Metal jewelry artists can benefit from the resources provided in these five instructional and inspirational books.
Metalsmithing is a skill that spans the border between art and craft. Metal artists not only need to perfect construction techniques, but also refine and hone their artistic voices. The books below provide tips to improve fabrication skills as well as jewelry examples to stir the imagination.
Basic Instructional Books: Metal Jewelry-Making Techniques
- The Complete Metalsmith: An Illustrated Handbook - This all-inclusive instructional handbook by Tim McCreight provides a detailed overview of tools and techniques used to make metal jewelry. The book provides a comprehensive list of metalworking terms, as well as illustrated examples of common metalsmithing supplies. A wonderful guide for beginners, this book provides step-by-step illustrated instructions on how to perform common metalworking techniques. Every metal jewelry artist can benefit from keeping this book handy in the studio.
- The Art and Craft of Making Metal Jewelry: A Complete Guide to Essential Techniques - This book focuses on specific metalworking techniques and projects and provides a basic overview of tools and supplies. Author Joanna Gollberg presents a variety of techniques with accompanying projects. The projects are laid out in detail from start to finish. Beautiful example photos are sprinkled throughout the book as well. The book provides instruction for both basic and complicated practices, including solder inlay and epoxy resin inlay techniques. This book serves as an essential supplemental guidebook and a reference for modern metalworking techniques.
Decorative Instructional Books: Metal Decoration and Finishes
- The Jeweler's Directory of Decorative Finishes: From Enameling and Engraving to Inlay and Granulation - Applying creative finishes to metal can open endless creative possibilities for jewelry artists. This book by Jinks McGrath gives jewelry artists a comprehensive look at many common metal finishing techniques. Detailed instructions for over 15 projects are laid out in the book. The book also provides photographs of finished metal pieces. This book is a must-have for any artists who wish to add variety and color to their metal jewelry pieces.
Inspirational Books: Examples of Metal Jewelry Art
- 1000 Rings: Inspiring Adornments for the Hand - This book by editor Martha LeVan, looks at 1000 rings by jewelry artists from around the globe. The book provides diverse examples of jewelry art, ranging from the subtle and sophisticated to the kitschy and avant garde. Artists use traditional and unique techniques to create awe-inspiring works. The book is filled with big beautiful photos of mind-boggling works. Artists in any field should browse through this book to get inspired to think outside of the box.
- 500 Bracelets, 500 Pendants, 500 Earrings or Other 500 Series Books - Beyond 1000 Rings, Lark Publishing has also released compilations of other forms of jewelry, such as bracelets, pendants and earrings. These books, along with 1000 Rings, are part of the 500 Series of art books. They showcase work of a variety of artists in a wide array of styles. Each of these books can provide wonderful inspiration for jewelry artists.
Stay Informed and Inspired
Metalworking books can help artists grown in their skills and vision. Metal artists must stay informed and continue to develop their grasp on techniques to improve their work. The books above can provide artists with the resources with which to enhance and evolve their metal work.
The copyright of the article Five Books Every Metal Artist Should Own in Jewelry Makers is owned by Elizabeth Beeson. Permission to republish Five Books Every Metal Artist Should Own in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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