Enchanted Adornments
Creating Mixed-Media Jewelry with Metal Clay, Wire, Resin & More! Remember I mentioned that I pre-ordered this book a month or so ago, well it finally arrived last week. I was so anxious to read about Cynthia Thornton’s inspiration behind her jewelry (Cynthia is the artist and owner of Green Girl Studios). In this beautifully illustrated book you will take a magical journey into jewelry making. Enchanted Adornments published by Interweave Press, is a step-by-step project book and illustrated storytelling guide in one. Practical project information is accompanied by drawings, paintings, stories, and photographs meant to inspire and guide artists through their jewelry-making adventures.
In addition to Cynthia’s great inspiration, illustrations, and storytelling, you will learn about the Essentials: Understanding the Properties of Wire, Polymer Clay, Precious Metal Clay, Resin & More! Followed by these techniques you will enter a new world where Every Charm Has a Story. Create the jewelry of an artist traveling to faraway & mystical places. One of my favorite projects is called Woodland Wings Necklace featured on pages 78-83. I can’t wait to try this technique with Vintaj Bronze wire! They are delicate wire-wrapped wings protected with paper and resin, reminiscent of butterfly wings. Each step is written out and photographed to make it simple for you to recreate.
When you finish Cynthia’s story you will come across an Inspiration Gallery featuring fourteen artists that are forerunners in the field of mixed-media jewelry. You will see projects made by designers; Jane Wynn, Kate McKinnon, Melanie Brooks, Jean Yates, Lorelei Eurto, Margot Potter, Jamie Hogsett, and much more! Queen Mab’s Faery Parade necklace designed by Melanie Brooks is embellished with a ton of Vintaj filigree, connectors, chain and findings surrounded by her gorgeous porcelain components. I hope you enjoy this magical journey as much as I did and get inspired to create unique mixed-media jewelry with a story behind its inspiration!
Posted in Daily Dialogue
November 9th, 2009 at 8:33 am
I have been DEVOURING my copy of this book. It really is too pretty for words. Cynthia went above and beyond and this will easily become one of my favorite resources. I really had no idea that it would be such a how-to book on the techniques you mentioned. I am excited about that, since I just started working with polymer clay, and I would love to know more about the PMC. The Woodland Wings is indeed my favorite. I did techniques like that in Susan Lenart Kazmer’s resin class in 2008. Try using vintage papers with the resin…they become very ethereal and vintage looking…I had never thought of lifting them up and having the resin drip off though… Get yourself a copy of this book. You won’t be disappointed! Enjoy the day!
Erin
November 9th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
This great book keeps popping up all over the place. I want it so badly–I’m just like a kid when it comes to books like this! I may not be able to wait until Christmas to get one……
November 9th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
I hear such good things about this book. I have to order a copy. I love Green Girl so I know it has to be good!
November 9th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
this book looks fantastic, can anyone tell how to order a copy to Australia?
November 9th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
Wonderful Book! Adventure, creativity, instructions, and so much inspiration. I want a handsome escort to travel the world of imagination with…
November 9th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Erin, I agree! And I can’t wait to try working with vintage papers and resin. Sounds like fun!
Teena, did you check to see if Amazon ships to Australia? If not, try the Interweave site. Good luck!
November 9th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
I’m not quite up to speed with the rest of you, but look forward to many new techniques. This book sounds like a good place to start!
November 9th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
great review for this book-its going on my wish list right now!
November 9th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
Can’t wait to get it!!!
November 10th, 2009 at 4:09 am
I got my copy last week – it is such an eye opener – a very unique writing style that I just love, and so inspirational too.
November 10th, 2009 at 5:36 am
Love this book. I am so inspired to make things after thumbing through it.
Hugs!
Lori Northon
lesseley at comcast dot net
November 10th, 2009 at 11:23 am
I also got my copy last week. I too can’t wait to try polymer clay. I love the “recipes” for clay colors! Awesome photography. And the story of the jewelry designer puts this book in a different category from other jewelry design books. Fantastic!! (I am a different Cynthia than the author)
November 10th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Glad to hear you like the book! I’m really proud of Cynthia and all she managed to fit into the book. It’s quite an achievement! From start to finish, the book was a lot of work and I think she pulled it off marvelously.
You can also use some of Vintaj filigree in the Woodland Wings piece. If you’re careful, you can create a stained glass effect using different colored resin in spots throughout the filigree.