I just love this book. It has wonderful designs. Two designs in particular - the "around the world" kyanite earrings, and the "fireworks in aqua and mocha" wire and crystals earrings are really unique and inspiring. The "dim sum" earrings are also striking. I would wear pretty much all the earrings in this book. Delightful presentation and yummy photos. If you need some simple earring inspiration - THIS IS THE BOOK. Hope the author publishes another book, with more advanced unique designs.

I bought this book for myself and a friend and we LOVE it. The pictures are beautiful and the directions are clear and understandable. More importantly, the earring desgins are modern and gift-worthy. Well worth the money and a must have for all jewelry makers!

Very well-conceived book. Ideal for beginners who need design ideas. Photo presentation is excellent as well.

Lovely simplicity...Need I say more? Yes, hope this author creates another book or even a DVD!

Lovely simplicity...Need I say more? Yes, hope this author creates another book or even a DVD!

this book is full of color photos and very good instuctions. Since I am a beginer this book provides step by step photos on how to create wire loops and making hoop earrings and much more. For the price you can't beat it.

This book was exactly what I was looking for, it had beautiful designs, easy to understand instructions and quick and easy ways to make beautiful and unusual earrings...I own many jewelry and beading books, but this one is at the top of my list...Do yourself a favor and get yourself a copy of your own, it's well worth it!

This book is so wonderful that I'm coming out of lurk mode to review it.

I came across Shy Siren during a quest for interesting items for a blog I write. After about two minutes I realized my mouth was still agape and I was on the verge of actually drooling. I knew I had found my jewelry design hero. Shortly afterwards, I received this book as a gift! Serendipity!!


This book starts out with a comprehensive (but not overwhelmingly scary!) list of items you will need to begin making the projects listed.

There is a technique section that is straightforward on what tools to use and when, and what technique is best for the look you want. I also love that the illustrations show a *real* hand using a *real* tool so you can copy the hand placement rather than having to guess at what the directions mean.

Once you gone through the basics (great review for seasoned crafters, or fabulous beginning for those just starting out) Sara delves into the projects themselves. Each project includes a list of techniques, tools, and materials as well as a time frame for completing the jewelry.

The designs are just lovely and use a range of materials that you can easily use as is, or change up to suit your needs.

How much better and easier does it get? Now, not only are they wonderful projects in and of themselves but I can easily see veteran crafters using these designs as inspiration.

To round out this book, Sara has added a list of resources, some of which I have heard of, some not.

This is a great book for everyone of every skill level and I know you'll be as pleased with this book as I am.

Thanks again to the wonderful gal who gave me this book as a gift! :D

Ok, whatcha waitin' for? Add it to your cart!

Sharing the love, Starr :D

Usually I know nothing about a jewelry-making book before I buy it, but this time, finding it was serendipitous. I had run across some of Sara Schwittek's designs on a website and I had written to ask her a question. My question was answered in her brand new book, so she recommended it. I could not have been more delighted. This singular book stands head and shoulders above most of my jewelry-making books. It is remarkable in several different categories: 1) beautiful design and lay out - I am married to a graphic designer so I am almost jaded by design. I love the work the photographer & designer did; 2) targeted to audiences of all levels - a beginner can simply buy off-the-shelf findings and make the earrings, or she can learn more advanced wire working skills by using the techniques that are included in the book. These tutorials are top-notch; and finally 3) her designs knock me out. This is probably the most subjective aspect of reviewing a book of this kind, but I have to say that her designs are brilliant - even inspired. It looks like architecture is a great training ground for a jewelry designer! (Sara is an architect by training.) I was inspired by this book to sign up for two beginning wire-working courses. Eventually I hope to be able to make my own findings which Sara demonstrates can be far more interesting than store-bought ones. I hope her publishers get her to do a book on necklaces and bracelets, but I can always adapt her designs to other pieces of jewelry.

I found this book to be very helpful and informative. The instructions were quite descriptive and I appreciated the detailed photographs. The earring designs were just beautiful! I am positive that those just starting out making earrings will love this book. Even those who have a lot of experience should be able to find some designs to make or at least they will give you the inspiration you need to make your own.