I pre-ordered The Jewelry Architect from Amazon because I love Kate McKinnon's books and her work. It arrived in time for me to flip through it during my husband's heart surgery, but I was not in the state of mind to really look at it, understand the concept of the book and therefore I put it aside for about a month. I recently spent some quality time with this gem of a book, a cup of coffee, and a comfy chair and promptly fell head over heels.First of all, the book is well done, the photos are gorgeous and detailed. Everything is explained in a clear and concise manner. The focus of the book is how to construct strong, supple, beautiful jewelry in several different media that will last FOREVER. That's the part I didn't get when my brain was in squishy mode back at the beginning of November.There are 5 "Meat and Potatoes" chapters plus a gallery of eye candy. Each section has a short note from McKinnon on the topic of that particular section. The first section, titled Elements, McKinnon that writes: "I consider myself a maker of components, an engineer of connections....and only when the mood strikes do I assemble them into finished pieces." There are more nuggets of wisdom that can perhaps shed light on how you work or how you might work smarter.Elements contains 7 specific projects: 3 clasps, 2 ear wires, amd 2 ring findings. This chapter alone is worth the price of the book. McKinnon shows the reader how to use wire and/or clay to create beautiful one of a kind findings that will elevate your jewelry to the next level plus make it structurally sound. One of the clasps is just brilliant and makes me want to try beadweaving a cuff just so I have something to use that clasp on.The second chapter is titled Stringing, has 3 projects, and covers some basics of bead stringing and easy ways to add lushness and surprising elements to your designs.The third chapter is titled Beadwork. McKinnon's first foray into making jewelry was through sewn beadwork. Let me tell you, this chapter had me drooling and wishing I did beadwork. I love all 6 designs, how she adds extra components to make each piece unique, using media other than just seed beads. One of the ways she uses other media is through felt. There is a very clever design in which you can add or subtract from the base felt piece to change the look every day if you would like. The Riverbed Bracelet (the large photo on the cover of the book) is too stunning for words. I want to make one for myself one day.The fourth chapter is called Wire and Metalwork, which focuses heavily (but not exclusively) on metal clay combined with fine silver. The 6 projects include a fun cha cha kind of pearl cluster to hang on a chain. Another project is a fun mechanical chain made with silver clay. My two favorite projects are the Kaleidoscop Setting and the Treasure Boxes because they are so awesome and would be a great fit with my lampwork beads.The fifth chapter is the Basics section and is much heavier on the basics than the typical book. You won't be disappointed in it.Included with the book is a bonus DVD where McKinnon demonstrates certain techniques and chats about structure. The crimping lesson alone is worth the price of the book. Maybe I will finally get that technique nailed. However, the DVD also covers topics on stitching, fiber, metal clay, and wire. McKinnon is not a flamboyant person by any stretch of the imagination, but her passion for the subject of creating long lasting heirloom jewelry is very apparent.