Wire Jewelry Masterclass Paperback – 7 Oct. 2011

I have made almost all of the projects in this book and would recommend it to anyone as the techniques you learn will increase your skills as a jewellery maker 10 fold. I have used what I learned here and gone on to create my own designs and techniques based on what was shown in this book. The pictures showing each step of the project are excellently done and show all the detail required. I found they were invaluable in helping me to complete the more complex projects when I became confused by the written instructions. (Confusion was my fault, I'm better visually). All in all, I think this book is a revelation. Beautifully illustrated, with loads of useful reference info. Also shows you how to make all of your own findings from clasps to ear hooks, which will save you a fortune in the long run. Truly a must have for all budding jewellery makers. Cannot recommend it highly enough.

The book tells you what tools and wires are needed to complete the projects inside. Only five wire thicknesses are needed to complete all of the pieces which helps keep the cost down foe beginners. Abby begins by showing how to make your own findings and chain before moving onto creating some beautiful designs in wire, beads and stones. The resources at the back are useful. The book is a great introduction for people wanting to start wire jewellery making moving on to some quite advanced pieces by the end. If you are like me you will make a bad piece to start with and learn from, piece number two will be better and piece no three will be acceptable. A lot has been put into the book and I think its a very good entry point into the art of wire jewellery creation.

Lovely, lovely designs that show the author has a real talent, the book is largely designed pretty well. A couple of issues, though, make it harder to follow the techniques. First, the photographs don't show the specific detail clearly enough. Sometimes the image is taken from the wrong angle and it's impossible to see where the wire goes, and sometimes it is just too difficult to distinguish the wire that the instructions refer to. The instructions by themselves are not always described clearly enough to be understood without the images.The second issue is that although the design of the book is pretty easy to follow, and honestly much better than most step by step books I've used, a real blooper is that the numbered paragraphs are laid out in four columns, reading from top to bottom, while the corresponding numbered images go across the page left to right. This creates a weird dissonance; makes it a challenge to find the right image to match what you're reading. You can't just glance at the image while reading, you have to stop reading and find the picture.Apart from that, some lovely ideas and nice ways of doing things once you've figured it out. I've learned some real skills using this book.

Love this book, there is plenty of detail and information all clearly laid out, there’s some excellent suggestions for where to purchase materials at the end. The projects are beautiful! The pictures for the most part are clear and concise, though every so often can be slightly confusing as they don’t show the best angle on how to do something. Still it hasn’t stopped us making some beautiful jewellery. Would definitely recommend to another complete beginner like me!

Where do I begin, there are not enough words to describe this book. This is the best book on Wire Work by a British Author. Like the previous reviewer said it is not for a beginner as you will need to know the basics such as wire wrapping. However, don't be put off as the book is divided into 3 sections - Beginner, Intermediate and Advance. If you want to take your Wire Working skills to another level then this is the book for you, the designs are just fab! I have been making jewellery for 4 years but decided to start from the Beginner chapter as I just want to create the beautiful designs.Another reason I like this book is the fact that you can change the designs to suit your style which is what I have done with the lariat necklace I am currently working. Loads of my fellow designers have bought this book, the Author now has a facebook page where people are free to leave messages and share their versions in the album page. For those new to Wire Work I will suggest any book by Linda Jones, very easy to master and will get you on the road to using and understanding Abby Hook's designs.HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

I have many books on wire jewellery and this is by far the best! Although I would say it is prob better to have at least some previous knowledge I do think that a hands on beginner would fare ok as the book is written extremely well with great detail and lots of pictures!I have not done any of the projects yet but after having read the book I have already learnt some new things that will be invaluable to wire working. Also there are other tutorials on her website available to purchase that are not in the book so if after finishing the book and still not being confident with designing your own pieces of work then you can always download some more projects! Plus eni oken (someone she learnt from) has a site where many artists work are available as a tutorial to purchase once you have built up your skills.It is well worth the price, don't hesitate!

I bought this after learning the basics of wire work hoping that it would help me advance in my jewellery making. This book is fantastic. Though perhaps not for the absolute beginner, the projects are grouped into hardness levels, so you can choose what you think you are able to do. You can also work through the book, learning new skills on every project. There are plenty of projects in the book, and (unusually for me) there is not a single one I don't want to make. There are not so many new materials and tools to buy, and the author includes thrifty ways to save money. If you are looking for challenging, beautiful and unusual designs to enhance your work and give you inspiration, then this is the book for you!

It is great to get you started in jewellery making lots of tips and easy to understand instructions.