A Good Start: Metalsmith Society’s Guide to Jewelry Making
Because I have been sewing for so long, and because I don’t teach sewing, but history, it is hard for me to gauge the best sewing books for beginners. But I am a beginner at metalsmithing and taken a few classes recently, and I can recommend this book with enthusiasm.
Corkie Bolton organizes this book with the basics about tools and materials, then goes over the fundamentals of working with metal from soldering all the way to stonesetting. She writes clearly and conversationally. She points out where you need to be careful and how to solve problems if something goes wrong. “Tips from Our Community” show up regularly on the pages, allowing you to learn from other members of the Metalsmith’s Society which Bolton founded precisely in order to share the wisdom of makers. The technical images are also crystal clear as you can see. Then the last section offers projects that a beginner can do, starting with stud earrings, and hoop earrings, working up to the pendant you see here. Each begins with a list of the tools and materials that you will need.
Of course, you should look for classes to help you along the way as many maker spaces have opened up recently. For this book, you can find a soft cover or an e-book here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-metalsmith-societys-guide-to-jewelry-making-corkie-bolton/1141056193?ean=9781645675860
