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.)

Steampunk Emporium Book Review and Giveaway

Contest is closed.  The winner is (taking into account, several repeat comments)

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 10Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Kim Redden who said:

I have always loved trinkets and gadgets, adore buttons of all sizes and shapes, and all types of watches and clocks. The little gimmicky do-dads on things just make me buy them. To be able to put these items together in jewelry creations just blows me away. With some guidance and ideas some truly fantastical pieces could be created! Your give-away is an inspiration! Thank you!

Kim, I'll be contacting you for your address to get you your book. Congrats everyone.

 

Back in December I was contacted by Interweave/F+W Media, On Sale Now about 3 books I was wanting to review.  Nicole Miller and then Tommy Semosh e-mailed me and sent me the book Steampunk Emporium by Jema "Emilly Ladybird' Hewitt.  Miss Emilly Ladybird, Adventuress, is Jema's steampunk alter ego.  She travels the world searching out artifacts for her employers, Dickens and Rivett.  She lives among the rolling hills of Derbyshire in the United Kingdom with her husband.
I've been interested in Steampunk Jewelry for a while, but wasn't quite sure what all it involved and how to make it.  But this book has been very interesting.  The intro on the front cover says "Creating Fantastical Jewelry, Devices and Oddments from Assorted Cogs, Gears and Curios".  Although I'm not really into Science Fiction (which is what I would describe this book as) it was a very interesting read.  Jema Hewitt has written this book as 'Miss Emilly Ladybird'.  You will follow 'Miss Emilly' in her harrowing antics as she records her adventures with intergalactic space pirates, undersea voyagers and Jurassic explorers.  As she encounters each of these, she will make jewelry to dazzle you from 'keys, devices, jewels, etc.' all given to her or found by her on her travels.  She uses a wide variety of gems, cogs, lace, suede, polymer clay, resin, bezels, etc. to design wonderful Steampunk jewelry.  There is sure to be something in here to catch your eye.  Two of my favorites are "Clockwork Princess's Chatelaine" and the "Cog Button Choker", both very unique pieces.  In the back she has an appendix of "Useful Items and Practical Methodology" where she describes different jewelry techniques, how to take a watch apart, how to use/make polymer clay, tools, findings, etc.  If you really love Steampunk or are just wanting to get into Steampunk Jewelry, you'll find this book a great read.

Because of a problem with my Post Office (they marked the books as delivered and then put them in a bin where no-one noticed them for about 2 weeks, and without leaving me a notice to come pick them up), F+W Media sent me a second set of books.  So one reader will receive the extra copy of this book as a gift.  Leave a comment her telling me what interests you about Steampunk.  Extra chances for following my blog, 'Liking' my facebook page, KayzKreationzGlassKreationz, or hearting my Etsy shop.  Leave a separate comment for each one. Giveaway will end Friday, Feb. 22nd at midnight.

It is available for purchase here at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or North Light.

(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.)