Book Review: Silver Wire Fusing by Liz Jones

Fusing is a simple way to permanently connect two pieces of metal using a torch, but without the use of solder. No solder means no solder clean up, which can often be frustrating and time consuming. For those intimidated by torches the projects in this book can provide a rather stress-free introduction. A small butane torch provides a suffient flame to solder wire and it is very easy to use.

Silver Wire Fusing by Liz Jones
Interweave Press 2008
120 pages

This book covers basic techniques such as making ball head pins and jump rings, hammering, chain assembly, tumbling, wire wrapping a loop, crimping and stringing, ring sizing, stamping, and using silver black patina.

Once fused, the author cleverly transforms round fine silver jump rings into a variety of shapes including ovals, hearts, teardrops, stars, squares, rectangles, diamonds, and octagons. Some of the projects incorporate cubic zirconium beads which are placed on jump rings prior to fusing the rings. Due to the soft nature of fine silver the finishing step for most of the pieces involves tumbling them for several hours.

The 20 projects include a variety of earrings, bracelets, rings, pendants, necklaces, and a key chain. The finished projects are contemporary and fun. Many of them will give you practice making chain. The “Shooting Star Earrings” feature silver wire stars with dangles of small silver rings and Swarovski crystals hanging from commercially made chain. The end of the book features a gallery of work to provide additional inspiration.

To complete the projects in this book you need a small butane torch, a fire brick, wire cutters, pliers, mandrels, a hammer and steel plate, a tumbler and shot. Materials needed include fine silver wire of various gauges, earwires, clasps, beads.

Copyrights

A few quick words about copyrights. As an artist I’m always considerate of the work and ideas of other artists and I recommend that others act accordingly. It will not only save you from legal headaches but it will keep your work and the work of others original and even push you to work harder and be more creative in your own jewelry making. If you don’t already know specific jewelry projects and designs that are published in books, magazines, or elsewhere are the property of the original creator. While you are free to make an exact replica of a project for yourself or give one to a friend, you cannot make multiples of the piece and sell them as your own work. On occasion the creator of a project may grant permission for the duplication of the project, but you must contact them and ask for yourself.

Welcome!

Thanks for stopping by my Creative Jewelry Crafting blog. Here you will find a variety of interesting information to read about jewelry making at the beginner and intermediate levels. Book reviews, helpful tips and suggestions, information on gemstones, overviews of specific techniques, and jewelry artist interviews. There are a huge number of jewelry books on the market and they all have their own take on jewelry and how to go about creating unique pieces. You can find jewelry books on using found objects, paper, resin, fabric, polymer clay, enamel, wood, and wire as well as more traditional materials including, silver, gold, and gemstones. Jewelry making is a huge field that encompasses a large variety of talented artists. The field is constantly changing and evolving with the passage of time. I hope you enjoy exploring my blog and find information to help you in your creative jewelry pursuits.

For information about the me and my own jewelry business check out my personal myspace page http://www.myspace.com/295193118 and my etsy store http://www.rhonda.etsy.com/