Video #744: This book written by author and jewelry artisan Wing Mun Devenney, gets a high recommendation from me.
In this video I review a book titled, The Ultimate Guide to Making Wire Jewelry – Techniques, Projects, and Jig Patterns From Beginner to Advanced by Wing Mun Devenney.
I was sent a stack of craft books from Barrons Publishing to review. You may have seen the other two reviews I have done so far, perler bead and macrame.
So, when I got this book in the pile, I wanted to see if it would be a good one to recommend to those of you who would like to add more wire working techniques to your jewelry making skill set.
Years ago, I found that when I upped my wire working skills, the quality of my polymer clay jewelry improved. To make really lovely and artistic polymer clay pieces, it took more than just adding a store bought set of earwires to a polymer clay bead.
I found that my work began to look much more professional when the earwires were hand made, the loops looked nice and the wire was filed and finished properly.
The skills that it took to improve, were developed mostly on my own, with some research and a ton of practice. So when going through this book, I found there was a lot of good information and techniques that I wished that I had access to when I was starting.
This book is lovely. The cover feels nice, the overall size is thick enough to contain lots of information without being too overwhelming.
The photography is excellent and I found the writing to be well thought through. The information was thorough and I couldn’t find any ‘holes’ that would make learning difficult. Missing information is one of the biggest issues with books in general… and I’m happy to say that was not the case with Wing Mun Devenney’s book.
There was lots of info on wire types, hardness, gauge and uses… as well as tools, techniques, projects and patterns. I wasn’t crazy about some of the project designs, but that was more of a personal taste thing.
I think this is an excellent book, and is well worth the price. There is lots you can learn from the contents, whether you like to read or just look at the pictures.
Improving on your wire working skills will improve the professionalism and quality of your handmade polymer clay jewelry as a whole, and I give this book a high recommendation.
- Related Resource: The Complete Guide to Making Wire Jewelry on Amazon
- Related Video: Using Perler Bead Patterns to Make Polymer Clay Canes
- Related Video: A Million and One Polymer Clay Necklace Designs
- Related Video: A Million and One Polymer Clay Earring Designs
- Related Video: Micro Macrame Bracelet With Polymer Clay Focal Bead
Do you have any suggestions for videos on tips, techniques or products you would like to learn more about? Let me know in the comments section below!
My goal is to help you to learn quicker and easier ways to bring up the professionalism in your polymer clay art.
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There is certainly a lot of books on wireworking out there and I was fortunate to get a couple of really good ones early on and this one is very similar to one of them. I went through a lot of wire learning all the techniques of ear wires, bails, classic wire findings , chain mail, using jigs and even coiling and spirals. The book you reviewed looks like an excellent tool for anyone who wants to get serious about wire working and would certainly be a good investment. It’s okay to watch videos and follow along but there is nothing like a good basic book for your library that you can use for reference when needed. Thank you for the great review.
Yeah, even though I do prefer video for teaching… obviously! :) I do think books are great to have as a reference tool… that is if they are good. I liked this one.
What was the name of the books you have that you like? I am sure others would like to know those as well. Books are expensive and take up space, so it is always good to know which ones are good and which ones aren’t worth getting.
My first book was “Wire Art Jewelry” Step by Step Techniques and Projects by Sharilyn Miller. This came with a DVD also and I went through every technique in the book including making the Egyptian Coil Necklace. The other one is called “Easy and Elegant Beaded Copper Jewelry” by Lora S. Irish which is really a wonderful reference not only for copper wire but for the others as well. It has a terrific section called the Complete Link Section and I think I made every one of them. You then use what you learn to make various projects. These 2 and the book called Polymer Clay by Yonat Dascalu sit by my side for reference at all times.
Thanks for sharing those favorite books with us Dixie Ann. I do not have any of them, so it is nice to know that they are good ones!
Hi Cindy! I enjoyed this book review. I always hear you say if you have a comment or question leave it in the comment section below. When I attempt to make ear wires as well as when I do other wire projects I always have sharp ends. I’ve used several types of cutting pliers & nippers & cut from the right side but never can get a satisfactory cut. I’ve tried filing & that helps, but I’m sure there’s a better way. Can you give me a recommendation for a good pair of cutters? I’d love to be able to make my own. Thank you for all you’ve taught me & for sharing your gifts with all of us.
Hi Jo, I have a tutorial that goes into all that. It’s the 4th Video in the Vol-021 Polymer Clay Tutor Back Issue bundle.
Good morning! Thank you for your reply, I just saw it! I’m going to stop my little world & check it out right now. I can’t wait. Have a super day & thanks again for pointing me in the right direction!