Going Beyond Wire Wrapping: Weave, Wrap, Coil

Creating Artisan Jewelry: Book Review of Weave, Wrap, Coil by Jodi Bombadier

Now this is a book worth buying if you’re either a wire art jeweler or an aspiring one. Unlike so many wire art jewelry how-to books today, Bombadier offers a rare look into elegantly designed wire jewelry making. Add to that that she’s included simple weaving techniques and well, this book is truly a step ahead.

The author begins with the requisite introduction, explaining her own foray into wire jewelry making. Fundamentals of Wire is next and provides all you’ll need to work the books projects. Tools, the next section, is thorough as well. The Techniques section is the real gem here with five separate weaving patterns to choose from. This is a great addition for anyone wanting to move their wire working skills along.

Weave, Wrap, Coil goes on to break down projects into beginner, intermediate and advanced projects. There really is something for everyone here. The beginner projects section has three earrings, one pendant, two rings, two bracelets and a basketweave cuff……nine projects in total. The basketweave cuff is worth checking into. It’s a simple project but quite gracefully executed and designed. The way she’s handled the end wires is unique and beautifully done.

The Intermediate section is next with again, nine projects. There are two bracelets, one necklace, two rings, one earring, one pendant, a ribbon cuff and a woven hook to embellish the look of your findings. Beautifully done wire wrapped jewelry.

One of the best things about this book is the extremely thorough text instructions and illustrations that accompany the projects. Very nicely laid out indeed.

Creating Artisan Jewelry winds down with its final section for Advanced projects. There are seven projects in total with two rings, two bracelets, two pendants and one cuff. The Venetian Hill Tribe bracelet is to die for with its graceful and dramatic lines. You’ll be amazed at the simplicity of the work to produce this dynamite piece. And you’ll learn wire weaving to boot!

Weave, Wrap, Coil: Creating Artisan Jewelry by Jodi Bombadier is a very thorough book with its twenty-five projects for all levels of skill. It’s not uncommon for some of the projects to have over twenty step by step instructions which is invaluable for the reader. As if that weren’t enough, the detailed illustrations make it hard to fail when doing the projects. Well thought out and detailed, this book also offers some very rare originality in wire jewelry making.

Before you start making wire jewelry, you can learn how to Make Wire Beads: see the article HERE.