Hot and Cold Jewelry Connections Book Review

I recently received this book from Kalmbach Publishing for review. It's written by Kieu Pham Gray.  This is a fantastic book describing how to make jewelry with and without a torch. So many of us don't have the place to use a torch in our homes or are afraid to fire a torch in our homes.  So I love Kieu's approach to this. She teaches you about the materials, tools and techniques in using metal to make jewelry so you can choose which approach works best for you or the piece, with or without a torch. 

She covers connections with wire, metal tabs and other cold connections plus heating your metal with a torch to make the same piece. 

She starts out with the Basics on materials, covering different metals, wire and wire gauge and strength as well as tips on how to save money on recycled jewelry wire and using less expensive metal/wire especially when starting and practicing.  She then covers the Basics in tools, starting out with the 'must have tools' moving on to tools to add over time and finally the 'luxury' tools we all would like to have. Finally she moves into the Basics with Techniques.  This section covers making loops, cutting and piercing metal, riveting with tube and wire rivets, metal stamping, adding color or patina, annealing and soldering, sawing, texturing, filing and sanding, gluing and finally polishing.  Whew!  That's a lot of information. 

Then we get to the 'Projects!'  And what wonderful projects they are.  And my favorite part is that they are always in pairs, made with hot connections, i.e. soldering and cold connections in so many different ways.  The funny thing is, that in each of these projects I had a favorite, but it wasn't always the same. Sometimes it was the hot connection and sometimes the cold connection. So I have my work cut out for me in making some of these projects. LOL  I really like the little Pod pendants on the cover of the book.

And these little Memento pendants are adorable.

But my favorite project is the Flourish bracelet!  And I like it both ways, hot and cold. So I may have to make one of each.  

I can't wait to get started with my projects, inspired by her love of connections and teaching in this book.  Plus, she's coming to my local bead store in Killeen, Texas, Bead Bistro!  So, I'm planning on getting my book signed AND hopefully taking a class from her. I can't wait.  So, if you've been unsure about how to use Connections in your jewelry to enhance it or weren't sure of which way was best, be sure to get over to Kalmbach books and get your copy of Hot & Cold Jewelry Connections.  You'll love it.

For some of my wire-wrapped and beaded jewelry I've already made, check out my shop, KayzKreationz.  I also have Stained Glass, Mosaics and Fused Glass kreationz for your Home and Garden.