I?m not sure what I expected when I finally got around to taking a good look at Connie Fox?s CD ?Design Fundamentals for Wire Jewelry? (U.S. $23.95). I think I was expecting a wire jewelry techniques oriented CD. I guess I was thinking this because Connie is so well known for teaching and writing about making wire jewelry.

Now that I have reviewed it, though, the title of the CD obviously says that it?s not about specific ?how-to? bend wire-type techniques.

However, I think the title is still a little misleading because this CD, in my opinion, is not just for wire jewelry makers. Even if you are a beader or work in other jewelry making mediums like metalsmithing, I think her message crosses over into all areas of jewelry design.

So, if it?s not your typical ?how to make jewelry? CD, then what is this? It?s actually a lesson on jewelry designing, covering topics like how to determine your own style; designing fundamentals such as space, texture, and balance; and designing processes such as keeping a journal. Connie has organized the CD class into twelve lessons: Your Signature Style; Using a Design Journal; Establishing a Design Theme; Shape, Dimension, Line and Scale; Materials; Texture; Color and Emotion; Color and Science; Positive and Negative Space; Balance; Repetition; and Movement. She covers each topic and uses examples of her own wire jewelry designs to help illustrate the points she makes in each lesson.

If you?ve become more serious about your jewelry and don?t have the luxury of time or a design institute in your local area, then a CD like this might be helpful in fine tuning your jewelry design concepts.

I also think this CD might be helpful to beginners who don't really understand basic design methods. You can find out more about Connie Fox?s CD, ?Fundamentals for Wire Jewelry,? on her web site.