Kaari MengFrench-Inspired Jewelry: Creating with Vintage Beads, Buttons & Baubles

Although I am generally not a fan of French-inspired design (yes, I am not in vogue on this subject) due to the often excessive decor or items within a room- or jewelry-design with this theme, I was struck by some of the reviews on the book and the possibilities for expanding my own jewelry design horizons. Plus after inheriting, purchasing and receipt of some vintage pieces by friends I thought this may be a book to look to for using these items in my work. So I bought the book. I have to admit, I am still not ready to take up with following the author's design themes, BUT this book is one of the most beautifully composed jewelry design books available. For those so inclined, this is definitely a book to follow Meng's trend towards designing jewelry using vintage pieces combined with some modern findings and producing items that many want today. Each page is a delight for the eye, especially one with an artistic/design oriented bent like my own. The use of a simple muslin fabric for the background for each idea/design/technique/information is beautiful and thus adds to the allure of seeing the design without the detraction of a "busy" or "annoying" or "too simplistic" background. Information abounds in this book and I love the "Design Tip" sections. I do feel that the list of materials for each piece should be listed as "materials used in this piece" or perhaps stated "recommended suggestions" as some items cannot be duplicated due to the "vintage" nature of the item. Substitutions will have to be made and one should always keep in mind to use these designs as idea developers, not to duplicate as artistically that is a no-no in my book. The use of French titles for sections and scattered French words through out add to the quality the author wanted to underscore for putting her work, ideas, and words into a theme quite appealing today.As for me, I reexamined my vintage pieces, realized that some were quite valuable, and came up with design ideas on how to use them within my own pieces relating to jewelry design through this book. No, I will not be designing like this author, but will continue with my use of many geometrics, stone, and add a bit of whimsy with pieces, as seen in this book, as an added touch to some pieces of my jewelry.Therefore, the quality, layout design, ideas that developed through reading this book, and charm of the entire volume, it is easily a 4-star (or rather 4.5 star) book in my opinion. If the recommended materials were more commonly available (maybe in some areas there are, or for those that go to estate and sales plus second-hand stores in search of vintage jewelry), the book would be given a 5-star rating. Finally, I do strongly recommend this book for those that design charms as a major part of their own jewelry lines...this book would be very useful and definitely idea-inspiring for those artists and would be a definite 5-star book for them!

Hot diggity ... It's books like these that will keep me (occasionally) gambling and making risky purchases based on a title and its cover. And what a bargain, even if you were to pay the full US price.I tend not to follow instructions, using books as inspiration and stepping stones to final projects. But if you prefer great detailed how-tos, I think you will be pleased here, without being overwhelmed. The materials lists are exhaustive, and the design tips with each project are quite useful and readable.And the photos - ooohh la la, what a treat. Each project gets at least three different visuals, and if you drool over vintage bits and pieces, you will certainly need a napkin as you peruse this feast.In the into, Meng defines "vintage", but I am still not sure just what makes these tidbits "French", except that the author runs a shop called "French General". But this book is not a hard sell for the shop, or even for things a la France. Instead, think turn-of-the-century vintage, or maybe a bit Victorian, if you want to understand the flavor of this book.And if you like scrapbooking or other forms of memory-making, you will be inspired by the page layouts. Very creative, beautiful, and sublime. I love using buttons in my jewelry gifts, and the subtitle really sold me on this book: "Creating with vintage beads, buttons, & baubles". The word "Celery Sticks" could have been included, and I still would have snapped this one up.Trust me on this one, or trust the other reviewers!! You will be googling and eBaying all over the world to collect items to use in your own creations.Superb. If you liked "Beautiful Button Jewelry" or "Charmed", or even if you never heard of those titles, you will find this a tasty and economical treat.

I really liked the layout of this book. The author divided each chapter by themes, for example: fruits, travels, etc. Also, the author divided the sub-categories by color, ----which made the reading process quite easy and fun.At the very beginning of this book, (ie: the Introduction Chapter) the author starts out by giving some basic instructions on how to hook the charms and trinkets on to the main links of the jewelry pieces. Later, she describes the various findings that she discvovered and used throughout the book. Many of the findings were discovered at Flea Markets,old shops, and yard sales. After the first INTRODUCTION Chapter, the author begins each following "themed" chapters by showing a preview of what the theme of that chapter will entail,& then following that preview with a few projects under each theme.The instructions, are really not meant to be for the beginner, (in my opinion) because the instructions could be perceived as "hard to follow" by a newbie jewelry maker. However, for a more experienced jewelry maker,or one who knows the jewelry lingo,I think that the large and detailed photos could be enough to allow the reader to somehow duplicate the pieces. If anything, the GREAT photos themselves are inspirational enough to get the reader's creative juices flowing.

lovely photographs. I felt I could have made these without the book. It seemed to be a book of the author's projects and seemed to be a showcase. Sorry.

This book is amazing and condition was very good

とっても素敵でうっとりする本です。vintage beadsが好きな方ならたまらないと思います。作品の作り方も載っていますが、シンプルで簡単なので、いろいろな技を知りたい方にはオススメしません。なにがいいかって、使っている素材がいいんです。パネルに作品をコラージュ風にして見せているのですが、どれもセンスがいいですよ。表紙の感じが好きな方だったらぜひ！