" -- do I want it or not? It is a definite keeper. It is a beautiful work of art, all by itself...I will treasure mine for years to come. Thank you Kim, for sharing your knowledge and expertise with us. I, for one, am eternally grateful!

I have many jewelry making books and this is one that I will return to again and again. It is filled with lots of information and tons of photographs. The tool section is excellent and includes a two page spread of household items that can be used as tools and organizers for tools. There is a full page of tips that include a tip for making a hole smaller, treating burns, and resurrecting compromised pickle and other tips not found in any other book. The projects are very nice and include rings, pendants, bracelets, and a shawl pin. There is a casting project included as well. I found the projects to be very inspiring and found it easy to come up with different and unique pieces based on the designs and connection techniques. The projects allow for a wide range of techniques for connecting, cutting, forming, and finishing. I think this is a great book for beginning, intermediate, and even advanced metalworkers. The tips alone are worth the price of the book. I had gotten into the habit of holding my torch in my dominant hand early on, and wish I had run across her tip for practicing holding your torch in the non-dominant hand. I quickly found myself having a hard time with advanced soldering because of being so used to holding the torch in my dominant hand, which I think is the tendency for most self/book taught jewelers. So, now I'm trying to relearn how to solder using my torch in my non-dominant hand. I can really see what a difference it's going to make when I get more comfortable with it.

A friend and talented designer of metal jewelry recommended this book, and I'm so glad she did! Beautiful simply to thumb through for inspiration, it's also packed with useful information and clearly written step-by-step instructions for tempting and completely doable projects. The color photos seem to pop right off the page!After a concise Foreword by Tom and Kay Benham, contributing editors of Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist, and Introduction by the author, Kim St. Jean begins with an overview of Tools, both basic and unconventional. (Who would have thought of a bicycle spoke or a chicken feeder as a jewelry making tool?)St. Jean then provides an informative section on Basic Techniques, including cold connections, sawing, making holes and soldering. This info alone makes this a book for beginning designers to keep close at hand and for more practiced "metal maniacs" to turn to for innovative ideas.Each of the four chapters presents a number of lavishly illustrated projects, from the basic Cigar Band Ring to the intricate Three-Dimensional Tree Pendant and the Nautilus Pendant shown on the cover. Personally speaking as a lover of copper (both to work with and to wear), I'm planning to start with the Reticulated Brass and Copper Cuff.When this book goes into future editions, which it certainly will, I hope they will include an index.In today's economic environment with jewelry makers wincing at the skyrocketing price of silver, the prospect of mixing metals will surely gain in appeal and viability. Innovative designs combining more affordable copper and brass components may just be the wave of the future, and this book is one that will help us ride the wave.This book is pretty enough to grace a coffee table, but my copy has taken up permanent residence in my workshop.Kudos to Kim St. Jean!

I've got a lot of jewellery books, but this one is up there with the best. I think it is worth buying just for the super clear instructions and helpful hints. Well worth the wait for it to be published.Excellent photography, clear instructions written in a friendly, informal style. Lots of ideas for jewellery that's out of the ordinary without being too "out there". If, like me you have been shocked by the rise in silver prices, then this book will inspire you to work in other, cheaper metals, to produce stunning designs that are more cost effective. I especially liked the section on metal folding.The author has included a section on tools and their use: conventional jewellers tools, but also some inspired uses for unconventional tools, such as you might find around your home or your garage. Can't wait to try these ones out...If you like the idea of using different metals in the same piece, then this is the book for you.

Kim has written a very friendly and accessible book covering a range of metal work skills and gives very helpful suggestions for everyday items that can usefully be used as jewellery making tools, alongside a more traditional tool kit.There are some very unusual projects and not all of these appeal to me, as is usual in a book of this type, but by reading the instructions I can build my skill base, especially regarding cold connections and fold forming. I can see this book will be a quirky but faithful friend.

If you are involved in jewelery in any way you will be aware of the soaring cost of silver. This book deals with a mixture of metals in a very contemporary way. I can only say that I love the book and it has given me inspiration be try many things that I would probaly not have done otherwise. Definately worth the money and a good read presented in a slightly quirky but very educational way. Give it a try you won't regret it.

Another one from Greener books, never have a problem with this seller, great service. The book is from the very creative Kalmbach stable. Pleased on all accounts.

Accessible and informative. Good photographs help with explanations.