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The Jewelry Architect: Techniques and Projects for Mixed-Media Jewelry by Kate McKinnon (Interweave $26.95 US) includes a book and DVD packaged together. Both the book and DVD are organized by techniques such as elements (components and findings), stringing, beadwork, and wire and metal (which includes metal clay). The author explains that the premise of the book started because she approaches the construction of jewelry very much like an architect approaches designing a building.


Techniques and Projects

The book contains 15 projects with a large mix of techniques. Since the main focus of the book is to emphasize the importantsnvr of construction and provide tips and methods for making jewelry that will last, the projects (understandably) incorporate many of these ideas provided by McKinnon. For example, with some of the bead weaving bracelet projects, the idea of using removable clasps is one trick she uses because it means less stress on the beadwork. This is also expanded on during some of the string projects as she explains ways to make sure connections such as crimp beads. In fact, the notion of connections is the main relationship you will find between the various type of media used in the book.

Final Thoughts

Kat McKinnon is known for her jewelry designs that often take on a sculptural look, but she also considers how wearable jewelry is as well as the longevity of her jewelry pieces. This is what she tries to convey in the book and DVD, and I think she succeeds at it.

The Jewelry Architect may not appeal to those looking for quick fix, immediately gratification projects. Instead, it is geared more towards the knowledgeable (though not necessarily expert) jewelry maker who is looking for ways to better construct his or her jewelry as well as find methods for combining interesting materials such as fiber, metal clay, and glass beads.

Publisher's Site

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