Book Review: Wrap, Stitch, Fold & Rivet by Mary Mary Hettmansperger

Book Review: Wrap, Stitch, Fold & Rivet: Making Designer Metal Jewelry by Mary Hettmansperger

Hardcover: 128 pages
Publisher: Lark Books (June 3, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1600591256
ISBN-13: 978-1600591259
Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.6 x 0.7 inches

Ms. Hettmansperger is an amazing art jeweler. Hettmanspergers style is organic, abstract, a bit raw and a smidge wild-this is not for everyone. Personally I love it, other people prefer more ‘tame’ jewelry. Having said that, do not let that distract you from this book. You can do every one of her projects with different materials and come up with some VERY chic and unique jewelry.

This book focuses on using cold connections and using metals like copper and brass. If you have little or no metalworking skills or have limited space/funds/time then cold connections are the way to go. And many people start their jewelrymaking journey this way too!

This book shows that you don’t have to be a “professional metalsmith” to craft your own fabulous art jewelry. Some of my favorite projects are the Bean Pod Pins and the Moving Parts Necklace.

The book is well written with clear instructions. The first section goes over tools, materials and techniques that will be used. The projects start off with projects to get you used to manipulating metal and it ends with using fiber techniques of weaving to make some really cool jewelry. Each project has gorgeous photos and is supplimented with hand drawn illustrations. There is a gallery section in the back to keep you inspired.

Some reviews have said “this is not for beginners”, I disagree. It is very MUCH for beginners (and all levels), who are interested in art jewelry. Its a wonderful book for jewelrymakers of all levels to push your boundaries and expand your creativity.

Her other book “Fabulous Woven Jewelry” is another visual feast of using fabric techniques with metal.

There is something very satisfying about bead jewelry making. It is one of those crafts that feels easy to start, but still gives you that lovely “I actually made this” moment when you finish a bracelet, necklace, or pair of earrings.

This week’s Book Review Wednesday pick is Bead Jewelry Making for Beginners, and unlike the trinket dish book where I was torn between our polymer clay and jewelry sections, this one sits very neatly here on Jewelry Making. Beads, findings, clasps, wire, earrings — no category confusion this time.

This looks like a useful beginner-friendly book for anyone wanting to move beyond simply stringing beads and start understanding how handmade jewelry actually comes together. Things like choosing beads, adding clasps, using findings properly, and making pieces that sit nicely are the little details that can make a beginner project feel much more polished.

I always think bead jewelry is a lovely craft for quick handmade gifts too. A simple bracelet, pair of earrings, or beaded necklace can be made fairly quickly, and it is easy to personalise with favourite colours, birthstones, charms, or leftover beads from the stash. And yes, if you have ever tipped a packet of seed beads across the table, you already know this craft comes with its own tiny chaos.

This book would suit new jewelry makers, teens, handmade gift makers, or anyone who has a bead stash tucked away and wants a little guidance getting started. Pair it with a basic set of jewelry pliers, beading wire or stretch cord, clasps, jump rings, and a bead mat, and you are ready to go.

My Shellie-style take? Bead Jewelry Making for Beginners looks like a practical, approachable starting point for anyone wanting to learn simple beaded jewelry techniques without feeling overwhelmed.

Have you read?