Book Review: Simply Modern Jewelry

By Sandy Amazeen Feb 25, 2008, 21:07 GMT

As editor of Stringing magazine, Danielle Fox knows a thing or two about creating stylish jewelry with a minimum of fuss. Her expertise is evident in this collection of quick, easily made earrings, bracelets and necklaces that begins with a comprehensive beginners guide to materials, tools and necessary techniques. Close-up photography clearly illustrate the proper way to open jump rings, use crimp beads, turn prefect wire loops, attach findings and more. In “Find Your Inspiration”, Fox shows how easy it is to find inspiration all around us and includes an unusual use of embossing powder and family photos in a bracelet called Family Style. “Mixing It Up” combines an array of sizes, color and texture in a collection of bracelets and necklaces. Would be jewelers are encouraged to explore asymmetrical design possibilities in “Play With Symmetry” which includes a lovely bracelet brimming with brass charms accented by pressed glass flower beads. Findings are put to good use in “Experimenting With Size” as demonstrated by the Glittery Ears earring design which shows how bigger can be stunning. The “Easy Does It” chapter includes five projects that can be completed in less then an hour, like the A Toggle to Ogle where a designer closure becomes the focal point of a simple chain necklace. Written with the beginner in mind, the thirty jewelry designs with a full, cookbook style ingredients list show how easy it is to add personal touches to create pieces that reflect individuality while assuring success with their first effort.