The Complete Photo Guide to Making Metal Jewelry
*Starred Review* If any crafter has reservations about learning to make metal jewelry, first-time author-artist Sartin knocks those reservations out of the water. In a very savvy approach to the subject, which can, to be honest, involve no little expense and space, he takes the reader through the basic techniques using close-up photographs, textual directions, lists of materials and tools, and lots of safety reminders. Even though such processes as sawing, drilling, and piercing seem simple, all are carefully explained, and all include details about working safely. There are new vocabularies to learn, such as sweat soldering, roller embossing, and dapping. His 10 projects—for instance, stretched diamond earrings, a yin-yang pendant, and a forged spiral pin—are designed elegantly and simply, with more than enough instructions and pictures to yield success. An inspirational gallery (nine artist profiles and samples of their work) plus fairly robust appendixes make this a true novice’s go-to (converting measurements; metal hardness chart of common gemstones; ring-size conversion chart; drill-bit conversion chart; B + S sheet and wire gauge conversion chart; jeweler’s saw blade and drill bit reference chart; common needle file shapes and uses; and bur types and their uses). --Barbara Jacobs