Cynthia Thornton’s book, Enchanted Adornments has rave reviews. It’s beautifully illustrated and pulls the reader in like a novel with the stories of each piece of jewelry. It’s lovely, it’s magical, it’s beautiful.
It’s also something you might not have noticed – a very practical guide to creating with polymer clay, resin, precious metal clay and mold making.
Last summer, I blogged about my first mold ever. Andrew Thorton (Cynthia’s brother) left a comment on the post about how I should ask Cynthia about mold making since she was a master mold maker. How her book had an entire chapter dedicated to moldmaking.
Andrew knew what we all can miss – inside Enchanted Adornments is a very practical guide with an extensive section on moldmaking and tips on creating good molds. Then there are the tips through out the book, e.g., saving scraps of wire to make button shanks (what a great tip!).
All that practicality is wrapped up in such a lovely book, you can overlook it. Enchanted Adornments is like the pretty girl with brains- you think she’s just pretty but it’s delightful packaging for considerable expertise and knowledge. For example, page 12 is entitled, “Deconstruction.” It’s only one page but is a comprehensive discussion on how you can take an abstract source of inspiration and break it down into components you can use to create a piece of art (jewelry.)
Cynthia Thornton knows her media inside and out. I was impressed with her discussion on how to work polymer clay and I am in love with the Owl Ojime Necklace on page 66. I absolutely love the Window of the Heart Bezel Pendant and take out the book to stare at it regularly. I’ve never seen anyone do shrink plastic as well. Shrink plastic is fun but can look cheap. Cynthia is a maestro and uses shrink plastic in just the right piece with her Petal Cascade Hairpin and earrings project on page 62. Showing off her talents in resin and wire, the delicate Woodland Wings on page 80 will make you run down to the craft store to stock up on resin just so you can create these lovely translucent beauties.
Enchanted Adornments is beautiful, magical AND practical. Cynthia Thornton weaves her considerable knowledge and practical advice into beautifully illustrated enthralling storytelling.
Andrew Thornton
January 21, 2010 at 12:54 pmThank you, Cindy, for writing such a glowing review! I am really proud of the book Cynthia created. It is loaded with tips, tricks, and techniques that even the most technical person can appreciate while entertain even the most scatterbrained of folks. Your metaphor for the book being like the pretty girl at the party with brains made me laugh, but I think it's pretty apt. Everything in the book has a meaning and a symbolism behind it. What seems like an ordinary button example is actually made with a mold Greg carved for his wedding vest buttons. A piece of beach glass holds a story of an afternoon in Oahu beach-combing and "feeding" the tide-pools with Azalea. So, sure… the girl has brains and looks, but she's also got a lot of soul and a whole lot of magic.
Thanks again for writing a review and for getting the word out about the book!
TesoriTrovati
January 21, 2010 at 3:29 pmThat is one of the most eloquent reviews of a book yet!
I would agree…Cynthia is truly a master and her love of her materials and processes shines through in this book. It is so beautiful, like something you would want to leave out for guests to peruse on the coffee table. I love that she mixes all sorts of techniques and makes even me believe that I could actually accomplish making some of my own components. But what is really special to me is the way the book is laid out and the thread of a wonderfully magical story throughout. Reminds me that I need to go and find where I put this book!
Enjoy the day! Erin
Azure Islands Designs
January 21, 2010 at 4:38 pmWhat a glowing review Cindy…it makes me think I should be buying the book!!!
Cheers
Jeannie
January 21, 2010 at 6:55 pmI concur, it is magaical.
Tania - Jet Designs
January 22, 2010 at 2:24 amI own a retail craft book store in Australia and specialising in beading and jewellery making – so will be definitely looking out for this book!
Cindy Gimbrone
January 22, 2010 at 1:24 pmGlad you liked the review, Andrew. I meant every word sincerely. It really is a practical guide and feeds the geek in me.
Thanks for sharing a bit about where the projects came from – it makes the book even more special!
🙂 Cindy
Cindy Gimbrone
January 22, 2010 at 1:27 pmYes! Buy the book – it's definitely worth every penny! And no, I'm not paid by Green Girl – I bought this book myself with my own $$ Money well spent in my opinion 🙂
donna
January 22, 2010 at 3:24 pmI LOVE this book! I have had it at least a month or longer and it is mega inspiring. I have returned to it again and again. I am more selective in this economy and this was "smart" buy as I am getting so much back from my investment.
Love, love, love!
I am now addicted to Ice Resin but I think I can handle it. 😉
Alice
January 23, 2010 at 2:17 pmYes, yes, yes, buy the book! Cindy's review is spot on. I keep this on my coffee table and reach for it often. Each time I open it up I find somthing new and inspiring. It's like taking a jewelry-making class, art class, and a journey through a fairy tale land all in one book.
Jean
January 26, 2010 at 2:11 amDear Cindy: such a gread review! You left nothing out!Really! Very persuasive review encouraging people to purchase a book that is not to be missed.
jean xox!
Cyndi L
January 29, 2010 at 6:35 pmThis book is at the very top of my list of all the books I read last year…and I read a LOT. Great review, Jean xoxo
Cyndi L
January 30, 2010 at 1:49 amI meant great review, Cindy! lol!!
Tammy
January 31, 2010 at 6:01 pmAll the jewelry is wonderful in this book, but I too was especially impressed with the polymer clay work she did in it.
Suzanne
February 1, 2010 at 2:56 pmI purchased it as well and I love it…it is so beautiful and has so much information, I am in awe of her tremendous talent!