Pretty Little Things: Collage Jewelry, Trinkets and Keepsakes

What's great about this book:The projects featured in this book are fresh, varied, and beautifully photographed. Inspiration abounds; the night I got the book I was so inspired by it that my mind felt like it was going to explode with possibilities and I ended up finally getting out of bed at 2:30am to jot down my ideas so I could get some sleep.In the back of the book, Sally shares her favorite resources for some of the more exotic materials she uses to create her pieces - this is valuable information. She also shares tips for creating her "look" which were also helpful. Do a search for her name online and heck out her website before buying the book to see if her aesthetic resonates with you.What you won't find in this book:While the author does give step-by-step instructions for reproducing the pieces featured in her book, this is NOT a how-to book. Her instructions are written with the assumption that the reader is an experienced crafter, specifically in the areas of stained glass and jewelry making and has had some experience with soldering (i.e. knows what flux is and how to use it, among other things). Although when reading the book the instructions seem thorough enough, I found significant gaps when I actually sat down and attempted to follow them.

So much inspiration! So many projects! So many techniques! My very favorite jewelry/soldering projects book ever! You hit it out of the park, Sally Jean! This contines to be my all-time favorite!

First off, I love the looks of the items in this book. Sally Jean uses collage elements of all types and combines them to create some really memorable items. Some are jewelry, most are what could be called gallery art. Small items that combine personal items with art to create memorable pieces.She's a cheerleader for all things creative, and writes in an engaging style. And to set it apart from many of the similar themed books available, she works with cutting glass and grinding it to make pieces that are custom and unusual (including a stellar design featuring the base of a martini glass).So why not five stars? First off, she downplays much of the technique issues involved in making these collages work. Oversimplifying some of the processes of ink, paint, and soldering. The designs are great but not understanding the layering processes can be a problem in trying to create something even remotely similar. Drying times, sealing applications, etc are not addressed in some projects.Also, after jumping into the book with excitement, I realized that almost all the projects are based on the copper-tape and solder combination. I've done that numerous times, and it is a lovely look, but after awhile I was hoping she'd use more variety in technique and explain more clearly how difficult it is to get the solder to work as she shows it (it's very hard to do!).The beauty in the designs is how customizable they are...you can create something with great personal meaning. However, I suspect early attempts will be difficult if you are hoping your result to look like hers.This is a great book for ideas but you may need to either do more research on technique on your own first or learn as you go. I hope this is helpful!

I want any art or craft book to encourage me to think beyond the designs within the book itself. This book succeeds admirably. Just thumbing through the (beautifully presented) photos inspired me to imagine other designs and applications. The author's instructions are good, but a beginner might have difficulty. Purchase a basic text on glass-cutting and soldering, and practice a bit, before you delve into these designs. However, those with some experience should have no problem executing most designs in the book. All in all, this is a beautiful book -- well worth its cost -- and one I will keep on my shelf.

*****This book is just plain fun. One reviewer said that even if you never plan on picking up a soldering iron, you'd enjoy it, and I agree. I am a beginning collage artist, and it made me WANT to pick up a soldering iron and experiment. Unlike many craft books, this is not simply a reference book but a fun read written in an entertaining style. All examples follow the artist's personal style, which is funky-vintage-quirky and thoroughly enjoyable. Some of the parts that I found the most fun were the author's descriptions of how she works, how her studio is set up, and how she structures the process of creating her art so that it is blissfully enjoyable for her.The book covers all kinds of trinkets, jewelry, keepsakes made with copper and silver and found objects and vintage photographs. I found it fascinating to see just how such things are made, even if I never end up making them myself (although you definitely could with the instructions). Each item is definitely pretty, little, and looks like I'd love to make it.If you have the slightest interest in the process of collage jewelry, jewelry making in general, or just collage and assemblage, I'm sure you'll enjoy this book.*****

Good

I really couldn't get enough of the project ideas in here. So many ideas it was crazy. If you don't do the projects exactly, this book will at least supply you with inspiration to come up with something similar.If there was one criticism I had, it was that some of the supplies suggested are not easily found. Also, some of the glass cutting equipment is not always available at your regular craft store.

Sally Jean Alexander didn't just write an instructional book, she brought us into her studio and shared her passion for "Pretty Little Things". This reviewer will purchase books based on photo and illustration contents; this book has just that and then some. Clear and concise photos to enhance her written instructions, who wouldn't want that? Her tiara and wineglass doll are unique project ideas, not to mention the repurposed champagne glass now a hanging bud-vase. Ms Sally Jean also shares a few pages of clip art so that we can work our own magic of "Pretty Little Things".

Love this book, fascinating items inside, lovely pictures

... das sind keine "kleinen Dinger" - das sind wahre Kunstwerke. Ich bin zwar ein Lötanfänger, aber voll fasziniert von diesem Buch. Auch als Anfänger finde ich mich hier super zurecht, und die vielen Bilder haben mir die 1. Schritte beim Löten auch sehr erleichtert. Es sind viele tolle Projekte Schritt für Schritt abgebildet - und daher leicht nachzumachen oder als Inspiration für eigene Ideen heranzuziehen.Ich habe es keine Minute bereut, dieses Buch gekauft zu haben.

Ich liebe dieses Buch.Für jemanden der gern lötet ein unbedingtes Muss.Es werden wunderschöne Lötarbeiten gezeigt, jedes ein Pretty Little Thing.Das Buch ist in Englisch, aber sehr gut bebildert. Man kann alle Projekte nacharbeiten und es gibt immer eine Liste der Dinge, die benötigt werden. Einige Projekte habe ich schon nachgearbeitet und es werden noch einige folgen. Dieses Buch will immer wieder angesehen werden.

Pretty Little Things is a book I first took out of the library and then knew that I must own because it is a continual inspiration. The illustrations and text are excellent in themselves and even better, they are a high-diving springboard into my own creativity.