Book Review and Giveaway

 What a wonderful concept... a collection of favorite projects taught by author Diane Fitzgerald over a span of several years! The projects included range from beginner to advanced, and cover a wide range of techniques and styles. Flipping through it, my eyes are tickled by the wonderful colorful photography and as a beader, I am instantly inspired. Although many of the projects are beadweaving and not my genre, I am still inspired by the beauty and uniqueness of each pieces. Diane has put together a strong body of work here and I recommend this book if you are running low on inspiration! My favorite project is Tie-One-On, one of the prettiest pieces I've seen using shells and knotting.

You and I both know that Metal Clay is all the rage right now. What makes Gordon Uyehara's book different than all the rest?
He's a master at his art, and one of the most renowned and popular metal clay artists in the world! In Metal Clay Fusion, Gordon covers all the basics and some really cool advanced skills from carving to developing your designer's eye. I always like a jewelry book with great step by step photos. The photography is lovely and the whole book has this beautiful glow and positive feeling. Want to learn how to create an intricate focal bead? Or a ring with a hinged top? These are part of this lovely collection of projects.




Creating chains is something that I am not quite ready to tackle but I know some of you out there have been playing around with soldering and this is right up your alley. Joanna Gollberg and Nathalie Mornu, talented duo, have put together 25 necklaces, bracelets, and earrings designs using handmade chain, in Chains Chains Chains.
I have to admit, it's very inspiring! For someone like me, even, who has zero skills in soldering. What better way to spice up your handmade jewelry designs, than to include chain that you made from scratch!
I love the contemporary designs in the book. And really so many of the chains are lovely as jewelry by themselves with no other components. The technique section in the back shows great step by step photos.


I have decided to hang onto this copy of Chains Chains Chains, but will be giving away my copies of Metal Clay Fusion and Diane Fitzgerald's Favorite Beading projects.  If you would like your hat thrown into the ring to randomly win one of these, please leave ONE comment on THIS post, and I will pick 2 random winners tomorrow, Wednesday morning. Good Luck!


Comments

  1. I've been wandering through your blog for the last couple of days! I just couldn't stop! Your jewelry is amazing! I have found so much inspiration. Thank you for that!!

    I've come back to the first page today to leave a comment and find a giveaway! So nice! Count me in, please!

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  2. That metal clay book looks really neat! I think it's so amazing to be able to mold something that becomes metal!

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  3. I adore beadweaving (it's all I do for the past few months) and I absolutely love Diane Fitzgerald's work. One of the things I would also like to try out is making components for my pieces with clay. Hopefully in the near future. Thank you for this amazing giveaway!

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  4. Wow, what a generous giveaway! The first book, Diane Fitgerald's Favorite Beading Projects, looks like a ton of fun!

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  5. Lorelei, I love your jewelry it's beautiful and lovely! Please enter me in the contest! Oooo I hope I win :)

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  6. Sue-Lin2/28/2012

    Thanks for your generosity and sharing. You're such an inspiration.

    Sue-Lin

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  7. All 3 books look great! I would love to try metal clay someday. I used to do beadweaving before I did wire wrapping type jewelry. I should revisit it someday as well. Thanks for the giveaways!

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  8. I've been your follower for a while and I have to say I love your jewellery! And now new inspiration-metal clay, I would really like to try it :)
    Thank you for such a great giveaway and the chance to win! so fingers crosses I will be the lucky winner :)

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  9. I've only ever taken one jewelry class & it was on metal clay. I enjoyed it and would love to learn more! Pick me, pick me! :)

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  11. carolyn2/28/2012

    I would love to win Metal Clay Fusion! Thanks for being so generous with your giveaway...and I hope I win it!

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  12. I've been enjoying reading your blog and I appreciate the chance to win one of the two books. Both sound very interesting. Thanks!

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  13. Gordon's book should be amazing. I've seen his work in magazines and without any doubt he's the best metal clay artist. I really hopeI win it.

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  14. Thank you!!! for the give away!!! I would love to win a book filled with inspiration :)

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  16. Ooh all intriguing! Pick me! My amazon wish list will thank you :)

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  17. Wow, thanks for thinking of us, would love to win either book.

    Vikki

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  18. Either book would be a welcomed addition to my "library"!! Thanks for the chance(s) to win!!!

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  19. Anonymous2/28/2012

    TOUJOURS AUSSI VARIE CE BLOG QUE DE BELLES CHOSES
    maryvonne.jouvenel@laposte.net

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  20. I would love to win either book as well! I've had my eye on the Diane Fitzgeral book but that metal clay one looks stunning too!

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  21. Wonderful books & a great giveaway!

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  22. I would love to win a copy of Diane Fitzgerald's book. I really love her stuff!

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  23. Oh that metal book looks intriguing! Thanks for the opportunity of the giveaway.

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  24. Ok. Bead books of every kind seem to be growing out of my floor and my overflow baskets. I am having to write this post in secret because if my husband could see me commenting to win ANOTHER book, well, I just don't want to say what would happen. Thanks for being so generous and for enabling me to continue my addiction. Should I win, I might have to take out a PO box and go on an undercover operation to sneak it into the house:)

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  25. Betty S.2/28/2012

    Would love to try my hand at pmc, and that book looks intriguing!

    Please count me in the giveaway.
    Thanks!

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  26. I would love to be considered for this very generous giveaway. I love to learn new techniques and I love to read. I am a beadaholique for sure and can never absorb enough information ont his subject. So I am lining up and crossing all my fingers, toes in hopes that I might even come close to winning this marvelous book...thank you so much

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  27. Oh those all sounds like some great reads and tons of inspiration. Thank you so much for the opportunity. It's definitely appreciated!

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  28. OH. D.F. ginko! and who doesnt love metal clay!

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  29. The Diane Fitzgerald books looks really interesting! I love working with color, but sometimes get stuck in a monotone rut.

    Great giveaway, as usual. Thanks, Ann
    mycriticaleye.com

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  30. I would love to be included in the giveaway! I've never tried PMC, but I love beadweaving!!!

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  31. Ooh, Diane's book is on my wishlist...consider my hat thrown into the ring!

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  32. Me me me me me!
    I would love the metal clay book. I love metal clay and would love to own this book.
    Shan

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  33. What a great chance to add one of these books to my library. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  34. Count me in for the giveway--I'd love the metal clay book! And BTW, I'm really looking forward to your book coming out (no boot-licking, I swear, just genuine excitement!)

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  35. Include me please. Great books. I'd love to win either. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  36. I hope I will be lucky!! I have also shared it on my blog tag. Best regards from Greece!!

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  37. I would love to get my hands on Gordan's book. It looks great.

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  38. I am new to beading, having been at it for a year. I love to play with the beads, the colors, the textures! You're blog is wonderful, so much inspiration and encouragement and your jewelry is beautiful. I would love to receive the first book on beading; I think it would not only provide inspiration but would help me improve my beading techniques.

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