Hot Connections

 As promised here is the book I mentioned in yesterday's post, "Hot Connections" by Jennifer Chin, published by Potter Craft. When I was first asked to review this book my first thought was no, because my skills are not in soldering. However I am very glad I agreed. This book has a wealth of information from basic metal skills, annealing, drilling,how to use a jewelers saw, riveting, how to make jump rings, applying patina's along with sanding and finishing. Great color photos and clear precise directions. The book continues with what is needed to set up a soldering station and then on to easy and more complex projects. 

I really liked what Jennifer had to say in the Preface of the book. "Before you begin soldering, I'd like to offer some advice: First,, there's no one "correct" way to make jewelry, only techniques that provide direction and encourage experimentation with tools and materials."

Here is what inspired me to  make my ribbon earrings yesterday.

  Although my earrings are quite different from these shown here, this book inspired me to try a new technique I had not thought of before and create something that was more in my style.

Hot Connections is 160 pages of easy-to-follow resource for people who have experience making jewelry and want to expand their skills to include soldering in their creative repertoires.