Twisted: Wire Jewellery Techniques and Projects

 

Twisted is an in-depth comprehensive wire wrapping and jewellery course with tutorials by artist and teacher Nadja Shields. Released 6th May 2025 by Simon & Schuster on their Bloomsbury/Herbert Press imprint, it's 240 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.  It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

Like most tutorial instruction books, there's an intro followed by chapters covering tools/supplies and basic techniques including the different weaving techniques along with some very basic torchwork (basically just materials and some good safety advice and drawing a bead on wire (melting the end to form a ball)). One thing I really appreciate about the author's style is that she's encouraging without being too eager or smothering as well as giving some really valuable tips about her own working methods and the specific tools that work for her.  There's an awful lot of product placement going on in the world of how-to books and I really applaud the author for refusing to be a shill for any specific company.

The intro chapters (~20% of the page content) are followed by tutorial chapters for the (by my count) 15 projects from beginner(ish) to masterwork level.  Interspersed in these chapters are really valuable tips and tricks for working with the materials and saving frustration where possible. The projects run the gamut from earrings to pendants and everything in between including rings bracelets, clasps etc. Spelling and vernacular throughout the book are written in UK/international English, but in context won't provide any difficulties for readers from the USA.

I worked as a bench jeweler in the traditional commercial jewelry trade for over 16 years (until I went back to school to become a bioengineer at a ripe old age; it's never too late to take up another career).  Anyhow, the point is, working as a jeweler I always wanted to flex more of my creative muscles and work more with wire as a structural element.  I never got my chance as a professional working for a paycheck (I was the faceless drone re-sizing your engagement ring, or possibly repairing your necklace when you lost it down the garbage disposal *true stories*).  I have set up a bench in my workshop now and share creative space with my kid, also a budding bench jewelry artist.

I love the fact that many of these projects use forged wire as a basis.  The shaped and flattened wire structure gives the entire piece stability and solidity without losing any of the fluidity and organic-ness (it should be a word) of the woven wire. Additionally, the author's tutorials for elements incorporating stone settings for very small accents and faceted stones including a *channel setting* are amazing and creative, and worth the price of the book alone. 

Each tutorial includes a full color detailed macro shot of the finished piece, an introduction/background, and bullet list of techniques, materials and tools. Materials/wire are given with the standard wire gauge as well as the diameter and length measurements given in metric measures -and- imperial (American) units. The step-by-step instructions are clear and easy to follow.
 

This is a worthwhile book, lavishly illustrated and photographed.  Her passion for her art and her willingness to share the 'good stuff' she's learned is rare. Well worth adding to the jeweler's library. This book will age very well and remain current as the reader's skill progresses.

Five stars, really lovely. Recommended for public, school, home library/workshop, maker's spaces and shared studio spaces.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.