Learn to Make Amazing Resin & Epoxy Clay Jewelry is a new guide to costume jewelry with 26 (by my count) tutorial projects included. Due out 1st Sept 2020 from Fox Chapel, it's 144 pages and available in paperback.
I trained and worked as a metalsmith and jeweler for 16 years. My designs tended to be ultra traditional with an emphasis on costly materials and historical design. 'Exuberance' was not really a watchword in the formal jewelry business in my experience. These designs on the other hand, utilize inexpensive, relatively easily sourced resins and found materials which give major impact in big showy costume pieces.
The biggest value in the book for me was in the author's well described artistic process. She describes quite well the thought processes that she goes through designing a piece. She has a very cool philosophy about using all sorts of 'non-jewely' items in her pieces (like nail polish, insect parts, eye-shadow/makeup, various plastics and resins as well as other bits).
While there weren't any pieces which called out to me to be made right away, I can definitely see using some of these techniques in my future crafting. The book is also very well photographed and the tutorials are written simply and clearly with templates and step by step directions, materials lists, and resources included.
This would be a great selection for a makers group, library crafting group (when we're allowed to assemble again), studio library, classroom or other formal instruction, or home studio. The materials are toxic in enclosed spaces, and the author does a good job of discussing safety/ventilation/chemical handling, etc. This is not an appropriate process for children unsupervised, though older children would enjoy the process in a safe environment (with adult help).
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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