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.

Jewelry Upcycled

The folks at Crown Publishing have asked me to review one of their newest books by Sherri and Michelle Haab called "Jewelry Upcycled!".It intrigued me as I love to recycle found objects into my jewelry designs. The book provides techniques and projects for reusing metal, glass, plastic, fiber and found objects. The book is 144 pages (Potter Craft) with beautiful photos and clear descriptive tutorials. If you have been looking to learn how to rivet, use copper solder tape, work with leather and resin then this is your book. There are so many projects in this book that I can not wait to try out! This book will have you thinking outside the jewelry box. 

These is my words

Are you looking for a great book to read, or perhaps a few good books? I love to read when I am not busy and especially like reading when we are traveling, it helps me sleep at night. On our recent trip to Connecticut I finished 3 books and started on a 4th....well, we were gone 10 days and it is a must that I have a book to read while flying (the perfect distraction). 

  
It is hard to name a favorite.....First is "These is my words" by Nancy Turner  This amazing story was her first published book. You can find the review here.

 

Ahh, the "Kitchen House" by Kathleen Grissom, I just loved this book! "a tragic story of page-turning suspense, exploring the meaning of family, where love and loyalty prevail."  You can find the review here.

 "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein  "A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life . . . as only a dog could tell it." You can find the review here.

So here you have a few good reads to start off the new year. Let me know what you think of them. Get reading!  

The greatest elephant that ever lived

Here is the other book I promised to tell you about..."Modoc" by Ralph Helfer. This book was a gift from one of my girlfriends and I finally got to read it on vacation. Once I started I could not put it down. I am an animal lover and fell in love with this boy and his elephant "Modoc", what an amazing creature, you too will be captivated by this story of love.

I now have to get one of Ralph Helfer's other books called "Zamba" The true story about the greatest lion that ever lived. I am sure it will prove to be as wonderful as Moduc

From Publisher:

Spanning several decades and three continents, Modoc is one of the most amazing true animal stories ever told. Raised together in a small German circus town, a boy and an elephant formed a bond that would last their entire lives, and would be tested time and again; through a near-fatal shipwreck in the Indian Ocean, an apprenticeship with the legendary Mahout elephant trainers in the Indian teak forests, and their eventual rise to circus stardom in 1940s New York City. Modoc is a captivating true story of loyalty, friendship, and high adventure, to be treasured by animal lovers everywhere.