How lovely these are! Perfect gift idea. Link to tutorial.

Sweet little ring. Link.

Link.

The Scavengers show us  how to turn our old credit cards into something wearable. Link.

check out this awesome tutorial for this super stylish necklace made from recycled tights – from smaggle via canberra’s got style.

Mixed-Media Collage Jewelry: New Directions in Memory Jewelry by Janette Schuster, published by Lark Books (March 3, 2009).

I don’t know about you, but when I hear the word Collage I think of paper, scissors, glue, fabric, and flattish artworks. Janette Schuster’s book brings together tools such as anvils, mallets, findings, metals, files, drills, rivets, solder, glass, patinas, photographs and found objects to create truly amazing jewelry.

Schuster very clearly describes and illustrates the techniques that she uses for making her items, and each project is very well photographed, making this a fascinating book to pore over, even if you are not working on one of the projects. Not only are the techniques described in great detail, but the author includes a section for each project on the inspirations that she used to create her items, and the process that you could use to make the project your own.

There are a number of gallery pages in this book, showcasing the jewelry art of a number of artists, and describing the influences, creative process and inspiration of the artists. If combining hardware, found objects, photographs and jewelry is your thing, or sounds as though it could become your thing, then definitely check out this book.

About the reviewer: Kate is a busy mother of four and has far too many craft projects on the go at any one time. These could include, but are not limited to, crochet, sewing, dyeing, paper making, spinning, felting and bookbinding. Kate has challenges in the areas of finishing things, saying no and craft supplies storage. She also has a very very patient and tolerant husband.

row 1
1. Dendrite Earrings

2. White Flower Corsage

3. deer rings

row 2
4. leaf earrings

5. crochet bracelet

6. charm necklace

row 3
7. robot necklace

8. stone moss ring

9. grass pendant

Ok, did you ever think that you would like jewelry made with hardware from your husband’s stash? No, me either. Until, that is, I ran across these really cool wave washers in his tool box from Lowe’s. I said, “What the heck do you use those for?” He began to tell me “Wah, Wah, Wah,” I said “Whatever, can I have them?”. Being the wondrous hubby he is of course he let me.

I laid those things on my craft table and looked at them daily for about a week. I thought, maybe I should give them back, what am I going to do with them. Well, then it hit me. Why not use them as links in chains, just like you would any other decorative ring? I did have to fashion some handmade jump rings to accommodate the width of the washers, but besides that they were great to work with. I needed the practice on the jump rings anyway!

I am very pleased with how these worked out and hubby was impressed too. So go rummage in the tool box you never know what you may find.

Author: Dana is a married mother of two great daughters and works full time at a local veterinary hospital. She is a very eclectic crafter and never knows what she may be creating next. Her passions include beading, wirework, sewing and mosaic. You can check out her blog or my Etsy shop for more.

Junk Jewelry: 25 Extraordinary Designs to Create from Ordinary Objects by Jane Eldershaw, Potter Craft (July 22, 2008).

This is a fun and irreverent, but also serious look at junk jewelry. From buttons, to bike tail lights, kids plastic lettering to keyboard keys and domino pieces to scour pads! Techniques are pretty basic – this is more about design and conceptual art than techniques. About how to discover gems in the junk, how to de-construct and dismantle it and to simply put it together into something simple and unique.

Coolest project – the tail light belt buckle, weirdest project might be tough – either the lifesaver earings or the scour pad brooch, oooh and ugliest project – the fork ‘ribbon shop medal’ I am pretty sure its supposed to be irreverently ugly! Easiest to make – lots of easy projects here – but the safety pin cuff because of availability of materials. All up a totally fun and cool book.

The Beader’s Bible by Dorothy Wood, David & Charles (June 16, 2008).

For beaders wanting an in depth look at techniques combined with attractive projects, this book is well worth the money – a big fat book, filled with projects and lots of how-to process photos. Very clear instructions and a big range of skills and techniques on show.

Bead loom weaving, beaded cords and fringing, wire work, beading embroidery, knitting and crochet are just some of the techniques covered. Each chapter/technique includes 4-5 projects of varying difficulty, a basic tool kit needed, how to get started – basic techniques, and then how to take it further – for those adept or wanting to improve their skills.

Some of my favourite projects include working with macramé and beads, simple and stunning wire beaded tiara, woven bead and tweed evening purse and a gorgeous beaded knitted scarf. There are some gorgeous projects in here – but more than that – lots of info on technique.

Plexi Class: Cutting-Edge Projects In Plastic by Tonia Davenport, published by North Light Books (May 27, 2008).

What is plexi glass? you might know it as acrylic sheeting or Lucite. Its incredibly versatile and easy to work with and heaps of fun. The projects in this book mostly centre around jewellery but also touch on picture framing and household projects too.

Its quite a technical craft, you will need a few tools such as hot knife, heat gun, pliers and cutters, drill, rotary tool and plastic cutter (all is explained in the beginning of the book). Also explained is how to work with plexiglas, with step-by-step photos on measuring, cutting, drilling, sanding and adhering decorative paper. All this before the projects have even begun.

The projects (mostly jewellery) contain some very sweet and stylish earrings – square frames of plexiglas with holes and shapes cut into it and beads cleverly contained in the centre. Rings too are explored, how to heat and shape the plexiglas is explained with neat joining methods and subtle decorative touches. Necklaces, bracelets, chokers and pendants, as well as accessories: belts and hair barretts – all using different methods and techniques which can be applied to your own designs.

The back section of the book contains some non-jewellery designs such as a pretty plexiglas box/purse – a fun idea and a chance to use all those skills previously learned making small items. A haute dog collar, and some really simple and neat looking coasters.

Lots to learn in this book – if you are looking to upgrade your crafty skills or just like to experiment – this looks like it could be very addictive.