Making Designer Jewelry from Hardware, Gems, and Beads

July 5, 2010 | By In Technology |

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5 Comments so far

  1. Anonymous on July 5th, 2010

    always loved messing around with hardware store stuff to create things other than the purpose for which they were intended (like washers and different kinds of nuts and wires…)
    Rating: 5 / 5

  2. Darcy Wishard on July 6th, 2010

    I have been making jewelry for several years and the one thing I have found is that you can make jewelry out of just about anything! With everything Steampunk being popular right now, this how-to book is definitely one that you want to pick up!

    Not familiar with what is in your local hardware store? That’s okay! I suggest you go and take a look but the author has also provided a page of various pieces that she uses so you can just order them off the internet if you need to! But like I said, half the fun is going to the hardware store, looking around and picking up little pieces of this and that to play with!

    There are also pages of beginner how-to’s and what’s, what in regards to traditional jewelry materials and tools too. Forgot or need to know to wrap loop? You’re in luck…the book also provides a few basic wire how-to’s!

    Earrings, bracelets and necklaces…25 projects that will make you say “Wow, I never thought of that!” Everything from copper washers to tiny light bulbs…..yes, light bulbs!

    A fun one from beginners to intermediates….Enjoy!
    Rating: 5 / 5

  3. torchwoman on July 6th, 2010

    I’ve looked through this book several times for inspiration for my own jewelry. Having always enjoyed the hardware store as great stimulus for new jewelry ideas, this book was right on target for me.
    Rating: 5 / 5

  4. EAO on July 6th, 2010

    This is a fantastic book. The designs are extremely inspiring. The instructions are clear. The pictures are plentiful and beautifully done. I love that many of the designs have alternate versions shown, which really helps if you just want to use the designs as jumping off points rather than following them exactly. I highly recommend this book for anyone that’s interested in hardware jewelry in particular, or just interested in something a little different and funky.
    Rating: 5 / 5

  5. Teri Baskett on July 6th, 2010

    I really liked the examples and items in this book. Lots of projects are included and they are not 100% hardware, so you will find lots of very attractive pieces combining metalworks and gemstones! I was surprised at the number of ideas I had after looking through this book. You really will find many unique ways to incorporate these simple, basic, very common components into jewelry designs! My favorite was actually a man’s bracelet, that used plumb bobs (gotta see it) and brass nuts. It was quite stunning!

    Some designs have a steampunk quality to them, in my opinion. Many could be made from re-cycle or re-use components and still be quite lovely. I especially liked the designs that show women can be strong and creative. By adding hardware to designs, I thought the pieces became dramatic and could be used to show a person’s prowess and familiarity with any of hundreds of practical skills.

    Yes, like many jewelry makers, I do collect “how to” books, often for inspiration. Designers won’t copy someone else’s design to sell, but we will use them as a “jumping off” place to start. That way we add our own flair and interpretation, creating something new that incorporates just pieces of the original design in the book. However, many of these designs you will like “as is” and they will make great items to wear or give as gifts!

    Rating: 4 / 5

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