Twisted is an in-depth comprehensive wire wrapping and jewellery course with tutorials by artist and teacher Nadja Shields. Released 6th May 2025 by Simon & Schuster on their Bloomsbury/Herbert Press imprint, it's 240 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

Like most tutorial instruction books, there's an intro followed by chapters covering tools/supplies and basic techniques including the different weaving techniques along with some very basic torchwork (basically just materials and some good safety advice and drawing a bead on wire (melting the end to form a ball)). One thing I really appreciate about the author's style is that she's encouraging without being too eager or smothering as well as giving some really valuable tips about her own working methods and the specific tools that work for her. There's an awful lot of product placement going on in the world of how-to books and I really applaud the author for refusing to be a shill for any specific company.

The intro chapters (~20% of the page content) are followed by tutorial chapters for the (by my count) 15 projects from beginner(ish) to masterwork level. Interspersed in these chapters are really valuable tips and tricks for working with the materials and saving frustration where possible. The projects run the gamut from earrings to pendants and everything in between including rings bracelets, clasps etc. Spelling and vernacular throughout the book are written in UK/international English, but in context won't provide any difficulties for readers from the USA.

I worked as a bench jeweler in the traditional commercial jewelry trade for over 16 years (until I went back to school to become a bioengineer at a ripe old age; it's never too late to take up another career). Anyhow, the point is, working as a jeweler I always wanted to flex more of my creative muscles and work more with wire as a structural element. I never got my chance as a professional working for a paycheck (I was the faceless drone re-sizing your engagement ring, or possibly repairing your necklace when you lost it down the garbage disposal *true stories*). I have set up a bench in my workshop now and share creative space with my kid, also a budding bench jewelry artist.

I love the fact that many of these projects use forged wire as a basis. The shaped and flattened wire structure gives the entire piece stability and solidity without losing any of the fluidity and organic-ness (it should be a word) of the woven wire. Additionally, the author's tutorials for elements incorporating stone settings for very small accents and faceted stones including a *channel setting* are amazing and creative, and worth the price of the book alone.

Each tutorial includes a full color detailed macro shot of the finished piece, an introduction/background, and bullet list of techniques, materials and tools. Materials/wire are given with the standard wire gauge as well as the diameter and length measurements given in metric measures -and- imperial (American) units. The step-by-step instructions are clear and easy to follow.


This is a worthwhile book, lavishly illustrated and photographed. Her passion for her art and her willingness to share the 'good stuff' she's learned is rare. Well worth adding to the jeweler's library. This book will age very well and remain current as the reader's skill progresses.

Five stars, really lovely. Recommended for public, school, home library/workshop, maker's spaces and shared studio spaces.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

I received a copy of this eBook from netGalley for a honest review.

This book is advanced but doable for a jewelry maker. There is lots of helpful tips and step by step pictures to get you to your desired result. A lot of inspiration too.

I received this DRC from NetGalley.

I've never tried making wire jewelry before, but I found the instructions to be very clear. There are a lot of photographs to accompany each step of the process, which made even the more complicated parts feel approachable. The beginning of the book goes in depth with explaining the various supplies and tools needed, which was very informational. With so many options available, especially in terms of wires, I appreciated the pros and cons being laid out beforehand. My only hesitation with starting this craft would be the seemingly high up-front cost of all the tools and materials needed to get started. Even though I liked that the author didn't include a bunch of easy projects just to get started that aren't actually aesthetically pleasing, it might have been nice to just have one smaller project that purposely used less tools/ materials just to test it out before fully committing.

This book has all of the tools and instructions to create complex pieces. It goes through each technique and builds upon them later in the many projects that follow. And there are a ton of step by step projects. I would recommend this book to immediate to advanced experienced readers. It’s possible for a beginner. They just might get overwhelmed; however, the techniques are explicitly explained. I’ve had over 20 years of experience with basic to mid-level techniques, and I feel like it is a bit complex but doable. The projects are all lovely. And even if you may not feel experienced enough to work these projects, it’s still worth adding to your collection. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

If you are thinking about getting into wire jewelry do not skip this book. Rather than being a pattern book with a few pages of instructions, the first half of this book is filled with detailed information on tools, materials, and techniques, everything to get you started with this new craft. The pictures are numerous and clear for each technique explained, and are incredibly helpful as much of this work is very small. The projects come in various levels of difficulty, allowing you to learn the skills and build on them in this one book, as well as giving instruction on designing your own projects. I don't think I could ask for more in an instructional book like this. I read this ebook through NetGalley.