Showing a local sparkle

Press, 23 January 1988, Page 25

Showing a local sparkle

Making Jewellery with New Zealand Materials. By Julie Thorpe. Government Print, 1987. 114 pp. Illustrations. $29.95 (paperback). (Reviewed by Deryn Hardie Boys) Here is a do-it-yourself book for what the author calls the “hobby craftsperson.” It is conservative, sometimes repetitive, and frequently states the obvious, but it still covers thoroughly the practical problems of how to get started in jewellery manufacture without a large capital outlay. After introducing the materials for various types of self-made jewellery, the author describes how to mount and assemble these into necklaces, earrings, bracelets, brooches, cufflinks, and hair ornaments. A range of possible materials are considered — papier mache, shell, clay, wood, bone, plastics, lapidary, metal, enamel — with various recipes and projects to encourage first attempts.

The author also considers the possible pitfalls, the financial hazards and shortcuts, and the addresses of suppliers of raw materials. In the sources of materials she is too conservative. Experiments will show surprising results that can be achieved with unlikely pieces — rubber, leather, and car parts — without going near more traditional sources of supply. In fairness, the author recognises that her “hobby craftsperson,” having become familiar with the materials and techniques for working in a particular medium, will need to look further afield for new inspirations. But a failing still remains: there is very little here, in spite of good illustrations, on the difficult question of design. This is the key to successful manufacture of jewellery who must work with the materials at hand. Much of it may depend on a unique personal flair.