"500 Plastic Jewelry Designs: A Groundbreaking Survey of A Modern Material" by Susan Kasson Sloan.
NOTE: We have 75,000 books in our library, almost 10,000 different titles. Odds are we have other copies of this same title in varying conditions, some less expensive, some better condition. We might also have different editions as well (some paperback, some hardcover, oftentimes international editions). If you don’t see what you want, please contact us and ask. We’re happy to send you a summary of the differing conditions and prices we may have for the same title.
DESCRIPTION: Softcover. Publisher: Lark Books (2009). Pages: 420. Size: 8 x 8 x 1¼ inches; 2½ pounds. The popular 500 series takes its hippest, most fun approach yet, with an intoxicatingly vibrant and technically diverse collection of contemporary jewelry. Juror Susan Kasson Sloan has put together a groundbreaking survey of the best work being done with this thoroughly modern material. Every page offers some delightful eye candy, with pieces that stretch from the subtle and sublime to the fantastically humorous.
There’s jewelry that tells a story, and jewelry that cleverly incorporates recycled materials—including sunglass lenses and knitting needles. In true 21st century style, much of the work is being designed and produced with cutting-edge CAD CAM technologies. The extremely talented artists include Jantje Fleischhut; Lisa and Scott Cylinder; Adam Paxon; Felieke van der Leest; Ted Noten; Svenja John; Pavel Herynek; Karin Seufert; and Margaux Lange.
CONDITION: NEW. New oversized softcover. Lark Crafts (2009) 420 pages. Unblemished except for very mild edge and corner shelf wear to the covers. Pages are pristine; clean, crisp, unmarked, unmutilated, tightly bound, unambiguously unread. Shelfwear is principally in the form of mild "crinkling" to the spine head and heel, and faint crinkles to the open edges of the covers as well as the cover "tips" (the four open corners of the covers, top and bottom, front and back). Condition is entirely consistent with new stock from a bookstore environment wherein new books might show minor signs of shelfwear, consequence of routine handling and simply being shelved and re-shelved. Satisfaction unconditionally guaranteed. In stock, ready to ship. No disappointments, no excuses. PROMPT SHIPPING! HEAVILY PADDED, DAMAGE-FREE PACKAGING! #8759c.
PLEASE SEE DESCRIPTIONS AND IMAGES BELOW FOR DETAILED REVIEWS AND FOR PAGES OF PICTURES FROM INSIDE OF BOOK.
PLEASE SEE PUBLISHER, PROFESSIONAL, AND READER REVIEWS BELOW.
PUBLISHER REVIEWS:
REVIEW: Incredible contemporary jewelry from an unexpected material. “500 Plastic Jewelry Designs” is the first book to showcase the outstanding work being done today. International designers are creating jewelry that is both stylish and wildly inventive. Filled with lavish full-color photographs, this collection will captivate, surprise, and inspire.
REVIEW: Lovingly crafted by renowned jewelers from around the world, this title includes one-of-a-kind pieces that display technical excellence, diverse forming techniques, and unceasing beauty.
REVIEW: The popular 500 series takes its hippest, most fun approach yet, with an intoxicatingly vibrant and technically diverse collection of contemporary jewelry. Sloan has put together a survey of the best work being done with this thoroughly modern material.
REVIEW: Contemporary jewelry is celebrated in this spectacular, inspiring, dramatic, and joyful collection of art pieces from designers around the world.
REVIEW: Juror Susan Kasson Sloan is a self-taught jeweler with a background in fine arts. She began working with epoxy resin in the 1980s, first employing its possibilities as a vehicle for color. Currently a studio artist and educator, she teaches at the 92nd Street Y in New York City and the Art School in Demarest, New Jersey. Susan has also taught at the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Maine, The Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina, Pratt Institute in New York, and many other institutions. Her work is exhibited at the Renwick Gallery, Washington, DC; Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, New York; the Victoria & Albert Museum, London; the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art, New York; and the Gregg Museum of Art & Design, North Carolina.
REVIEW: Juror Susan Kasson Sloan is a self-taught jeweler with a background in fine arts. Her work is exhibited at the Renwick Gallery, Washington, DC; the Victoria & Albert Museum, London and many more.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Introduction by Susan Kasson Sloan.
The Jewelry.
About the Juror.
Acknowledgments.
Contributing Artists.
PROFESSIONAL REVIEWS:
REVIEW: Throughout history, people have taken creative license in finding and using raw materials in his or her environment. Early civilizations have used seashells for barter and adornment and relied on pigments from plants and insects to color textiles and paint on walls. In the twentieth century, plastics have been added to the list of available surrounding resources. We can find artists like Damian Hirst, who uses formaldehyde in his work, and Fred Tomaselli who embeds pharmaceuticals in resin on his canvases.
One of the first plastics to become fashionable within jewelry makers was Bakelite. Invented in 1907, it was the first totally synthetic plastic. During WWII, there was a major spike in plastic research happening in the United States and Europe. During this time, synthetics were developed to replace materials that were becoming scare, like metals. Over the decades, numerous types of plastics have been developed -including acrylic, vinyl, and epoxy, and the material’s reputation as a viable jewelry-making component has grown.
Chemist and artist at heart Harry Hollander was an early champion of plastics as a creative media. From the 1950s to 1970s, he worked as an industrial research and development chemist. He later spent time at the Penland School of Crafts and the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, where Hollander was encouraged to pursue his interest in art using his knowledge of resins and plastics. With his background in chemistry, Hollander was able to develop the necessary formulas which made resin feasible to use by artists.
From that Harry Hollander wrote the book "Plastics for Artists and Craftsmen and Plastics for Jewelry". The book "500 Plastic Jewelry Designs" illustrates a collection of jewelry illustrating some of the best examples by artists who use plastics as a fundamental element in their pieces. Some even make cleaver use of everyday plastic objects. When I looked through the book, I found that some of the jewelry was meant for everyday wear or making a specific statement. Others told narratives or just gave straight-forward aesthetic pleasure. The book shows a lot of awesome forms you can create out of plastics. [WordPress.Com].
REVIEW: This is the latest book in Lark's revisited 500 Series - renamed the Showcase 500 and soft bound (which I believe will stand the test of time much better than the hard bound covers). I know I sound like a broken record but I truly believe that the 500 Series and the new Showcase 500 will be the most valuable tool in the Appraisers' bookshelf - these tomes hold the work of hundreds of Art Jewelers whose names the future may not recall - but whose work and passion are evident in these pages.
This volume is an excellent example of the vast array of styles and techniques that make up the "Art Jewelry" movement. The publisher of course will claim that this collection is representative of the contemporary jewelry scene but take it from someone that is literally buried in both the fine jewelry and art jewelry worlds - this really is representative of today's Art Jewelers! I would order my copy today!!!
REVIEW: You all probably know how I feel about these Showcase series books by Lark Books by now...I drool over them for days. They sit endlessly on my coffee table, at least until the next one comes along.
REVIEW: "500 Plastic Jewelry Designs” is a collection of art jewelry that works as a kind of book slash gallery exhibit. This book is meant to inspire versus inform. It is packed full of color photographs of finished pieces that are hand-crafted to an artistic level. Put simply, this is artwork first. [Tammy Powley, About.com Jewelry Making].
REVIEW: The book is really stunning. The compact size packs quite a punch of art. This book is laid out very much like a gallery exhibit: each spread reminds me of a wall space where similar works of art are hung together, and sometimes the connections are surprising. The materials, colors, patterns and styles are fantastic and completely inspiring. A book like this helps me envision what is possible. [Erin Prais-Hintz, Professional Jewelry Designer].
REVIEW: These tomes hold the work of hundreds of art jewelers whose names the future may not recall, but whose work and passion are evident in these pages. This volume is an excellent example of the vast array of styles and techniques that make up the Art Jewelry movement. [Robyn Hawk, Metalsmith].
REVIEW: A wonderland of possibilities...page after page of inspiration. [American Craft Magazine].
REVIEW: These photo gallery books are part of a continuing series on contemporary crafts. All feature artistic, sometimes humorous, and generally nonfunctional examples of brooches and other jewelry forms by many international artists. Captions include the artist's name, title, dimensions, medium, and photographer's credit. As compilations of the best work being done today, these visual delights are an inspiration for crafters; they do not include projects, nor do the previous series volumes. Recommended for specialized decorative arts collections. [Library Journal]].
REVIEW: As a jewelry designer, I am always looking for inspiration and this book comes through with flying (plastic) color! Although many would use this book to adorn their coffee tables, mine has a place close to my bench for easy reference and a quick boost of visual energy.
REVIEW: One of the latest editions to the stunning 500 series from Lark Books, the book is truly, as the subtitle claims, “A Groundbreaking Survey of a Modern Material.” The selected works prove that plastic can be an exciting, versatile, and avant-garde material for creating accessories every bit as exquisite as traditional pieces made from precious gems and metals. 500 Plastic Jewelry Designs is also an excellent source of inspiration for makers and designers, especially those interested in the capabilities of rapid manufacture. [Ponoko.Com].
REVIEW: The popular 500 series takes its hippest, most fun approach yet, with an intoxicatingly vibrant and technically diverse collection of contemporary jewelry. Juror Susan Kasson Sloan has put together a groundbreaking survey of the best work being done with this thoroughly modern material. Every page offers some delightful eye candy, with pieces that stretch from the subtle and sublime to the fantastically humorous.
There’s jewelry that tells a story, and jewelry that cleverly incorporates recycled materials—including sunglass lenses and knitting needles. The extremely talented artists include Jantje Fleischhut; Lisa and Scott Cylinder; Adam Paxon; Felieke van der Leest; Ted Noten; Svenja John; Pavel Herynek; Karin Seufert; and Margaux Lange. These books are great for shapes, design ideas, color combinations, etc! [WholeLottaWhimsy.Com].
REVIEW: There are pieces meant for everyday adornment, and pieces meant to make a statement. There is jewelry produced by using high technology Computer Aided Design or CAD and Rapid Prototyping - 3-dimensional printing in ABS Plastic. There is jewelry made of plastic Lego toy parts and jewelry made of found objects in varied combinations. A fabulos publication with remarkable photography of inspired designs. [Facerejewelryart.com].
READER REVIEWS:
REVIEW: Beautiful and inspiring. I love the "500" series of books and have several of them. They never disappoint. This one is no exception. This is essentially a picture book featuring the work of many different artists. There are no instructions provided, but the materials used in each project are identified. The designs in this book are beautiful and inspiring! With the cost of silver going up so high lately, I've been looking at making jewelry out of other, less expensive, material. This book is a great inspiration for that. It's amazing to see what other artists have made out of plastics and other materials. Just fabulous!
REVIEW: This is another gorgeous '500' title from Lark Books. More eye candy and inspiration for all kinds of creative people.
REVIEW: I bought this book because I thought it would be good for dipping into for inspiration to get going! It is. There are stacks of brilliant pictures. Quite often I have a pretty good idea of how things are made, but not always. Some are wow, some are delicate, original, witty, incredible - all depending on the eyes that view them- All in all, a good buy; although I freely admit that some pieces make me feel totally inadequate - but there you are - something to strive for. Inspiration or coffee table? Good for both. In any case a good buy.
REVIEW: Some are beautiful....some are thoughtful. But all are creative and inspiring! As in the other 500 series, the photography is flawless. When my creative muse is on vacation, I only have to pick up this book to just about any page and find some little twist of wire, or unusual use of material and it sparks a wave of ideas to take into the studio.
REVIEW: This is a wonderful showcase, a collection that moves from subtle enough for everyday to avant garde, show stoppers fit for red carpets and fashion week runways! When I first received my copy I couldn't put it down or leave home without it for weeks! It still seems that every time I open it up I find something new that I hadn't seen before!
REVIEW: Being a jewelry student I find books like this useful tools used to broaden my horizons on the designing and making of jewelry. There are many excellent designer examples in this book, great photographs too. There are a few brief pieces of writing by some of the artists that appear in the book which are interesting but very short. Although there is a description of materials used under each piece, there are no technical notes. I understand that it is not a technical handbook and that some artists may not want to give away technical secrets. I still rate this book highly and recommend it to anyone who is interested in art and design. I find it a useful reference point where i can find designs and makers that interest me and see how materials can achieve unexpected effects. From this reference point one can then go on to research each designer and the materials used if desired.
REVIEW: A great snapshot of the creative jewelry of the early 2000. Looking through this book, one cannot help marvel at the creativity of the human mind. How can there be such a diversity and invention in an object as small as a brooch? This book is a great snapshot of where contemporary jewelry is at in the early 2000. The pictures are beautiful, there is just enough text to understand what you are seeing and know about the creator, and the way the pieces are presented is excellent. For the jewelry designer this is a fantastic resource book, and for anyone else, it is a great introduction to an art form not always known or appreciated and to the discovery that jewelry can be far more a craft.
REVIEW: This book is kind of part of a series ("500") by Lark. These books have served me and many people I know as a source of Inspiration. They show one of a kind, hand made pieces by artists from all over the world. Some of the pieces also have descriptions from the artist about what inspired the piece or the ideas behind it. In a classroom, students could look at these books for ideas and see where other artists take their ideas from.
REVIEW: The photography, the curating/jurying, the layouts, all are beautiful. All materials are identified for each piece. There are some gorgeous works of art in this book. A keeper for the art library. Highly recommend. There are lots of pictures from this book that are becoming very popular on Pinterest.
REVIEW: I examined this book with a critical eye because I am a bench jeweler. I usually work with metals however, sometimes I use recycled objects in my designs. Turning the pages in this book was a real pleasure. The designs that the makers produced were thought provoking and inspiring! Great "eye candy" in this book and should definitely be on your shelf!!!!!!
REVIEW: When you want to make jewelry from different materials than you have to buy this book. Nice ideas you get when you see the jewelry from this book. I have already started to make my own jewelry with plastic.
REVIEW: I have used this book a lot from the library at the university I attend and I just had to purchase my own copy as it is a very inspiring book documenting some amazing pieces by a wide range of artists/jewelers. A 'must have' to keep you inspired with ideas and materials.
REVIEW: Awesome book! Anyone familiar with the 500 series will love this! Great resource and 'coffee table' book!
REVIEW: Fantastic book (as the other books of this "500 series" I own too), showing FANTASTIC, imaginative, funny, creative jewelry! So great that I bought a second copy to give to a friend who is jeweler and works exclusively with recycled plastics!
REVIEW: The pieces shown here are very unusual, using a variety of materials, not usually incorporated into classic designs. The pictures are both wonderful and playful. If you have a curiosity about the way designers think and their designing methods, pick up a copy of this book!
REVIEW: This is one of the “500” series that I consider a 'dream' book. Shares lots of ideas and 'let's try this one'. The entire series are very worthwhile, some more than others. It's nice to see how many talented people there are.
REVIEW: Drool... More inspiration than one person can probably implement. There is plenty for the money.
REVIEW: Beautiful pictures, amazing designs. The book is a great reference for jewelry artists wanting to get inspiration for their work. Great book!
REVIEW: My husband has several of the 500 series books. He is a jeweler and teaches jewelry classes; he uses books to let his advance-level students find projects that they would like to attempt. Wonderful!
REVIEW: Wonderful inventive artists are creating more than jewelry. Many if not most are really art pieces. Photography excellent. Left me wanting more than 500.
REVIEW: This a series of books each featuring 500-1000 pieces in each book. I think I own most by now and they are ALWAYS out at this time of year as holiday gifts are made. This is a beauty as well.
REVIEW: This entire series (500 Necklaces, earrings, etc.) is amazing in the breadth of materials used and design styles displayed. If you can't find inspiration here, you're doomed.
REVIEW: I bought this as a gift for my jewelry making mother, as inspiration. She was very happy with it. Although she mostly works with beads, she liked seeing more complex techniques.
REVIEW: The 500 series of books inspire even the very beginner jewelry maker. They pique your interest to learn advanced techniques to some day be able to make something as beautiful as anything in these books. Wonderful inspiration and excellent photography on beautiful quality paper.
REVIEW: Lark has a series of books presenting well photographed, contemporary fine crafts. This book is a good survey of what is being created in brooches. If you are teaching in art history or fine crafts areas, this is an important resource for students, collectors, museums, and libraries.
REVIEW: I love the Lark Series books, I have all the jewelry ones, they are a non stop source of inspiration and great value for money. You simply can't go wrong if you buy these books.
REVIEW: Worth getting, good value for money. A varied, contemporary compendium of high quality images, of high quality work.
REVIEW: Excellent source of inspiration! Amazing examples. You will start creating your own.
REVIEW: I have many of the 500 series books and always find them beautiful, informative, inspirational and a nice addition to my library.
REVIEW: Inspirational pictures of some of the most beautiful pieces. Could be a coffee table book but I keep it handy to inspire me.
REVIEW: This entire 500 series is wonderful. I own over one-half dozen in the series and use them to inspire me.
REVIEW: I enjoy using it as reference. Try to collect all the 500 series that relate to jewelry ideas as well as unique ideas.
REVIEW: This book contains a collection of various works which are quite amazing. A great deal of creativity to enjoy page after page!
REVIEW: If you are interested in jewelry design or plastic art, I guarantee you will enjoy. A great book. Everyone should have a series of books dealing with design.
REVIEW: Wonderful, inspiring book, especially if you are addicted to art and have been collecting Lark's "500 series".
REVIEW: Book contains photos, most of which are appropriate ideas for my projects, the balance being pure inspiration (but beyond my abilities).
REVIEW: I buy all of these kinds of books. This one is full of inspiration and awe. I'm thrilled to have it in my collection.
REVIEW: This is a great book. I revisit this book often for inspiration and ideas. A good book to add to your individual home art library.
REVIEW: Love this book. Amazing what people think up and then make in all sorts of materials and with an astonishing array of techniques. Small pieces of art and craft. Inspirational.
REVIEW: This is an excellent series of books, not just for jewelry buffs. Photos are excellent and clear and I will be referring to this again and again for inspiration.
REVIEW: Lots of clear wonderful colorful pictures...some are more like art. A must have for people who are seeking inspiration.
REVIEW: One of my favorites in the Lark Books 500 series, a very nice showing of contemporary jewelry artistry
REVIEW: Fertile ground for the eye and the imagination.
REVIEW: Five stars! Beautiful and informative!
REVIEW: Five stars! I love all the books in this series. This one is no exception.
REVIEW: Fascinating pictures and wonderful inspirations.
REVIEW: Wonderful! The pictures are great and very clear. Nice introduction to the pictures.
REVIEW: Lovely book with lots of images. Good for ideas.
REVIEW: I saw this book while traveling, ordering a copy as soon as I returned home and it is great for inspiration and fascinating takes on neck adornment.
REVIEW: Great art is to be found in the series.
REVIEW: I like this book. Pictures' quality is good and I can find information I need.
REVIEW: A book for times when you need inspiration. You can return it repeatedly to find new ideas.
REVIEW: Like most of the Lark books in this series, this is wonderful creative eye-candy.
REVIEW: What a great and inspiring book! Visual creative candy all the way! Five Stars!
REVIEW: Five stars! Lots of ideas in this book.
REVIEW: Very useful. Excellent!
REVIEW: Five stars! Absolutely inspiring!
REVIEW: Lark Books have a winning formula with this series.
REVIEW: Five stars! Another good book from this series
I always ship books Media Mail in a padded mailer. This book is shipped FOR FREE via USPS INSURED media mail (“book rate”). All domestic shipments and most international shipments will include free USPS Delivery Confirmation (you might be able to update the status of your shipment on-line at the USPS Web Site) and free insurance coverage. A small percentage of international shipments may require an additional fee for tracking and/or delivery confirmation. If you are concerned about a little wear and tear to the book in transit, I would suggest a boxed shipment - it is an extra $1.00. Whether via padded mailer or box, we will give discounts for multiple purchases. International orders are welcome, but shipping costs are substantially higher.
Most international orders cost an additional $12.99 to $33.99 for an insuredshipment in a heavily padded mailer, and typically includes some form of rudimentary tracking and/or delivery confirmation (though for some countries, this is only available at additional cost). There is also a discount program which can cut postage costs by 50% to 75% if you’re buying about half-a-dozen books or more (5 kilos+). Rates and available services vary a bit from country to country. You can email or message me for a shipping cost quote, but I assure you they are as reasonable as USPS rates allow, and if it turns out the rate is too high for your pocketbook, we will cancel the sale at your request. ADDITIONAL PURCHASES do receive a VERY LARGE discount, typically about $5 per book (for each additional book after the first) so as to reward you for the economies of combined shipping/insurance costs. Your purchase will ordinarily be shipped within 48 hours of payment. We package as well as anyone in the business, with lots of protective padding and containers.
All of our shipments are sent via insured mail so as to comply with PayPal requirements. We do NOT recommend uninsured shipments, and expressly disclaim any responsibility for the loss of an uninsured shipment. Unfortunately the contents of parcels are easily “lost” or misdelivered by postal employees – even in the USA. That’s why all of our domestic shipments (and most international) shipments include a USPS delivery confirmation tag; or are trackable or traceable, and all shipments (international and domestic) are insured. We do offer U.S. Postal Service Priority Mail, Registered Mail, and Express Mail for both international and domestic shipments, as well United Parcel Service (UPS) and Federal Express (Fed-Ex). Please ask for a rate quotation. We will accept whatever payment method you are most comfortable with. If upon receipt of the item you are disappointed for any reason whatever, I offer a no questions asked return policy. Send it back, I will give you a complete refund of the purchase price (less our original shipping costs).
Most of the items I offer come from the collection of a family friend who was active in the field of Archaeology for over forty years. However many of the items also come from purchases I make in Eastern Europe, India, and from the Levant (Eastern Mediterranean/Near East) from various institutions and dealers. Though I have always had an interest in archaeology, my own academic background was in sociology and cultural anthropology. After my retirement however, I found myself drawn to archaeology as well. Aside from my own personal collection, I have made extensive and frequent additions of my own via purchases on Ebay (of course), as well as many purchases from both dealers and institutions throughout the world - but especially in the Near East and in Eastern Europe. I spend over half of my year out of the United States, and have spent much of my life either in India or Eastern Europe. In fact much of what we generate on Yahoo, Amazon and Ebay goes to support The Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, as well as some other worthy institutions in Europe connected with Anthropology and Archaeology.
I acquire some small but interesting collections overseas from time-to-time, and have as well some duplicate items within my own collection which I occasionally decide to part with. Though I have a collection of ancient coins numbering in the tens of thousands, my primary interest is in ancient jewelry. My wife also is an active participant in the "business" of antique and ancient jewelry, and is from Russia. I would be happy to provide you with a certificate/guarantee of authenticity for any item you purchase from me. There is a $2 fee for mailing under separate cover. Whenever I am overseas I have made arrangements for purchases to be shipped out via domestic mail. If I am in the field, you may have to wait for a week or two for a COA to arrive via international air mail. But you can be sure your purchase will arrive properly packaged and promptly - even if I am absent. And when I am in a remote field location with merely a notebook computer, at times I am not able to access my email for a day or two, so be patient, I will always respond to every email. Please see our "ADDITIONAL TERMS OF SALE."
