Keep in mind that all of these gifts are intended for adults or teens, not young children. (For children's gifts, look for items that are made for children and are not likely to pose a choking hazard or contain toxins.)
If you're still having trouble finding a gift for a jewelry artisan (or an aspiring one) please post your situation in the Jewelry Making forum and I'll be happy to give you a more personalized recommendation.
Jewelry Making Books
There are hundreds of craft books devoted to jewelry making, and they make greats gifts especially for beginners. If you're shopping online for a book, go to any of the major book-seller websites and search for words and phrases like "jewelry making," "make jewelry," "wire jewelry," "beading," and "bead stringing." If you shop in-person at the bookstore, look for jewelry making books in the Crafts and Hobbies section.
Here are my top gift-book suggestions for 2007, all of which are available through major booksellers.
For beginners
Not surprisingly, I recommend my beginning-level book, Teach Yourself Visually - Jewelry Making & Beading. What makes this book different from most is that it covers beginning-level techniques in all of the areas where beginner's usually like to experiment: basic bead stringing, bead weaving, wire work, and macrame. It makes a nice gift for someone who would like to discover which styles and techniques they like best. The book contains two chapters of example projects, but the remainder of the book focuses on techniques, making it also useful as a reference.
Or, consider one or more of the titles in the Getting Started series published by Interweave Press. These tend to be clear and concise, and the photography is well done. They include Getting Started Stringing Beads by Jean Campbell, Getting Started with Seed Beads by Dustin Wedekind, Getting Started Making Metal Jewelry by Mark Lareau, and Getting Started Making Wire Jewelry, by Linda Chandler and Christine Ritchey.
For intermediate-level artisans
For intermediate-level bead jewelry crafters, I recommend the Create Jewelry series, also from Interweave Press. These books mostly focus on inspirational, up-to-date projects using certain types of popular components. Titles include Create Jewelry - Pearls and Create Jewelry - Crystals, both by Marlene Blessing and Jamie Hogsett.
If your artisan is more inclined to make metal jewelry, try the reference book Complete Metalsmith, by Tim McCreight (a classic and must-have for every jewelry studio - just be sure your gift recipient doesn't already have it). If you'd rather pick up something that focuses on a specific, interesting technique, consider Silver Threads - Making Wire Filigree Jewelry by Jeanne Rhodes-Moen.
For advanced artisans
Advanced jewelry artisans may not make use of project books, and they probably already have the essential reference books they need. Instead, focus on books that provide general inspiration by showcasing impressive works by other artists. Some popular examples are all the titles in the 500 series by Lark Books. These include 500 Brooches - Inspiring Adornments for the Body, 500 Necklaces - Contemporary Interpretations of a Timeless Form, 500 Earrings - New Directions in Contemporary Jewelry, and 500 Bracelets - An Inspiring Collection of Extraordinary Designs.
Jewelry Making Magazines and Videos
As an alternative to a book, you can purchase a magazine subscription as a gift. The most popular jewelry-making magazines include Bead & Button, Beadwork Magazine, Art Jewelry Magazine, Jewelry Artist, and BeadStyle. (A link to my full magazine directly is provided below.)
Instructional jewelry-making videos also make nice gifts, and there are now more titles to choose from than ever before. I recommend the series of beginner-level videos offered online by The Bead Shop of Palo Alto, California, and the new series by Jewelry Television called Jewel School. You can also find impressive instructional videos produced by popular artisans like Eni Oken, Sharilyn Miller, and Sherri Haab.
When selecting a video, be sure to choose one with the proper format. (That is, don't purchase a VHS tape for someone who only owns a DVD player.)
In the second article in this series I'll discuss my favorite kits, tool, and supplies gifts - stay tuned!
