Paper Jewelry inspired by The Encyclopedia of Contemporary Jewelry Making Techniques: A Comprehensive Guide for Jewelers and Metalsmiths

This is my latest experiment in jewelry making inspired by the positively fabulous book The Encyclopedia of Contemporary Jewelry Making Techniques. I tend to love design that pushes the edge and this book is packed full of not only those types of designs but the "how-tos" to go along with the modern looks.

On this page you can see the cool flourish earrings. The design is actually in sheet metal but I have another idea! They reminded me of one of my Sizzix die cuts (Flourish #8) It is a thin die so it only likes to cut paper. Well I wanted to make a piece of flourish jewelry so I cut a bunch out of black paper.

I stuck two pieces together with a dry adhesive. Then I coated each side with Judikins DG3 Art Gel.

I linked a chain through each of the flourishes and then linked the flourishes together.

I've been wearing it while I writing this post and since the necklaces were two different weights it has shifted to have the focal flourishes on the side. It looks really cool!

I'll let you know how well it wears and how long it lasts. I am curious myself! But I guess that's why they call it an experiment. Hehe.

Love modern jewelry and want to make some yourself? Try this wonderful book from Interweave Press:

The Encyclopedia of Contemporary Jewelry Making Techniques: A Comprehensive Guide for Jewelers and Metalsmiths

by
Vannetta Seecharran

"Find creative direction, inspiration and the countless possibilities for designing contemporary jewelry.

The Encyclopedia of Contemporary Jewelry Making Techniques

is a comprehensive guide for jewelers who want to create sensational, one-of -a-kind jewelry.

• All of the techniques are enhanced with step-by-step instructions and clear photographs
• Essential metalsmithing techniques are covered along with methods for working with a wide range of other materials which can be used on their own or in combination
• Included are techniques and processes for working with plastics, rubber, resin, ceramics, glass, leather, textiles, paper, natural and found objects, mixed media, and precious and non-precious metals
• Along with a helpful guide to the essential tools you will need, you???ll find that each chapter includes a thorough introduction to the properties and possibilities of each material and an examination of the techniques possible with that material

Finally, there is an invaluable resource of surface textures that can be achieved for all of the media featured in the book as well as a practical guide to the different kinds of clasps and closures available."