Surprise Giveaway!

I had planned to do a book review today but have been in bed since last Thursday (literally) with a tenacious upper respiratory infection. In addition to lots of coughing and persistent fever, it's meant no play time in the studio, so no project samples. The book review will have to wait.

I decided instead to do a giveaway of a book that several members of the AJE have found inspirational since it's publication, myself included.

Melissa Meman and I both used elements from this book in our Component of the Month challenge pieces for July.

Kristi Bowman used some for this lovely earring pair, which promptly sold.

And Linda Landig wrote a whole review for us last December after trying a lot of the projects - these lovely earrings are in her shop now!

If you haven't already guessed, the book is Cindy Wimmer's "The Missing Link" and I'm giving away a brand new copy to ONE lucky Art Jewelry Elements reader! Here are the rules:

• Enter to win by leaving a comment below.
• You must include your email address in the comment for the entry to count!
• Comments received through 6:00 p.m. Central Time on Sunday, September 14th will be eligible to win.
• The winner will be announced Sunday evening here and on the AJE Facebook page. (Have you "liked" us yet?)
• I will contact the winner via email to arrange delivery.

That's it! Entries are open to everyone, everywhere, so spread the word!

Until next time -

Book Review: The Jewelry Maker's Design Book

The Jewelry Maker's Design Book: an Alchemy of Objects

just arrived at my doorstep a few days ago. As soon as I opened it I knew I was going to enjoy looking through it and I have certainly done that numerous times already!

Much of it seems to be a little outside of my style but it was really fun to look through and see all the interesting pieces Deryn Mentock has created from her years of Hunting and Gathering. That said, some of it is very similar jewelry I've created in the past using Sari Silk and Dangling Beads and I do think I pulled some new ideas and inspiration from several of her creations as well.

Developing Concepts: Finding inspiration and keeping a journal.

I've tried many times to keep a journal over the years and never quite keep it going, the look of Deryn's amazing journal might give me the jump start I need to try again.

I'd love to take some 2 part mold to the cover of the journal in the above picture!!!

Beads and Stones: Where to find, what to look for and storage.

Wouldn't you love to look through Deryn's bead stash, HEAVEN!!

Along with all the information about found objects and the design process there are numerous step by step projects for creating finished jewelry with Journal Notes and Design tips every few pages.
These Everyday Boho Earrings are some of my favorite!!

Not only does she share numerous Jewelry Design projects but also
How To's on working with Metal. Annealing, Headpins, Wrapping, Hook Closures.
 Also working with Vintage, Stringing, Drillng and Setting Eyelets.
 A ton of useful information for creating from start to finish.

If you like found objects, combining new and old or stones and metal in unique and beautiful ways you'll love this book. It's a beautiful book I would proudly display as a Coffee Table Book but it's one that I would also go to often for ideas and inspiration.

Kristi

KristiBowmanDesign.Etsy

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