"Here, for the first time in book form, the artist-craftsmen of Penland reveal their jewelry-making techniques - along with a set of magnificent projects - which have drawn thousands of students to the celebrated Penland School of Crafts in the mountains of North Carolina. In a fascinating step-by-step text, these master jewelers explain exactly how to make pieces of jewelry they have designed especially for this book. In language clear enough for the beginner to follow, they teach their own basic techniques, as well as some innovative ones that have never before been described in print. They also include lists of supplies needed to execute the projects, sources for obtaining them, and a glossary of standard jewelry-making terms. The instructional texts are enhanced by a series of close-up photographs - nearly 150 in all - which demonstrate with stunning clarity each step in the jewelry-making process. In addition, there are over 40 exquisite full-color photographs, forming a gallery of these artists' outstanding creations. The texts are further highlighted by autobiographical sketches of the artists, in which they reveal how they got their start, how they work, and what they think about jewelry making today." -back cover.

"From Penland, the premier academy for fine crafting, comes a jewel of a volume: a splendidly photographed combination of how-to manual, coffee table book, and reflective essays. On breathtaking display are the skills of 10 contemporary jewelers who have taught at the school, each possessing a special expertise. From John Cogswell's handsome forged metal to Heather White's innovative casting, the material here is inspirational."--Amazon.

"For more than 75 years, the Penland School of Crafts has attracted the most creative crafters from across the globe. This ... focuses on glass and the ten top contemporary flameworkers who have taught at the school, all of whom have areas of expertise that make them leaders in their field. These skilled masters offer a very personal perspective on their influences and work, with revelatory essays that give their views on flameworking and art in general. In photographic how-to sections of about 25-30 captioned images, each one demonstrates a particular technique, usually resulting in a finished piece."--Global Books in Print.

The popular 500 series takes its hippest, most fun approach yet, with an intoxicatingly vibrant and technically diverse collection of contemporary jewelry. Sloan has put together a survey of the best work being done with this thoroughly modern material.

Showcases 10 talented furniture makers who have taught at the Penland School of Crafts. Woodwork descriptions and photographs include the works of: Craig Nutt, Paul M. Sasso, Michael Puryear, Curtis Buchanan, Doug Sigler, Brent Skidmore, Jere Osgood, Jenna Goldberg, John Clark, Kurt Nielsen.

Utilizing stringing and wireworking techniques accessible to beginners, this mixed metal jewelry guide also offers boutique-style designs that will captivate the more experienced beader. With no metalworking required, detailed instructions are provided for 30 unique projects incorporating various metals such as silver, gold, copper, brass, PMC, and more. Techniques for distressing metal--such as using liver of sulfur, other patinas, and hammering--are included, as well as ideas for mixing metals and using faux metals. Background information is given on each type of metal, from common properties to shopping tips, care, and cleaning.

Learn the key techniques, tips, and tricks for pit, barrel, raku, and wood firing. Fall in love with flames, wood, and the effect that unique firing methods have on pottery. Move beyond the electric kiln and explore the dramatic surfaces of raku, the flashes of salt firing, and the rustic look of ash rivulets. In this book, Lindsay Oesterritter provides a crash course in the most accessible methods of alternative firing. Raku firing requires minimal equipment and can easily be fueled with a standard propane tank. Likewise, pit and barrel firing do not require much in the way of initial investment. Yet all these techniques provide an immediate glimpse into the magic of firing. Bright reds and blues, dramatic black and white crackle, even metallic luster are instantly possible. For more experienced potters and studios looking to offer more, Oesterritter also explores wood-fired kilns. Drawing on years of experience and extensive interviews with fellow wood-fire potters, there is no comparable resource on the market. Features on top potters working today get to the heart of specialty techniques and asides show firing variations and traditional kilns in different cultures around the world. A gallery of showstopping work from a diverse group of artists round out the package and inspire you to get started.