Nicely presented collection of techniques. McKinnon is a proponent of the component method- she makes lots of little pieces and then at some future time puts them together according to what looks good that day. A lot of the components are simple to make if you have a metalworking/beadweaving background. I'm intrigued with her metal clay techniques, and am itching to get my hands on some of that as soon as my ship comes in. A gorgeous collection of interesting bits married to create unique jewelry. ( )

This review is one in a series on craft and jewelry making books.

I very much enjoy jewelry making, especially with unusual materials such as bones, found objects, unusual stones and the like. Because of that, I thought this book would be a perfect fit. Unfortunately it did not live up to my hopes.

Directions for the techniques were at the back of the book instead of the front, which seemed an odd choice unless this book is particularly aimed at more advanced jewelry makers. However the projects are more advanced in beading and much less so for everything else. The beading directions are simple copies of what can be found almost anywhere these days and were not particularly thorough or clear. Several times the author mentions how easy metal clay is to work with, but gives scant directions on its use. In this work, metal clay is mostly used to make clasps and embellishments, and as stated, her directions for working with metal clay leave a bit to be desired.

The projects are interesting but a bit cluttered looking to my eyes, as though every possible combo of beading techniques were shoved together and a metal clay embellishment was added almost as an afterthought.

As far as seed bead works go, the Dragonflower bracelet is fascinating and well designed, but the toggle clasp does not really match the rest of the bracelet. Even so, this one is a real original and is in my opinion the most innovative design in the book.

Puck's bracelet is not impressive, looking rather like a bead store exploded and then was captured on some wire. While it may be challenging to put together, the overall impression is of a random clutter. The Victorian Button necklace may appeal to fans of sewing notions and The French General style of work, but seems clunky and poorly designed save for the central tube and metal clay bead. Now that is interesting, and I personally would rather see a simple chain of short versions of that particular bead than the odd looking piece that is in the book.

As a person who does not do much work with seed beads, the beadwork section of this book just about made me cross eyed. The designs are very intricate, but again the metalwork and clasps seem thrown in as afterthoughts instead of being harmonious design elements. The colors on the Corset Stitch cuff are not to my taste, but the design is elegant enough. The peep cuff is very complicated and distractingly busy looking and to me at least screams of the giant and clunky accessories of the early 90s. The Oroborous bracelet uses a similar pattern to the Dragonflower one and is also innovative and clever. Again though, the toggle clasp does not match and seems carelessly added as an afterthought. In the Riverbed bracelet, the metal clay finally takes center stage, though the rest of the bracelet is of a type I do not personally care for. Still, the design is pretty and well thought out if complicated.

The felt cupcakes are a clever idea, but I personally feel that felted beads always look like my cat threw up in technicolor. Even if these are well done, I really cannot overcome that basic prejudice. As such, I will leave further comments on this necklace to those who like fiber jewelry. The felt leaf necklace is just awful, looking like a pretty chain on one hand and craft day in kindergarten on the other. I am just not impressed.

In the wire section, the pearl cluster is lovely. Good idea, good execution and a great wearable toy for the fidgety types. The directions on this project also are very clear and well laid out. The Ancient Chain with recycled glass is a nice idea, but for me the rosary bead and wire combo distracts from the rest of the necklace and just does not match. Still the idea and pattern is a pretty one to experiment with. The Mechanical Chain is my second favorite project in this book. Lots of motion and an extremely original book make up for some of the other ugly designs, but still does not excuse the awful felt leaf necklace. This is a very complicated design, one of the most advanced here. The finished project would be worth it though. The Kaleidoscope Setting is also very pretty and well designed and a good challenge without making the constructor go completely cross eyed. The Cocktail Pod ring is unbalanced and just rather ugly and gaudy to my eyes, and I can imagine it getting caught all over clothing and purses. Treasure boxes are decent, but the textures on these pendants are a bit overwhelming. Still, these are sellable and reasonably easy to make for a professional crafter.

The final sections are a gallery and some basic techniqes. With the exception of the Tooth Fairy piece, most of these are just not to my taste. The Basic Skills section is not very impressive, and I have seen much more in depth coverage of these techniques in less pages elsewhere.

All in all, this is an all right book for a metal clay artist or seed beader or someone who wants to learn to combine both. On a scale of one to five, with five being the best, the book overall gets a two. From basic beginner level artist at one and master at five, this book is geared to someone at about a level two to three in experience with jewelry. Finally, on a scale of one being something you would not give your worst enemy to five being a fine art gallery or professional goldsmith beauty level of the projects, this gets a solid two. ( )