Practical Jewelry-Making Techniques

Released in September by Firefly Books, Practical Jewelry-Making Techniques: Problem Solving written by Stephen O’Keeffe will give you a strong foundation in basic techniques. Stephen has been a craft and jewelry teacher for more than 20 years. With his teaching experience, Stephen has lots of jewelry-making-know-how to share.

Stephen says, “Most jewelry-making projects have a particularly difficult and often risky stage where disaster is likely to strike. The jewelry maker does not exist who has not at some stage melted his work at a crucial stage, or tangled his nearly finished work in a polishing machine. Being a teacher, rather than a craftsman, I have written this book as a guide informed by the many difficulties encountered–both my own and those of my students…The book is an attempt to show how the aspiring jewelry maker — not necessarily the beginner, but certainly the non-professional  — can make successful pieces…”

Filled with tips to make tasks more simple or less expensive, you’ll learn to make jigs from everyday items and other tools that will help solve problems in your jewelry making. Stephen shares what he’s learned to help you spot risks and avoid expensive mistakes in your work, too. The book has over 50 projects. Each has step-by-step instruction and will reinforce the skills needed for each technique.

Are ready to take your jewelry making to a new level? To enter for a chance to win this terrific book, simply leave a comment! The giveaway ends November 17. Sorry, the giveaway is open to US mailing addresses only.

19 Comments so far

1. Kas on November 3, 2012 4:01 pm

   I took a weekend course with Stephen some years ago and his books and classes are excellent! Highly recommended, if you ask me.

2. Catherine on November 3, 2012 4:33 pm

   Would LOVE to have this book!

3. Donna on November 4, 2012 5:23 am

   This is a great book for beginners I think – I’ve run into problems while trying to make jewelry which was why I gave up!

4. Alice A on November 4, 2012 6:09 am

   It looks like an amazing book! I could use all the helpful tips and ideas I can get.

5. Dana on November 4, 2012 6:50 am

   Looks like this may have a few techniques I don’t know The best kind of book!

6. Margie on November 4, 2012 9:28 am

   Looks like a great resource book!

7. Sheila on November 4, 2012 10:07 am

   This book would be really helpful to have around. Hope I win!

8. Tanya Arndt on November 4, 2012 11:52 am

   I’ve only just started tinkering with jewelry repair and would love to start making my own.

9. Tammy Hempel on November 4, 2012 12:27 pm

   This book looks like one for me. I am just starting out working with wire and this book give me some answers to questions that have risen. Thank you for the giveaway.

10. NANCY on November 4, 2012 2:36 pm

    Would love to include this in my library!

11. Susie on November 4, 2012 3:03 pm

    I like books that takes you all the way thru the project. Sounds interesting. Please enter me in your give away. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

12. Crystal Tucker on November 5, 2012 8:57 am

    This would be a great basics book to kick start my creativity.

13. Angi M on November 5, 2012 1:03 pm

    What an awesome book! Pretty please count me in! Thanks!

14. Lili on November 5, 2012 3:14 pm

    I would really love to win this book!! I been making my own jewelry for a while now and would love to learn new techniques and ways to make my stuff..

15. Kay Bostwick on November 6, 2012 12:54 am

    Would love to win this book. i am granny trying to learn some new skills. to supplement SS

16. Barbara on November 7, 2012 4:40 pm

    I’d LOVE to win this book! I do some wire work and have recently purchased my first torch and have taken my first soldering class…. have lots of projects swirling in my mind, and this book would be a great asset and hopefully help me with my learning curve! Looks great…. and thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!

17. Rose Mary Flint on November 9, 2012 7:01 pm

    Sounds like a great book by someone who knows how to teach! I’d love to have a copy.

18. Shaiha on November 9, 2012 11:18 pm

    Sounds like a book that I could and would really use. Please toss my name in the hat.

19. Stacie Hooder on November 21, 2012 6:10 pm

    Congratulations, Crystal! You are the winner!