Simple Soldering Book Review-Kate Ferrant Richbourg

I recently received Kate Ferrant Richbourg's new book, Simole Soldering - A Beginner's Guide to Jewelry Making from Interweave/F+W Media. I've been wanting to learn to solder and this looked like just the book to help me.  This is a great book. She starts off with all the basics, an overview of what soldering is, how it works and why.  Then she talks about all the tools we need and the materials we'll use in the projects.  I love the fact that she starts you off making a 'sampler' of all the techniques, just like you would if you were beginning quilting.  It focuses on the process instead of the results and lets us learn at our own pace. This is great, because it helps you get over the fear of messing something up.  I know that's usually one of my biggest fears whenever trying something new. I just don't want to mess up and feel like I've wasted all that time and money/materials.  Plus the 'sampler' helps you learn how to correct your mistakes before you start on a project.  I think the 'sampler' itself will be a cool piece of art to use in some way.  And you start off with the easiest skills/projects and then move on to the more difficult ones.  Another great thing about this book is the included DVD.  There is an icon for the DVD that shows where techniques featured on the DVD are highlighted, so you can watch it in action.  I always find this very helpful, if I can see someone performing the techniques.  There's all kinds of tips, plus a section on how to get organized and set up your work space. I found that very helpful, too. I always seem to have everything just scattered around and have to search for it.  I did find the list of tools a little daunting, so won't be able to complete my sampler right away, as I don't have everything she lists, but she does start out with the basics you'll need for soldering and then moves on to the more advanced tools. So you could do several of the 'sampler' pieces without having everything she mentions.  It is a very comprehensive list.  The book is well-written and illustrated. It is also very thorough. I feel like I can really do this now.  Then she gets into the projects after you've finished your sampler.  She talks about making your own findings, like clasps and dapped bead caps to make your projects uniquely your own.  Two of my favorites are the Tube-Riveted Pendants and the Copper Tube bead. These both look very exciting to try.  All in all, I loved this book and am anxious to jump right in and start on my sampler so I can move up to the projects.  If you've been wanting to learn to solder and enhance your jewelry/metalsmithing talents, this is a great book.  Get it now here at

Amazon,

Barnes and Noble or

Interweave. 

 You won't regret it.  To whet your appetite, here's a picture of some of the projects.

Stay tuned to my shop, KayzKreationz for jewelry/projects I'll be listing as I practice my soldering techniques and making things.  And if you're looking for some great Stained Glass, Mosaics or Fused Glass Kreationz for your Home or Garden, you'll find it at KayzKreationz.

(The book above was provided by F+W Media for review. The author of this blog has not received any other payment from above-mentioned company. The post above represents only personal opinion of the blog author.)