Enchanted Adornments
Enchantment, to artist and first-time author Thornton, comes in many forms, including nature and fairy tales. Even the deconstruction of your best friend’s wardrobe—in terms of color, shape, texture. All of her favorite enchantments coalesce in an unusual crafts book, centering on the possible marriage between and among somewhat disparate media—wire, polymer clay, metal clay, resin, and others. Her upfront how-to’s are a bit scattered, concentrating on a few basics with the rest left to self-teaching, other artists, or simply chance. Whimsicalities follow, each prefaced with a watercolor-illustrated diary of sorts explaining her inspirations (mermaids, Italy, and all), then detailing the instructions. Steps are clear, as are the color photographs and lists of necessities, along with at least one variation on the design. Yet nagging thoughts remind pure novices that brushing up on individual craft skills is to be desired. Still, the names alone seduce (so, too, the finished designs): “window of the heart” bezel pendant, “sunset baubles” necklace, riverbed rings, and magpie pendant. --Barbara Jacobs