Metalsmithing Made Easy: A Practical Guide to Cold Connections, Simple Soldering, Stone Setting, and More

I haave no metalsmithing skills at all. That is why I purchased this book as metalwork is on my goals list. Kate Ferrant Richbourg does a fine job of explaining how to use this book, find a place of your own, assess what you have now, setting up a small studio of your own, make a safety plan (prevent injury), the correct soldering tools, types of solders, different types of torches, successful soldering, many tools and they're functions, metals (copper, silver, sterling silver, gold-fill & brass) & materials, Stones (aka cabochons), patina's, sealants, and guide to rotary tools (so many), and storage. She suggest starting out making samplers so you'll have many practice sessions before actually making a finished product. That really helps you to practice these techniques first on less expensive metals so you can get the hang of knowing how much pressure to apply to your stamping tools. There's many area's starting out that you don't think about because you don't have the knowledge nor the techniques needed to start. And if you don't practice first, you'll be making a lot of boo-boo's on expensive metals. Do you know how to darken the stamp area's and what to use? Uh, no. Do you know how to file? Uh, no. Do you know how to make holes and jumping rings and chain links? Uh, well, no. And then you have annealing, texturing & stamping techniques.....and there's riveting, drawing a bead, making proper holes & locations, dapping, bezel setting, and drilling holes in stones. Gee Wiz! I don't know about you, but I'm worn out already just reading about it! ... Hang in there everybody, I think the projects are about to begin. Ha! Ugh! There's just SO much reading material to cover before you even can possibly begin. But I'm positive it'll all be worth it in the end. Stamp away, my friends. :-) darken the letter area's, experiment with patina's,

I am a complete beginner and this book went wayyy over my head. A lot of terms I wish they'd explain. A lot of tools and supplies I don't have for the projects (even the starters). Instructions are extremely complicated. I didn't learn much from this. :(

This book is super well organized and clearly written. Great info from tube settings to soldering that would allow a newbie to zero in on exactly what they might need for what they wish to do which will help to make efficient use of time getting just what you need. I love the way the tools are laid out and explained, the photography beautiful and all informative. I will be using this book in my beginner classes for my student's to peruse, etc. Great job, Kate!

This is an outstanding reference book with tons of inspiration and step by step instructions. I can't wait to work through the projects. Kate has included all the information you need to be successful at fabricating jewelry from scratch.

Beautiful projects and it feels like it is accessible to common people, like myself, who aren't artists but would love to experiment in this craft.

I am a wannabe (and will be) metalsmith. Richbourg's tone is friendly and engaging so a beginner can ease into learning this skill without being intimidated. It's also a beautiful book to read through. Great illustrations.

To much repeating of her other books. Ok if you just want one of her books.

Love this kindle book by Kate Richbourg . It has great projects wit step by step written instructions and pictures. This is the second soldering book I have bought that Kate published,

Fab book. really enjoying it. Easy to read and follow instructions. lots of helpful tips on tools and techniques. would recommend.

Excellent experience would definitely recommend And buy again

Great informative read

Fantastic book and the seller

Love the content, lots of it with clear descriptions of techniques, excellent for me as a beginner

I loved this book as it has good easy to follow directions on working with all kinds of metals for jewelry, sculpting, and art projects. It is a great source and should be in every artist's library!

The book also provides lots of information for those who have done some metal smithing but are not necessarily experts. I refer to this book quite often.

My wife was very pleased with this book for bought her as a gift ty

Nice book. Thank you