My Go to Metalsmithing Books
If you have been following me for a while you know I am a self taught metalsmith. I didn't have any jewelry making classes near me in Italy or when I moved back to the states. I would dive into reading jewelry making books, or watch video tutorials online to help me learn. There was also a lot of trial and error happening at my soldering station.
I put together a list of books and online videos that helped me a lot to learn and also inspired me in many ways. Every jewelry maker should have some really great books for learning or inspiration in their studio. These are some of my favorites.
One book I always recommend to my students who are serious about jump starting their jewelry making journey is The Complete Metalsmith by Tim McCreight.
This book has pretty much everything and I still refer to the book even now when I am not sure about a certain technique. Below are a few more metalsmithing books that have an overall guide to metalsmithing. A little bit of everything and are great for beginners.
- Fundamentals of Metalsmithing, another great book by Tim McCreight
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Guide to Jewelry Making by Corkie Bolton
There are also jewelry making books that have a more focused topics. Here are some of my favorites.
- Foldforming by Charles-Lewton Brain
- Creative Metal Forming by Cynthia Eid and Betty Helen Longhi
- Making Metal Beads by Pauline Warg. This is the book that got my obsession with hollow forms going.
- Wrap Stitch Fold and Rivet by Mary Hettmansperger is a great book on cold connections
- The art of Enameling by Linda Darty
Here are some of my favorite inspirational jewelry books.
Oh Ramona, if you are looking for some amazing inspiration, start with Ramona Solberg. It blows my mind every time I look at her book. My all time favorite.
- Thomas Mann Metal Artist very fun and whimsical
One of my favorite online sources was Soham Harrison on Youtube. I would actually make popcorn and watch for hours when I lived in Italy and I was just starting my jewelry adventure. A few more of my favorites are below.
- Nancy Hamilton is also on Youtube
- Mellissa Muir on Youtube
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Richard Sally is my go to for any kind of clasp, hinge or mechanism
- Lucy Walker
All jewelry makers know that the learning curve is never ending. This is what I love most about jewelry making, there is always something new to learn, or a new tool to discover. I am so grateful for all these books and the online classes that were available to me when I first started. I hope you find them as helpful as I have and still do. Laura
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