Book Review: Stamped Metal Jewelry - Lisa Niven Kelly

Stamped Metal Jewelry: Creative Techniques & Designs for Making Custom Jewelry by Lisa Niven Kelly

Metal stamping not only a hot jewelrymaking trend, it's fun too. Lisa Niven Kelly (creator of the online Beaducation workshops & website) has been teaching and sharing her knowledge of stamping for more than six years. Luckily she is sharing her vast knowledge with everyone who can't make it to a class in her newest book -  Stamped Metal Jewelry.  By using metal stamps and blanks, you can personalize your jewelry designs with words, textures and your own creative design. While stamping is a simple technique, the right tools and skills will help you create really amazing work.

I recieved of copy of this book from Interweave Press just before I went off to Art Unraveled. I didn't even get the chance to look at it until I got home.  Stamping is something that seems simple and easy until you try to stamp a word onto metal without proper instruction.  It's NOT pretty I can tell you from personal experience.

As well as learning how to stamp metal, Stamped Metal Jewelry teaches wirework, texturizing, oxidizing  and metalsmithing skills such as dapping and riveting,

The book starts with sections on tools and metal techniques. This section alone is so extensive it could be a standalone mini book. It's a great reference guide whether you are a beginner or professional.   There are nineteen projects in the book by Lisa and well known guest artists Tracy Stanley, Kriss Silva, Lisa Claxton, Kate Richbourg, Janice Berkebile, and Connie Fox.  The projects run the gamut from stamped beads and cages to necklaces, bracelets and rings. EVERY project is outstanding, theres not one in here I thought "eh", nope they are all fantastic.

And if the book alone weren't enough, there is a 33-minute instructional DVD.  You get to have a private lesson with Lisa as she walks you thru the tools, basic stamping techniques and gives you a special bonus jewelry project not included in the book.  I find it nice to watch how someone does a technique, especially if it's one I'm struggling to grasp.

I can't recommend this book highly enough, it's a wonderful book all around. If you are curious about stamping this is THE book to get.

Art Unraveled Rewind

It's been a week since I got back from Phoenix and Art Unraveled... WHAT a trip!!! I had the best time. The weather was fantastic - it was 53 when I left SF and 106 when I landed! The humidity was tolerable, thank goodness. Upon checking into the hotel, I ran directly into Jen Cushman and Kathy Cano-Murillo and they welcomed me with a big girlie group hug.

I got to see alot of old friends that I don't get to see too often, like my bro Michael

and Susan,  as well as meet alot of people I had only known online including Jane and  Richard Salley as well as Deryn Mentock.

Vendor day was crazy!!! Thankfully the wonderful Peggy Krzyzewski volunteered to help me out-thank you Peggy!!!! I am NOT a morning person and thankfully Peggy was there. She was so helpful to me and kept busy writing up sales and making sure things were put into bags-something I messed up more than once that day!

This was my first time teaching at Art Unraveled and I was a little nervous. It's a huge event with an amazing reputation and I didn't want to disappoint.  Thankfully I had the best group of students and the Ancient Futurist Art Doll class was FANTASTIC!  Carol Graves was my class aide, and I want to thank her again for all her help.  I had the best bunch of students, all of whom made some fantastic creations. Here are some of the eye candy.  

Since I've been home, I've been in a stupor. Art Unraveled was such an amazing time,  I need some time to decompress and think about what I want to propose for 2011.  I will be teaching at CREATE with Cloth, Paper Scissors in Chicago in 2 weeks so need to prep for that as well.  I am really looking forward to this going to Chicago and am excited to be a part of that new event. My fellow O&E Design team sister Jane Salley will be teaching there as well, and I can't wait to hang out with her again.

Skipping thru August

Pardon the bad iPhone pic, I haven't uploaded pics from the camera yet. The SFIGF show is now done and I'm packing to get ready for Art Unraveled in Phoenix. The SFIGF did not go as well as we hoped. The attendence was REALLY down and the buyers that were there weren't spending much. A real indicator of how bad the economy is, but unless you spend $$$ its not going to get better for anyone!

Luckily, I had some amazing people around me and we all kept each others spirits up by joking and laughing. Next to me was Oilcloth Alley, Denise is a ball to hang out with and I LOVE LOVE LOVE all of her creations. She sells the oil cloth by the yard too so check her out! Across from me was Unforgettable Vintage who sells high end/museum quality vintage and remakes. OMG- be still my heart!!!!!!! Denise has the most AMAZING stock ever!!!!!! We had a great time discussing vintage jewelry supply, vintage sellers and fashion. She is AMAZING!!!!! She'll be at the Vintage Fashion Expo in SF, this Sept be sure to stop by and drool all over her stuff!

I'm hoping Art Unraveled will be much better. I'll be vending at the sale on Sat (open to the public!) with lots of jewelry and some supplies from my stash such as sparkly crystals, steel filigree strips, chunky chain, enameled gears, art yarns, and assorted treasures.  I'm also teaching the Steampunk Ancient Futuristic Art Doll Class on Monday.

Ancient Futuristic Art Doll© Barbe Saint John

I still have room in the class for a few more people if you are thinking about it. Students  can sign up as late as morning of the class if you want to attend too!! I hope you do join us in some crusty rusty fun! I'll be trying to post from the event, so be on the lookout!