When I first received Jean Yate's book, Links: Inspired Bead and Wire Jewelry Creations published by F+W Publications, Inc. (US $22.95/CAN $27.99), I assumed it was a chain maille book. Since chain maille is so popular and the book world has not been flooded with how-to books on this type of jewelry making, I was excited to see another title out about this wonderful form of jewelry. However, I was wrong - it is so much more than just chain maille.

Yes, Links has to do with lots of jump rings combined to make very cool chain jewelry, but Jean has taken the definition and linked the notion of links (dare I say that?) to links to our memories and how we can use these links to connect to our creative power.

Each of the more than 50 step-by-step projects include (along with full-color photographs) a link to a memory that Jean shares. Many of us know how it is to have someone special inspire a jewelry design, so she brings us into her own creative process where she combines narrative with jewelry making. Sprinkled throughout the numerous projects are Q/As from her artistic friends as well as challenges for you to try new and different approaches to your own creative approach.

Hard-core chain maille jewelry makers will find more than just your basic link patterns here as she uses lots of great beads to mix it up, and those new to chain making will not be overwhelmed by just connecting lots and lots of little jump rings. Some projects do use a lot of them, but some just use a few, so I think there is something here for both sides of the chain fence (so to speak).

Beginners will find most of the projects accessible, and more advanced jewelry makers may know the techniques but will get something from her design approach as well as some of the chain and bead combinations she comes up with.