Wire weaving not only adds texture and interest to wire designs but this cold connection technique is a marvellous way to join wire, beads and other findings together. It is not that difficult but doing it properly and consistently is the key.
I recently received Lisa Barth's
Timeless Wire Weaving: The Complete Course
for review. I didn't have to read the About section to see that the author is not only a wonderful designer but an experienced instructor. There are just 13 projects in this book - many of which are quite involved.
The book is one which progressively takes a beginner weaver from easy projects and up. Although the project chapters are divided into beginner, intermediate and advanced sections, they do not mean general skill levels but experience specifically with the wire weaving technique. Some practical skill with wire is needed.
The basics section was a great resource for learning the different types of weaves and finishing techniques. The author introduces both uphill and downhill weaving because it is integral to some designs. There is also interesting terminology like "turtlenecking". The origin for the flame stitch weave obviously came from the needlepoint world.
The photographs were fine overall but there was one small area where I had difficulty seeing what splicing wires (adding new wire and hiding tails) entailed as the photographs were small and the section somewhat squeezed in. But the written instructions were clear.
The most outstanding feature of Lisa's designs is how well all the wire wire ends are finished off - from the first project, the
Spiral Woven earrings all the way to the last, the
Double Cross Woven bracelet.
The
Woven Frame pendant appears in the beginner section and is a stunning frame for a top drilled focal.
My favorite projects from the book included those which used a cross woven ending technique - simple beautiful for cabochons and in one design, for a gemstone donut.
Her cross pendant is also noteworthy. She also did a bezel pendant (not shown) which was a mix of wire and traditional beadweaving - the latter as an option for the back of the cabochon.
Her bracelet design projects progressed from simple inclusion of little beads as shown on the cover, to harder projects where bigger beads are added.
The final project is a spectacular one which shows off a double ended cross woven bezel cabochon focal for the bracelet!
If you don't live anywhere close to where the author teaches, then learning how to wire weave through her book is the next best thing. An excellent book for this technique and highly recommended. It goes on my list of favorite books.
Disclosure Before You Go: ______________________________
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