Friday, November 16, 2012

Book Review and GIVEAWAY: Leather Jewelry

Leather Jewelry: 30 Contemporary Projects by Nathalie Mornu

This book has been in my collection for a couple of years now. It's one of my favorites in my jewelry-making library and it deserves a little review love here on the blog. With the recent popularity of leather in jewelry, this book hits the mark for creating stylish accessories that are oh-so relevant with what is happening right now in the jewelry and fashion industries. Leather jewelry is hot, hot, hot and still on the rise with no signs of stopping anytime soon!

If you want to add leather to your jewelry and you're looking for inspiring ideas on how to do it, this book is for you. I really didn't know much about leather before grabbing a copy of this book. Now, I feel informed and confident I could handle any leather jewelry project I set my sights on with this book by my side. Author Nathalie Mornu presents a great introduction to the medium. Her book is loaded with useful information I have found enlightening on the subject. You'll learn all about the different types of leather, which ones work well for the kind of jewelry you want to make and tips on where to track down leather scraps for jewelry-making. The book also contains detailed sections on all the right leather-working tools to use and techniques that you can start applying to your creations immediately. 

The jewelry projects in the book are chic and sophisticated, stylish and fashion-forward. Some of my favorite designs are also the simplest ones. For me, jewelry that is on-trend and easy to execute are top priorities. You can even start adding leather to your pieces right away with the jewelry-making skills you already have and a little inspiration from this book.

Take a look at a few of the projects inside Leather Jewelry:

"Gossip" by Nathalie Mornu 
Photo courtesy of Lark Books

"Regina" by Nathalie Mornu
Photo courtesy of Lark Books  

"Knots" by Nathalie Mornu
Photo courtesy of Lark Books 

See what I mean? How cute is this jewelry? And so easy to make. Couldn't you see changing up these projects just a little and adding in some art beads??? I certainly could. Leather is a great material to pair with your favorite art beads to add texture and interest to your jewelry designs. In fact, I did just that recently with my own version of Nathalie's "Knots" earrings pictured above. 

Here are my earrings inspired by Nathalie's:
Blue Titanium earrings by Erin Siegel
 Suede knot earrings inspired by "Knots" in Leather Jewelry by Nathalie Mornu.
Featuring handmade blue ceramic beads by Lisa Boucher.

If you want to learn how to add leather to your jewelry designs, grab a copy of this book. I highly recommend it! Buy it online at Barns & Noble (on sale now) or Amazon.

Okay, it's giveaway time.  
In the spirit of the season and the Thanksgiving holiday, I have an author SIGNED copy of Leather Jewelry to giveaway. While I was at Bead Fest this year, I had the pleasure of meeting author Nathalie Mornu. It is pretty exciting and an honor to meet someone who's work you admire. I loved meeting her. She's a pretty awesome person and she was awesome enough to personally send me a signed copy of her book to help me say "thank you" to you. Nathalie, I love your book and I know our ABS readers will, too.  Let's show my friend Nathalie some love for her generosity and leave a comment on this post. Leave your comment by Friday, November 23rd 2012 to be entered to win the signed copy of Leather Jewelry. Please leave me a way to contact you in case you are the lucky recipient.

Good luck and
Happy Thanksgiving! 
I hope your holiday is filled with reading, beading and all things you are thankful for.


Erin Siegel is a jewelry designer, beading instructor and co-author of the jewelry book, Bohemian-Inspired Jewelry: 50 Designs Using Leather, Ribbon and Cords. To find out more, visit her blog: Erin Siegel Jewelry.

54 comments:

Sandy said...

What goes around, comes around! Takes me back to my Hippie Days. At 65, I wouldn't mind trying that again! :o)

Unknown said...

Wow, I just love those knot earrings! You're right, there has been a huge interest in leather lately. I've been percolating some ideas of how to use it with seed beads, and I'd love to win a signed copy! Thanks to you and Nathalie for this generous giveaway.

Kimisjewelryandgifts said...

What a beautiful book. I would love to learn to incorporate this medium into my designs. I would be honored to entered into this giveaway.The designs in the photos are gorgeous. Wow.. What a generous offer from you and the author. Thanks so much. Kimberly www.Kimisjewelryandgifts.blogspot.com or email Kimisdesigns@yahoo.com

Alice said...

This looks like a great book to have. The projects you shared her are fabulous!

Back when I was in school I loved working with leather in art class. Of course we didn't make jewelry then. I've been wanting to try a new technique and this sounds like one that won't break the bank in terms of new tools and materials. I would love to win!

KayzKreationz said...

I would love to win this. I love leather, but have been having a hard time figuring out how to add it and how to work with it. I love those earrings and that 'Regina' necklace is awesome. I would so love to know how to make that.

Lorelei Eurto said...

Have been wanting this book! Thanks for the giveaway!

The ATELIER Handmade said...

I would love to win this book. This a great review and leather jewelry is in my list of "experiments" to play with!

sandi m said...

I've been hesitant to try leather for many reasons. Great review, Ern. The book and your cute earrings are just the inspiration I need!

Shel said...

I love leather too, Erin. Leather and pearls especially! I've been hand knotting them together for a while now and I love how leather is so trendy right now. Your designs always incorporate the best ways to use various fibers and are so fun and unique! I'm definitely hopping over to Amazon to check out book! Thanks for the recommendation. Cheers ~Shel~

Shaterra Clay said...

I've been doing and selling a lot of leather. Would love to have the book
Sharleen at Shaterra
sharleengay@yahoo.com

Saraccino said...

Leather is such a great material to work with! I already used it for flower pins and I am already tempted to use it in jewelery as well! Thanks to both of you for the chance to win the book! Already the images above are beautiful and inspiring :)

Anonymous said...

I hope being the first comment will make me the lucky winner! I love the look of leather jewelry and would be so happy to win this book! So....pretty please count me in! Thanks for the awesome giveaway!

Angi Mullis dj2isme@aol.com

Etcetorize said...

This looks like a lovely book with loads of great ideas. It would be great to have a signed copy!

pupton said...

Oooooh! Very nice! Her leather jewelry (and yours!) are gorgeous!
pupton58 at gmail dot com

Lucid Moon Studio said...

I would love to win this book! I was the fortunate recipient of some leather scraps from Lori of Waterstone Studio, so I would love to see some jewelry projects that I could use it in. Thanks for the great giveaway!!

TesoriTrovati said...

Totally awesome book! I had not heard of this before. I am going out right now to put it on my wishlist because I can't win it here! Your earrings are perfectly in keeping with your bohemian vibe, Miss Erin, and I am sure that she was just as delighted to meet you as you were to meet her! Enjoy the day. Erin

Joanna-Gloria said...

The projects look amazing!!
Please enter me!!

Joanna-Gloria, yana_ven@yahoo.gr

DespinaV said...

The Gossip necklace is fabulous!
Count me in, please!

DESPINA
deb_oro@yahoo.gr

Kreestahl said...

I have lots of leather scraps I would love to use in jewelry! Fun!

PrzÄ…dka said...

May I to try to win this great book? It looks very interesting and I think leather jewelry is awesome attractive. Greetings:)

Erin S said...

this book looks really fun and original! I'd love to win it!
eastrother1@gmail.com

ahk said...

Looks like a fantastic project for teens/older kids too. Thanks for showing! ahkraus@hotmail.com

JeannieK said...

Great review Erin. I wish all the ABS Contributors and very Happy Thanksgiving. I'm thankful for you all never go a day without reading it.

AntiquityTravelers said...

You know how I LOVE your boho ideas Erin! No doubt this book is filled with amazing inspiration! I did my own version of the leather fringe earrings in your book, and now I just want to do more leather projects!!

Edith said...

I wish I can win this book which seems amazing.
Thanks for this giveaway.

Edith said...

I would be really happy to win this books which seems amazing.
I am also creating leather jewellery since a little while.
Thanks for this giveaway.

ArtZhodgepodge said...

This book will most definitely be put on my want list.. thanks for sharing

Rising Designs said...

Thanks for letting me know.about this book. I love the way leather adds a warm and natural feeling to todays jewelry
Leather lends itself to a multitude of styles. I hope I win this book to add to my library of jewelry books.

Christine said...

The projects you showed and your earrings - fun and inspiring!! Would love to win - thanks for the chance!!

Rising Designs said...

I would love to add this jewelry book to my library. A pair pf purple leather slacks are waiting to be cut up and used in new jewelry designs!

Ashleigh Becker said...

Looks like a great book! I have so many questions about leather. If I don't win this one will have to be added to my list!

Connie said...

wonderful giveaway...i love working with leather!
crinwil2@yahoo.com

Kristen said...

I have always wanted to learn more about using leather and this sounds like a great book! Thanks.
kristenvarian@gmail.com

moonsockrose said...

Finally, a leather jewelry book that doesn't make "biker bracelets".

Can't wait to see it in person.

moonsockrose said...

finally, a leather jewelry book that doesn't have "biker bracelets"

Can't wait to see the book in person.

Mackin-Art said...

I've worked with leather in other contexts but never considered it for jewelry - something to consider!

Becky Pancake said...

Thanx for the chance to win what sounds like an awesome book. I have done a few pieces with leather but I would really like to know more.

Empty nester at last said...

Have been toying with leather. This would be a valuable tool to have. Would love to win it. Thanks for the giveaway!

Anonymous said...

would love to win this book!!!!!!!!!
Thanks
marlene
mlsjewel@yahoo.com

Diana P. said...

Now this is totally a book I'd like to add to my collection! I have so much leather in my studio right now!

Klassy Joolz said...

Love leather...this would be a great book to have....I hope, I hope!

teachergustavson said...

How kind to share a copy of this book! I would love to combine leather and some of the metal clay findings I'm making. Keeping my fingers crossed!

Betty Anne said...

Love leather and would love to win.

Tracee Dock - The Classic Bead said...

I have leather I have been wanting to use, but have been looking for some inspiration! This would be perfect!

What I Did Today said...

I've never made leather jewelry before. This looks to be a fun, fabulous way to dive right in! Thank you!

Anonymous said...

Looks like a wonderful book full of inspiration, would love to open it up and get to work on some new ideas! Thank you for your generosity!

Claire said...

This book looks great. I love the knot earrings. Thanks for sharing.

Cheri said...

I love the look of leather and would love having this book. Thank you for this opportunity.
Cheri

Ann said...

What a great book! I have a pile of leather samples (from interior design companies), I would love to try my hand at these!

Ann
http://mycriticaleye.com

Paula Lee M said...

I love Nathalie Mornu work and I love leather. I would be thrilled to win this book. I will ask for it for Christmas if not!Thanks.

mouski7@yahoo.com

Becky Pancake said...

This sounds like a great book. Thanx for a chance to win it. I have used some leather in my jewelry designs, but I would like to learn more.

baymoondesign said...

Thank you for creating This giveaway. iI would love to win this book. The earrings are awesome. I would love to learn how to make them. Baymoondesign@gmail.com

Sterling Silver Jewellery said...

WOW! I do love that giveaway. Those stuffs are really great and very fashionable wish to have them.

PS Daima said...

wow.i like, great job dear.:)
leather bracelet