Jewelry Architect: Techniques and Projects for Mixed-Media Jewelry

“McKinnon presents an intriguing, highly professional way to create beaded jewelry that doesn’t resemble loving hands at home. ‘I’m a maker of components, an engineer of connections,’ McKinnon says, and throughout the 15 projects and seven structural elements (e.g., clasps, ear wires, ring findings) she discusses, it’s clear that the engineering conceit fuels her work. Curiously, much of the volume’s presentation centers on beading, a craft she learned as a child. Yet her incorporation of best-possible materials, whether a slew of Victorian buttons or already fashioned felt cupcakes, distinguishes each design. Unfortunately, skill level is not always designated clearly, only indicated from time to time in introductory material. Trial and error, though, is a welcomed technique, which McKinnon encourages through her inclusion of project notes, tips, and possible variations. The last chapter summarizes the basics and refers readers to her previous book, Sculptural Metal Clay Jewelry. So, if today is Tuesday, do we opt to fashion and wear a dramatic mechanical chain, the whimsical Puck’s bracelet, or the extraordinarily intricate corset-stitch cuff? Many top-notch choices.” – Barbara Jacobs, Booklist *Starred Review*

“I love Kate’s jewelry making philosophy: let’s make jewelry that lasts a thousand years. Buy the book, and learn to make better jewelry than you have ever made.” – B’Sue Boutiques

“The Jewelry Architect may not appeal to those looking for quick fix, immediately gratification projects. Instead, it is geared more towards the knowledgeable (though not necessarily expert) jewelry maker who is looking for ways to better construct his or her jewelry as well as find methods for combining interesting materials such as fiber, metal clay, and glass beads.” – Tammy Powley, About.com Guide

“Let Kate be one of your teachers. Get the book, read it carefully, and watch the DVD over and over until it is imbedded into your brain. I learned something about myself and my own creative philosophies by reflecting on hers. I wish the same for you.” – Bsueboutiques.typepad.com

“My favorite jewelry-making book of all time.” – Tammy Jones, JewelryMakingDaily.com

“This book is a delectable smorgasbord of color, material, and technique, which not only enticed me to try some of the projects but to dream up new ones on my own. She offers basic skills in beadwork, metal clay, and stringing that you can incorporate into your own work no matter what style you embrace, and she teaches you how to build it so it will last a lifetime. I value books that can give me a foundation in some area that I may build upon later with my own experimentation.” – Pattylakinsmith.blogspot.com

Kate McKinnon is a mixed-media jewelry artist whose work focuses on the engineering of how elements work together, connect, and grow into finished pieces of jewelry. She won the prestigious Rio Grande Saul Bell award in 2003 for her innovative design with the product and has taught and lectured internationally. Kate is the author of Sculptural Metal Clay Jewelry. She lives and works in Tucson, Arizona.