Pretty Little Things: Collage Jewelry, Trinkets and Keepsakes

I have always loved Sally Jean's website, and in fact have made personal jewelry for my sister, best friend and myself using many pieces which I ordered from her. Imagine my delight when I learned she was coming out with her own book! And what a swirl of glitter, enchantment and charm! It is lovely, through and through. By the way, she likes bunny slippers. That is why I threw that in to my review title! Now, there is one caveat: you have to be prepared to learn to create a proper collage, plus solder and cut glass properly (nothing a quick course in stained glass making couldn't help you out with, however, but you won't need it--this book explains how very clearly) or this book becomes just a good read. It would be worth it, anyway, just not AS worth it. It would become more like a tour of the magic in Sally Jean's head which is pretty great fun. But it is frankly, a SERIOUS craft book, enrobed within her spectacularly beautiful and sweet outlook on the world and delight in family, the past, old things which nobody wants, which "call out" to be rescued, and a lot of pretty things like German glass glitter, old postcards and things we love to be comforted with and enjoy looking at. I wanted to make many of her things right away: her crosses, her little french chair, her incredibly chic bottle bangle(WOW! Love it!!!), and her cool flower power pen. I want to have all these things!!! So therefore I will have to make them! I really liked the way she set up the beginning of this book clearly so you have a grasp of what you need to learn. I really loved the projects. I really like her attitude and the look of the book! A great book! Thanks, Sally Jean!

So I have been trying to figure out how all these wonderful charms are made, and here's the book that shows me how!!! I already own one of Sally Jean's lovely charms, and now she shares how to make my own. That's very generous! The photos are yummy, and remind me of one of my favorite magazines (the defunct Victoria). The writing is fun, and the projects are gorgeous AND do-able. I'd buy it again!!!

This book will make you want to go out and try that soldering iron. The peek into her studio is so inspiring. Sally Jean is very talented and funny. The projects are diverse and just lovely to look at. Try a few and put your own look into it. With this book and her directions you can be making your own pretty little things in no time.

Oh my word! I am ruined! As if it isn't bad enough that half my annual income travels north of the border to Sally Jean's bank account, but now a BOOK? I just received my copy today and I will forever be ruined...another how-to art/collage book could never compare to this GEM! Not only is the book visually lucious, but Sally Jean's wicked wit and sense of humor sparkles just as brightly as the German Glass Glitter and silver solder she so adores. Full of VERY helpful step-by-steps and ingredient lists, even if you don't own a soldering iron, you will be hard pressed NOT to get "arting" after reading this jewel! So much to see, so much to read...my family will just have to fend for themselves for the next few days as I absorb every delicious morsel this book has to offer!!

EVEN if you think you'll never pick up a soldering tool you will still adore this book. THIS is Sally as we have come to know her - a silly girl, a clever talent, a wit, and a wonder. (Visit her site, you'll see what I mean). She begins by taking us on tour in her studio. (Gasp) THEN you get to collage with her, cut glass, and solder. THIS is a generous soul - she holds nothing back as she shows you how to make the beautiful baubles that she made famous. THEN she simply takes your breath away as she illustrates many more dimensional treasures made of glass and solder. THIS is a very very lovely book, written in an endearing manner with so much to see. (I love her dedication, lower right corner page 3).