Jewelry Making

DIY Jewelry, Beads And Patterns

Pretty Little Things Book Review

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Pretty Little Things: collage jewelry, trinkets, keepsakes by Sally Jean Alexander

I love Sally Jean, she is truly a real life cupcake-sweet, pretty and makes you smile to be around. So of course, I was sure I’d love the book even if this kind of shabby romantique chic thing isn’t my style. And I was right.  It is SUCH a gorgeous book, from the embossed cover, to the photos of the objects and her studio, to the projects themselves-that you will fall in love with it even if you never ever plan to solder anything.

There are twenty-seven projects and thirty variations feature Sally Jeans signature style of using collaged vintage ephemera all soldered within glass of some shape or form. The finished pieces tell romantic, luxe and sometimes whimsical stories.  Looking at the book is like falling into Marie Antoinette’s jewelry box-you are surrounded by pale aqua blues,pinks and greens, cream colors, faded ink, velvet, rhinestones with a hint of shimmer.

The jewelry projects include a Vintage vessel pendent, Bottle Bangle and a project from one of her sold out classes- Totally Tiara. Many of the other projects could be modified into jewelry-like the tiny chairs or budvases that would make lovely pins and pendants.

So with all the visual eyecandy, you also get very well written instructions on how to cut glass and solder properly. Even if you have never picked up a soldering iron in your life, you will feel completely confident to do so after reading thru the book. Sally Jean talks about everything you might need or want to know with how to work with one, tips and tricks. She has hand written notes on each page so its like she is right there with you, helping you along. You learn how to solder correctly the first time, rather than muddle thru on your own. I have to add, you don’t HAVE to cut your own glass to do many of these projects. Nowadays there are tons of shapes you can buy pre cut (see yesterdays post about Delphi) but knowing how to do it gives you more leeway in your creativity.

Even if you are more modern than vintage, or more chic than shabby you will still love the book. EVERY project can be done with your own colors, materials and style. Make skyscrapers instead of houses, or spaceships! Don’t like flowers-use a doll head or bunch of feathers instead for the pen. Use modern graffiti art or Manga instead of Victorian letters-make it your own.

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Book Review Wednesday: Bead Jewelry Making For Beginners

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.