Non-Precious Jewellery

This will be a highly illustrated how-to-do-it book. There are very few such books specifically covering non-precious material techniques yet, but there has been a recent increase in the creative use of non-precious materials in jewellery-making. Using a step-by-step approach, this book will be an easy and accessible, but thorough, introduction to non-precious materials and techniques. Examples of appropriate techniques for each material will be featured as making sequences, alongside showcased pieces from contemporary jewellers in different materials. There will also be a final section that will consolidate various techniques and show the thought processes and material considerations for creating a finished piece. Materials covered will include: rubber, silicone latex, plastics, resin, PVC, polypropylene, acrylic, cellulose acetate, nylon, wood, fibre, felt, cloth, paper, stone, metal, steel, aluminium, tin, copper, electroforming, feathers, leather, bone, ceramic, cork, Formica, buttons and other everyday objects. Techniques to be covered include: cutting/piercing, laser cutting, joining/fixing, gluing, drilling, colouring/dyeing, heat forming, casting, scoring and bending, laminating, vacuum forming, electroplating, finished, knitting/knotting, blocking and shaping, origami, flocking, beading and embossing. Projects will include necklaces, bangles, brooches and earrings. Using a step-by-step approach, this book will be an easy and accessible, but thorough, introduction to non-precious materials and techniques. Kathie Murphy is also the author of our highly successful Jewellery Handbook: Resin Jewellery (2002, 2005). She is a well-known UK jeweller, and exhibits regularly at Origin and at Dazzle Exhibitions (which she also manages). She is on the Crafts Council list of makers. Kathie teaches at both Middlesex University and Northbrook College, Sussex, and will also be running a 2007 workshop at West Dean College, Sussex. Designed like a 'tasting menu', this book gives beginner jewellery-makers a chance to try out the core techniques, incorporating their own designs, so they can get a feeling for the direction they would like to follow with their own work. Highly illustrated, easy to follow, step-by-step format - an easy, non-threatening, but thorough introduction New 'bigger size' jewellery book - the series will eventually include a number of different titles covering various jewellery and textiles methods and techniques Topic with wide and universal appeal; no other book like it available