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by Linda and Opie O'Brien
published by North Light Books, 2005
What can you do with an old tin can, some rusty keys and old photographs?
Some of us discovered long ago what joys were to be hand in tinkering with discarded and unusual items. Yet, tinkering is one thing....making viable jewelry that endures, is another.
You may note that this volume was written several years ago. While it's true that a plethora of volumes have been published on altered art and working with found items since then, to me, this is the jumping-off, or starting point for anyone interested in the genre. So many since then have expanded on the ideas, but you have to start somewhere. If you have limited funds to start a library on working with metal the 'outsider' way, THIS IS THE ONE TO BUY, this is where to begin.
The O'Briens have written a very cohesive volume to assist you in exploring ways that you can use things you have found and collected to make jewelry you will be proud to wear, share and sell. They present a very non-traditional, fresh approach to working with solder, cutting and forming tools and some of the newer materials on the market today. I LOVE the tools list--it is extensive and you will note there are great PICTURES of the items you need to have in your workshop, along with organized, CLEAR labels. This discussions are well-detailed and easy to understand.
Gotta love deconstructing tin cans....be sure to read about that! What a pile of fun you can have with an old can. Find old printed tin cans that may have a dent, damage, scratch, rust---so you won't mind cutting them up (as their collectable value would be low)....and follow Linda and Opie's directions to take advantage of the great old vintage graphics.
But I digress....first, you will begin the book by reading an encouraging introduction, and an extensive getting-started section. Although the methods used are novel, you will also get important safety information as well as essential discussion regarding the use of tools. There are ALOT of great full-color presentations to assist you as you begin to try the techniques.
Techniques discussed are: cutting, drilling and punching metal, cold connections, metal etching, patinating (oooh I love that!) and aging metal. You will also read about transfer techniques, the use of resin and UTEE (ultra-thick embossing enamel).
THE BEST PART: The O'Briens have designed a number of projects for you to try, guiding you through every step with great photos. You will also find a gallery of their artwork at the back of the book.
While this book is easily found online or at better bookstores, why not purchase a hand-signed copy from the artists themselves? You can do that at http://www.burntofferings.com
Going forward: Linda and Opie have a new volume to come out soon! I can't wait to get a copy and write about it, in a future review!
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