Helby Import Company provided this courtesy copy for review, stock number BK1976. Helby sells wholesale to qualified resellers. You can also check with Helby for the nearest retail store carrying their books and supplies. Helby Import Company website http://www.helby.com, email helbyman@aol.com, phone 908-474-1000, fax 908-474-2100, address 1501 South Park Avenue, Linden, NJ 07036.

This book has something for everyone. From the novice crafts person to the experienced one, this book will start you on your way to designing and crafting your own ideas.

Paper, felt, polymer clay and leather, as well as pewter, copper and glass are just some of the mediums you will be introduced to. Step by step instructions are preceeded by a complete list of supplies necessary for the twenty-four projects. Clear, color pictures accompany each step in the crafting process. At the conclusion of each project is a color photo of other jewelry pieces completed using the same process.

More than half of the designs and ideas can be completed with "stuff" you have around the house or studio. A few of the projects need some special equipment or chemicals but nothing very costly if you are embarking on a new avenue of crafting.

My only concern is the lack of emphasis on safety precautions in some of the projects. Protective eye wear is advised as well as a well ventilated work area. It only seemed to be added as an after thought rather than of great importance. I think it gives John Q. Public more credit than it deserves when it comes to safety, especially when dealing with novices to some of the techniques. The section on Practicalities covers some of my concerns but not as much as I would like to see.

Overall it is a wonderful book to add to your jewelry making and design library. The metal projects gave me the courage to move on to new techniques to add to my repertoire. Any book that causes growth in your chosen interests is a winner in my opinion!