Ornamental Jewelry CD Review

More of this Feature • Part 2: Now You Do It    Join the Discussion "I think I have found a very good source for sterling silver wire, and it's local! " JJEWELSCA     Related Resources • Wild Wire Projects • Wire/Metal Suppliers • Wonderful Wire Links    From Other Guides • What Your Jewelry Isn't Telling You...Yet • Diamonds...Our Best Friends?    Elsewhere on the Web • Eni Oken's Ornamental Jewelry

When people see Eni Oken’s jewelry, they are always amazed at the intricate detail and unique style of each piece. Jewelry makers are also amazed, and then they scratch their heads and ask, "How’d she do that?" This is because Eni has accomplished what few jewelry makers have been able to and that is to actually develop her own, unique wire techniques. Now she has put them together in her first tutorial CD entitled Creating Ornamental Jewelry CD.

I have to admit, that as Eni is an old timer on our forums, her work is not new to me. But, I always figured it was just too hard. Each piece has so many beads, and the detail she creates is unbelievable. However, now that I’ve gotten a chance to review her CD, I’m a believe. I really believe that I too could make jewelry like Eni’s. I feel this way because she included so many well written, illustrated instructions, and she doesn’t assume the user knows everything already.

First, the CD is divided into an Overview, Tools, Materials, and Techniques. Then she has three sections for Projects. Finally, she provides an inspirational Gallery.

Overview: In this introduction to the CD, Eni explains her wire techniques and how they stem from embroidery and needlelace stitches.

Tools: All tools needed for the projects and techniques are described and illustrated.

Materials: The materials used for this technique are described from the gauge of wire to the type and size of beads she uses. She also makes suggestions for less expensive materials you can use in order to practice techniques before starting on a major jewelry project.

Techniques: Each method used for developing the structure of the pieces and attaching the beads is described and shown in detail. She also gives tips for avoiding possible mistakes.

Next page > Powerful Projects > Page 1, 2.