Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Book Spotlight: Decorative Wire Findings

Decorative Wire Findings by Melody MacDuffee

Making custom components and findings is an invaluable skill for any jewelry maker. By learning just a few basic techniques, you gain the advantage of having exactly the right pieces to make your dream designs, every time. Whether you like to string, weave, or wrap, custom findings allow you to personalize all of your designs, make perfectly matched sets - and of course, save money for more of your favorite materials.

In her new book Decorative Wire Findings, jewelry artist and instructor Melody MacDuffee shares her favorite techniques for making one of a kind findings and components for amazing jewelry designs. The book includes instructions for more than 20 versatile essentials such as earring posts and backs, bezels for cabochons, and spacer bars for gorgeous multi-strand pieces. For inspiration and an in-depth look at how each component is used, there are 26 complete projects for earrings, bracelets and necklaces – plus ideas for unique rings and brooches.

Many of the projects feature gorgeous beads from around the world, including Krobo beads created by artists at Soul of Somanya – an amazing non-profit co-founded and directed by Melody in Ghana, West Africa. There are also projects for fans of crystals, pearls and druzy stones – all of them a delight to new and experienced wire-wrappers alike. My personal favorite is an eleven strand bracelet made with stunning teal Krobo beads and golden spirals.

Seven Strand Squiggle Earrings by Melody MacDuffee

With expert care, Melody guides readers through each of the projects; full color, step-by-step photos provide a look at how each design will progress. The materials lists include everything you need to complete a project, including page numbers for each of the components and findings that you’ll need to make ahead before completing a piece. Several projects offer instant gratification with just a few wraps and tweaks, while others provide an exciting challenge in gorgeous wire wrapping techniques. Never again find yourself without the right components for a project with the easy, professional-looking techniques in Decorative Wire Findings!

Want to check it out for yourself? Melody and the kind folks at Kalmbach Books are giving away one copy of Decorative Wire Findings to an Inspirational Beading reader. For a chance to win, simply leave a comment on this post letting us know what your favorite jewelry components are! One lucky winner will be drawn on Tuesday, April 28th.

Good luck and happy beading!

Update: This giveaway draw has closed.

I would like to thank Meloday MacDuffee and Kalmbach Books for giving me the opportunity to enjoy Decorative Wire Findings. Inspirational Beading has not received compensation for including products or publications in this post.

Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading
Melody MacDuffee and Kalmbach Books
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10 comments:

  1. Those earrings look awesome. Would love to win this book - I could always use new ideas for forming wire. Thank you for the chance!

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  2. love to work with wire and seed beads

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  3. My favorite beading components are handmade clasps. I would love to have this book!

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  4. Love those earrings. One of my favorite components is using some of my vintage button collection; especially as part of the clasp.

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  5. I love interesting pendants or pendant ideas especially paired with seed beads or any kind of Czech beads.

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  6. Most of my work is wire work. I enjoy it, and feel it has much more of a personal signature to your work. I have never made my own components except jump rings. it would be great to be able to make my own matching components, than using purchased ones that are usually molded for mass production.

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  7. Making earring components would be my favorite.

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  8. Looks like an awesome & inspirational new book - thanks for sharing! My best are earring components because I find the right 'unusual' and special finding can really make your earring come together beautifully and all the hard work to make the component really stands out as ear rings are worn in such a prominent and focal position - so one can enjoy ones creation every time you look in a mirror ;)

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  9. My favorite component is wire wrapping to create one-of-a-kind fastening/jump ring/anchoring system for unusual/odd shaped beads.

    I would be SO very inspired by this book !!!

    Pick me !!! :)

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  10. My favorite jewelry components are handmade clasps. Thank you for this opportunity! You can reach me at anarama@ymail DOT com

    ReplyDelete

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