Book Review - How to make Hammered Wire Jewellery by Linda Jones

We test drive expert wireworker, Linda Jones' latest book.

I own many of Linda's books on wirework and I knew that if these were anything to go by, her new book was going to be full of achievable and wearable designs. I wasn't disappointed. 

Whether you are an experienced wireworker or just starting out in this addictive medium, you will be certain to find some new techniques and ideas amongst the stunning pieces of jewellery in this book. 

And, as is usual for this type of publication, there is a section at the back covering all the basic skills you will need to complete the projects. With nothing more than basic jewellery pliers, a hammer and steel block you too can be creating striking and original pieces with or without beads. 

Divided into four main sections, the projects range from necklaces, links and pendants made using a 'feathering' technique — flattening and spreading wire by stroking with your hammer rather than bashing it, an entire section of shaping wire into freeform 'doodles', another on 'scrunching' wire into frames and focals and finally, a chapter of projects that will inspire you to combine multiple techniques into single pieces.

Classic design using modern techniques

One of my favourite tutorials from the 'Feathers' section is this flower brooch that can also be adapted into a pendant or into a focal on a necklace. One of the great things about this book is that Linda always provides further inspiration for adapting and extending each project. Each idea is beautifully and clearly photographed so you are able to see exactly how to recreate the designs at home.

Learn to wiggle wire into freeform shapes

For a more modern look, why not have a go at a 'Wiggles' necklace from the 'Shapes' chapter which can incorporate your favourite glass or gemstone beads and give you practice in binding wire as well as shaping and hammering.





If you are a regular reader of reviews at The Beading Library, you'll know that we always like to try out a project or two from our books. This time around, I really was spoilt for choice. In the end, I looked at what gauges of wire I had in my  rather chaotic wire drawer and chose a couple of projects to try using 1mm bare copper wire.

'Hoopla Spiral Earrings'

These hoopla spiral earrings are from the 'Get Creative' chapter and were really quick to make. The texturing on the hoops was achieved using a ball pein hammer (the ball end!).

Don't be afraid to combine techniques from more than one project!

I had some gorgeous 8mm Fluorite rounds left over from a previous project so I made a bracelet that combined techniques from a couple of projects in Linda's book — 'Hinged Links' and 'Ring Chain Bracelet'.
I also followed the instructions at the back of the book to make a wire clasp.

I will definitely be trying some of the other designs in this great title and might even see about getting myself one of Linda's Whammer hammers too as it is the perfect tool for flattening wire without marking it. Watch this space!

You can buy 'How to make Hammered Wire Jewellery' from Amazon, priced at £12.08ISBN - 978-1-78221-298-0

We have a copy of this book to give away to one lucky reader! Simply comment on this post and tell us about your adventures in wire! We will pick a winner at random, after midday on Friday 13th May (lucky for some!).

Good luck!