Anyone that collects and wears copper jewelry will love “Contemporary Copper Jewelry” by Sharilyn Miller. Copper is a wonderful alternative to other more pricy metals such as gold and silver. Combining warm copper with other metals, beads, gemstones and chains result in wonderful pieces that are both inexpensive and beautiful.
After reading this book I was immediately inspired to design a few pieces I’ll share with you here. What I liked most about this book was the detailed instructions for a variety of projects. Sharilyn did an exceptional job of giving a comprehensive over-view of each project with detailed pictures and interchangeable “Cool Ideas!” for alternative design twists.
In my opinion this book can be used by the beginner and intermediate designer alike. I especially like the Coin-pearl copper washer bracelet, the Stacked washer earrings and the Forged paddle earrings.
Here is a bit of the Table of Contents:
• Basic Techniques-
This section is extremely useful for those beginning wire working. It takes you through basic techniques that you will use on any project. Also included is a section for distressing copper giving it a wonderful patina. Besides wire wrapping, cold joining metals are also covered.
• Project Examples:
Copper Spiral Bracelet wire with charms;
Funky Chandelier Earrings;
Elemental Necklace;
Sticks and Stones Earrings and many others (there are a total of 22 innovative projects)!
• Resources, Contributing Artists and Index
Here is my version of Sharilyn’s Forged paddle earrings
About the author Sharilyn Miller:
Sharilyn is a well known author of the bestselling book “Bead on a Wire”. She travels across the United States and Europe teaching jewelry workshops. She hosts a Yahoo group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bead_on_a_wire/ This group allows you to ask questions about wire-art jewelry techniques, post photos of your own wire-art jewelry, and find out about new workshops being offered by Sharilyn Miller throughout the US and Europe.
Visit Barnes and Noble for your copy of Sharilyn’s new book!
