I just checked this book out from the library and love everything about it. I got on here to put it on my wish list and had to write a review. Learning to etch, how to work some cold joins in the metal, and connecting things like silk, leather, and other odd charms and beads--it's all really exciting! There's information on soldering and how to make charms out of different items using the soldering techniques, which I'm trying next. I have experience with finer soldering techniques, but not with the messier ones described in the book, and I'm eager to learn about it. I tried the etching today as described in the book and it worked perfectly. I noticed that brass seems to work better than the copper (I didn't have nickel).
I've been finding myself drawn to steampunk jewelry lately, and this book is by far better than the steampunk jewelry book currently on the market as far as the techniques that are taught. Nearly every project in this book, whether you like the finished piece or not, seems to teach some new technique or show some other idea for how to use some common thing in your own work. I'm excited to apply some of this information even to my pieces that look anything but antique.
If you like the steampunk look, this is for you. Just add a key or a gear and there you go. ^_^