Secrets of Rusty Things: Transforming Found Objects into Art

It’s also an insightful book for fans of Mr. de Meng’s work, or those who want to understand how artists think and work.

What it is not: A step-by-step guide to working with specific tools and materials to create art from found objects.  (If you want step-by-step directions, I recommend ‘Altered Curiosities‘ by Jane Ann Wynn.)

Instead, Mr. de Meng takes us on a flying carpet journey into his studio and his creative visions.  It’s breathtaking.

For example, the artist explains, “Morpheus is cool.  Of all the Greek gods, he is my favorite and, actually, one of the most obscure.  I love to envision him flying from dream to dream and transforming his physical appearance…”

Regarding his technique, at one point Mr. de Meng says, “As long as it is still in my studio, nothing is sacred.”  A lot of artists will agree with that… and perhaps even more should, to get past their own creative blocks.

Experienced artists will be able to glean a lot of technique tips from the lavish illustrations throughout this book.

However, this book is about Mr. de Meng’s art and his creative process.  It speaks to other artists about the passion behind his work, and guides art collectors to understand the depth of meaning in each of Mr. de Meng’s pieces.

Pros

• Well-designed book, loaded with visual inspiration.
• Reading the book immerses us in a richly creative world.
• Opens new doors to found art explorations.

Cons

• If you’re buying this book for step-by-step technique, you’ll be disappointed.
• Photos focus on process, and provide many insights, but I’d like to see additional angles of the finished work.

Summary

If you’re a fan of  Keith LoBue or Jane Ann Wynn, this book is a fine addition to your library.  It’s like an individual artist’s journal about the creative visions and creative process behind his work.  Though it’s not a how-to book for beginners, this book is like sitting next to Mr. de Meng and being inspired by how he thinks and works, and why he chooses the materials and techniques that he does.

Available at Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk

See larger image Secrets of Rusty Things: Transforming Found Objects into Art (Paperback) By (author) Michael de Meng List Price: $24.99 USD New From: $15.69 In Stock Used from: $13.79 In Stock

A number of different artists contributed projects for this book.

I myself make beads from both wool (wet feltmaking) and polymer clay, so can vouch that these two sections are written by true experts and the projects are worthwhile.

Jorie Johnson is an American feltmaker based in Japan. I highly recommend her book, Feltmaking and Wool Magic.

Irene Semanchuk Dean is highly regarded as a polymer clay artist and author. Her bead projects for this book are all delightful and they are different to the projects that appear in my all-time favorite polymer clay beadmaking book: Making Polymer Clay Beads by Carol Blackburn. [Link]

I thought the paper section was disappointing.

Metal work and glass bead making are highly specialized and require expensive equipment. You probably can’t teach yourself these particular skills from a book, though if you’ve already done classes, this book might be a useful reference.

There is a cursory discussion of findings at the end of the book, but it really isn’t a book about making jewelry. It is about making beads.

Making Beautiful Beads would certainly suit a person who is interested in making beads generally, and wants to explore the possibilities of using these very disparate materials.

Or you might be like me, and buy the book simply for one or two of the materials covered.

Is it good value on this basis? You have to be the judge of that for yourself. I’m guessing that most people would prefer to invest in a book that sticks to bead making in one particular genre.

Read more about this book at
Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk

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Sandra’s a queen of mixed media techniques. This book shows you how to make jewelry components by stamping hot glue, fabric, shrink plastic, polymer clay, glass and paper. Then she shows you how to use wire, beading techniques, found objects and more to create unusual, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces.

I love her button bracelets. These are inlaid with stamped images, but you could use any sort of button and forget about the stamping. In fact you don’t really have to be big into stamping in order to get value from this book.

Sandra is a prolific author with a bunch of books to her credit. Her style is highly decorative.

If you have conservative tastes in jewelry, then don’t get this book. This one is for people with a bit of flamboyant gypsy in their souls!

The step by step photos make it all very clear. You’ll learn basic jewelry assembly skills in addition to some very funky mixed media techniques. You’ll even learn to solder.

Summary

Read more about this book at
Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk

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Every photo excites me. I love this jewelry!

Haab revisits the basics of working with metal clay and then takes it to the next level introducing new colorful media.

The step by step instructions and photos seem clear; she even instructs you how to crochet with embroidery cord and with wire.

There is also instruction on the Keum-boo technique for bonding gold foil to silver metal clay.

Summary

Learn more about this book at
Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk

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Sally Jean uses vintage ephemera in a collage style to create unique pieces of jewellery – from bottle caps, crystal chandeliers, laboratory slides, glass nuggets … and deals very thoroughly with the practical side: how to cut glass safely, the best ways to solder, the best materials to use.

Sally Jean doesn’t just make jewellery though: she is also a very talented collage artist and leads you through a How To Collage project with step-by-step photographs so that you can create your own unique pieces. Wonderful for those inhibited or unsure of this medium.

You might also feel the urge to create a tiara (for a wedding, a party, for fun) and Sally Jean is your woman! She’s also the one to turn to if you want to make your own whimsical lumieres, whether one little house or a whole village. Or what about a full-sized doll’s house (for yourself, a niece or daughter?) and the furniture to go in it?

With full-colour photographs throughout, this book is brimming with ideas, from little trinkets to prettify your home such as a pendant vase, wall pieces and little gifties (3D pendants filled with memorabilia; a fabulous pen with silk flowers attached). Look at the photos of her studio for inspiration (this lady has immaculate taste. I want her studio, I want her stuff, I want her life! – well, her studio anyway.)

After all, why should your everyday life be humdrum or boring: surround yourself with beautiful things, and life itself will feel more beautiful. Come home after a hard day and see how your spirits will soar!

PROS:
Easy to follow with very clear directions
Excellent closeup photographs throughout
Perfect for those with a little experience, dying to sink their teeth into
something more challenging

CONS:
Emphasis is on jewellery and soldered projects
Does assume a certain level of skill/crafting expertise
This book isn’t for complete newbies who have never ever made a single thing before

Art dolls; shrines; jewellery: pendants, pins or brooches; photo frames mirrors; Christmas ornaments; vases – Sally Jean shows how to make all these, and I am sure you’ll be inspired to try these projects too.

Learn more about Pretty Little Things at

Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

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