If you have wanted to build your own home jewelry making library, here are some ideas to get you started:
1) Book Clubs: One search through any search engine can produce a plethora of book clubs. Normally, you can join by simply selecting a certain number of books for $1 each and paying the shipping, which admittedly isn’t cheap. However when you add up the normal retail cost of the books, you still come out ahead.
2)Forum Queries: Our Jewelry Making Forum is a good place to look for inside information about which books are best for any particular need you may have because so many jewelry makers on the forum also collect jewelry related books. A simple posting asking about a certain title or general recommendation is an excellent way to get some inside information about a book before purchasing it.
3) Bookstores: This may seem like a “duh” idea, but there are so many large books stores available these days that allow customers to sip mocha while browsing through books. It’s hard to beat this as a enjoyable and productive way to get an idea of what a book can bring to you before you buy it.
4) On-Line Reviews: I have a number of book reviews on my site. So you can get a feel for what is in a book before you buy it. I often will try to suggest which books fit which type of jewelry maker as well when I write reviews.
5) Web Bookstores: Many of these, like Amazon.com, offer ways to get a peek at a book before you buy it and readers sometimes provide reviews as well. Another great thing about these stores is that they often have used books available, so you can save money.
6) Jewelry Supply Vendors: Don’t forget too that when you are purchasing your wire and beads, many of the same vendors who sell these also sell books. Just like any supplies you buy for jewelry, you need to shop around to find out who has the best price. However, the shipping cost can save you money if you are already purchasing supplies.
7) Libraries: Libraries can help you out in a few different ways. First, they can provide a way for you to test drive a book before you break down and buy it. Many libraries also sell older editions of books that they may be replacing or that have not been checked out in a long time. Keep an eye out in their used books section. These can sometimes be pretty old and worn, but they can also cost as little as a $1 or less. They also sometimes sell older magazine editions, but you need to find out when these are removed from circulation so you can be ready to buy them up as soon as they hit the sale cart.
There are lots of ways to build up your personal jewelry making library. These are just a few ideas to get you started.
