|
|
Titles and
Bookstore Links |
|
Seed Bead Book Reviews
Wire Jewelry Making Books and Miscellaneous Links
|
Rated
BEAD LORE: Beads, by Janet Coles and Robert Budwig, is well illustrated with photos by Jonathan Lovekin of gorgeous beads from every place and time. There are directions for projects, too, so while it's not essential, it's a good book for your library. And mine. Nancy |
|
Rated
BEAD LORE: Numerous strands of beads around the waist signify virginity in Yoruba tradition. This is one of the thousands of facts in the fascinating The History of Beads by Lois Sherr Dubin. I love knowing stuff like this - you will love the book. Nancy |
|
|
Rated
BEAD MAKING:
You have to begin at the beginning, so if glass bead making is your goal, I strongly recommend Art Bead Jewelry, by Karen Lombardo. She starts with a clear and simple (and illustrated) explanation of how to make basic glass beads, so you will know if you wish to learn more elsewhere or simply enjoy the beautiful glass beads others produce, so that you can get onto the making and wearing of truly gorgeous jewelry. Karen contains 25 projects that will inspire you as they did me. Nancy
|
|
|
Rated
BEAD MAKING:
It could be that I love the infinite variety and beauty of glass beads so much I can't choose outstanding glass bead books. So sue me, but first, check out Creating Glass Beads by Jeri L. Warhaftig. It's a proper training manual and should be your first book buy. Nancy
|
|
Rated
BEAD MAKING: Kristal Wick opened a new frontier for me with Fabulous Fabric Beads. I got the book and started making beads. This one will explode the creativity cells in your brain. Nancy |
|
Rated
BEAD MAKING: Glass bead making fascinates me. The product is a small work of art or a glob, depending on the skill of the bead maker. I don't claim expertise in this area but I know Jeri L. Warhaftig's Glass Bead Workshop is a good book for second level bead makers. Nancy |
|
|
Rated
BEAD MAKING: Making Beautiful Beads is a great resource that you won't want to miss as your jewelry making skills expand. It gave me tons of fresh ideas. I love it. Nancy
|
|
|
Rated
BEAD MAKING: Glass Bead Jewelry Projects, by Nelli Ross, inspires and educates with great photos. Nancy
|
|
|
Rated
BEAD STRINGING PROJECTS and more: If you are just getting started in jewelry making, I cannot recommend The Absolute Beginners Guide Stringing Beaded Jewelry enough. It spells out everything, and I mean everything, you need to know. I will be mentioning it in every stringing class I teach from now on. Nancy
|
|
Rated
BEAD STRINGING PROJECTS and more: All
About Beads by Maureen Murray has lots of techniques
and lots of projects - just what I like. Nancy
|
|
|
Rated
BEAD STRINGING PROJECTS and more: Margot Potter's Bead Chic is outstanding. I love the projects. Do not miss out. Get this book! Nancy
|
|
Rated
BEAD STRINGING PROJECTS and more: The Beader's Bible, by Dorothy Wood, bills itself as "a comprehensive guide to beading techniques, and that is true. Wood gives us a taste of many techniques and she does with a basic project as well as a "taking it further" project in each case. Nancy
|
|
Rated
BEAD STRINGING PROJECTS and more: It's easy to grab a bunch of pretty beads and string or wire them together to create a piece of jewelry a teddy bear wouldn't wear. You've got to understand color theory or get a book like Beadstyle's Beading Inspiration, How To Use COLOR in Jewelry Design in order to get good color balance and harmony.
I was thrilled to get my hands on Beading Inspiration. The projects are all pretty, wearable and explained with reference to a non jewelry color design object. If you've been hesitating as you decide what goes with what, Beadstyle has published the book for you. Nancy |
|
Rated
BEAD STRINGING PROJECTS and more: Beading with Pearls, edited by Jean Campbell, contains 25 beautiful projects and tons of techniques. It's billed as a beginner book, but you will enjoy it more if you've already dabbled a bit in jewelry making. Jean Campbell is a real pro, so don't hesitate to try any of her books. Nancy
|
|
Rated
BEAD STRINGING PROJECTS and more: Stefany
Tomalin's book, Beads, is heavy on technique,
which is good, but there aren't so many examples, which is
not so good. Still, it's a very worthwhile resource.
PS
Tomalin has written several other books about beading, which
I haven't been able to get my hands on as they are out of
print as is Beads. The Bead Jewelry
Book is still available, and it looks like just the
thing I've been looking for. Nancy |
|
Rated
BEAD STRINGING PROJECTS and more: Most bead books contain 25 to 50 projects, but with Bead Simple, by Susan Beal, you get 150, yes 150, projects! Yum. Nancy |
|
Rated
BEAD STRINGING PROJECTS and more: Big & Bold is a terrific inspiration book for those of us who want to make and wear jewelry to knock your socks off. The projects are clever, and my fingers are itching for a bead board. Nancy
more in the September 22, 2009 Beading Diary entry |
|
Rated
BEAD STRINGING PROJECTS and more: Chic & Easy Beading comes in three volumes (to date - January 2009). The publishers of Bead&Button magazine compile projects I love (and so will you) from the magazines. As always, these projects are well illustrated with clear and simple directions. Nancy
more comments in Beading Diary 2009 - January 24 entry |
|
Rated
BEAD STRINGING PROJECTS and more: Complete Beading, by Jema Hewitt, is a good, all around jewelry making book. It has excellent photos. Nancy |
|
Rated
BEAD STRINGING PROJECTS and more: Create Jewelry Crystals (series) - Beading Diary 2008 |
|
Rated
BEAD STRINGING PROJECTS and more: Creative Beading by Juju Vail is more rational beading than bead stringing, but the projects are fantastic and not hard. Nancy |
|
Rated
BEAD STRINGING PROJECTS and more: When I first opened Designing Jewelry with Semiprecious Beads by Kim Gover, I was not as impressed with the project directions as I should have been. In other words, I had to take a good long look before I realized how attractive and wearable Gover's projects actually are. And they're easy. And the book contains lots of useful gemstone info, so I hang my head and promise not to jump to conclusions ever again. Nancy
|
|
|
|
Rated
BEAD STRINGING PROJECTS and more: Kim
Ballor's Fashion Beading is billed as a book for
beginners. That's probably not quite correct, but once
you've made a piece of jewelry or two, Fashion Beading will give you inspiration and tips to improve your skills. Nancy
|
|
Rated
BEAD STRINGING PROJECTS and more: Jean Campbell
is a founder of Beadwork Magazine and knows her stuff.
She has written numerous other books on jewelry making.
Her Getting Started Stringing Beads is very clear
and good for a complete beginner.
I just got a copy of Campbell's The Art of Beaded Beads: Exploring Design, Color & Technique . I didn't think it would interest me until I saw the Sea Anemone beads - hey, I can do that and I want to.
Since I started making bead and wire rings, I've been checking out all the resources I can turn up. Beadwork Creates Beaded Rings: 30 Designs (Beadwork Creates series), edited by Campbell, gave me some ideas and includes many projects using techniques outside my comfort zone like knitting and simple weaving. Nancy |
|
Rated
BEAD STRINGING PROJECTS and more: M. T. Ryan's Glamorous Beaded Jewelry includes 25 projects with very clear illustrations and directions. There are more than a few I absolutely love. Nancy
PS When I saw the cover of More Glamorous Beaded Jewelry, I salivated. The projects in this second book in the series are gorgeous.
|
|
Rated
BEAD STRINGING PROJECTS and more: Jewelry from Nature contains 45 projects that use seeds and nuts and all kinds of objects you can find outdoors. Jane Marie lives near the beach, so guess whose sister is on permanent assignment to find those little shells with convenient holes in the top? Nancy
|
|
|
|
Rated
BEAD STRINGING PROJECTS and more: Jewelry Just for You!
Beading Diary 2008 |
|
Rated
BEAD STRINGING PROJECTS and more: It
figures the Dummies series would have a jewelry making
book. Naturally enough, it's called Jewelry Making
& Beading for Dummies. Like all the books
in the series, this one is fairly comprehensive and full of
basic technique. Plus, it contains some tips on starting
up your own jewelry business. Nancy
|
|
|
Rated
BEAD STRINGING PROJECTS and more: If you have a special occasion coming up, you will want to check out the projects in Making Elegant Jewelry. There are 30 different projects, so you or your customer will end up with something unique. Nancy
|
|
Rated
BEAD STRINGING PROJECTS and more: I can always tell when I've got my hands on a special bead book because I start running through my materials on hand to see what projects I can begin immediately. That's why I knew Barbara Case's Making Jewelry with Gemstone Beads was a keeper. Case also gives buying information I haven't seen elsewhere that includes pricing and availability. Nancy
|
|
Rated
BEAD STRINGING PROJECTS and more: If
I want to make toe rings or other fun things, I look first
in Simply Beautiful Beading by Heidi Boyd for
ideas and instructions. Boyd has collected all kinds
of projects for every taste. Nancy
|
|
|
Rated
BEAD STRINGING PROJECTS and more: I was looking for more how-to photos in Simply Necklaces when I realized that for most of the beautiful projects in the book, you wouldn't need them. Still ... Nancy
|
|
|
Rated
BEAD STRINGING PROJECTS and more: Simply Silver, Simply Gold, by Nancy Alden, is a lovely book filled with projects I can't quite afford unless I get creative with my materials. Can do. Nancy
|
|
Rated
BEAD STRINGING PROJECTS and more: So Easy Beading by Liz Thornton & Jean Power has very clear illustrations - I love this. Add in some great beginner projects and an unusual layout, and here's another bead book I like. What a surprise. Nancy
|
|
Rated
BEAD STRINGING PROJECTS and more: A Touch of Glass offers projects for gorgeous jewelry made from the finest glass beads. Your mouth will water. I promise. Nancy |
|
|
Rated
BEAD STRINGING PROJECTS and more: The Venetian Glass Bead, by Kathy Fox, is an educational project book with lovely beads and simple projects. Perfect for those who love jewelry and travel. Nancy
more comments in Beading Diary 2012 - January 31 entry
|
|
|
|
|
Rated
CHAIN MAILLE JEWELRY: Adding beads to a pure technique opens up tons of creative possibilities. Dylon Whyte 's Beaded Chain Mail Jewelry is well illustrated to show you just how to make the most of them. Nancy
|
|
|
Rated
CHAIN MAILLE JEWELRY: At last! A whole new concept. It's Cindy Thomas Pankopf's Beadmaille. She combines bead weaving into her chain maille designs and they look great. You will love the concept as much as I do. Nancy
|
|
|
Rated
CHAIN MAILLE JEWELRY: Chain and Bead Jewelry, by Scott David Plumlee, is subtitled geometric Connections, a New Angle on Creating Dimensional Earrings, Bracelets, and Necklaces. The projects are clever, and well, awesome. Nancy
|
|
|
Rated
CHAIN MAILLE JEWELRY: The cover of Terry Taylor & Dylon Whyte's book, Chain Mail Jewelry, says, "Contemporary Designs from Classic Techniques." From the cover necklace to assorted earrings, this book delivers. Please don't skip it. Nancy
|
|
Rated
CHAIN MAILLE JEWELRY: Chain & Metal Jewelry from "BeadStyle" magazine, contains so many ideas I want to try, the pieces of paper marking pages that inspire and educate me bristle like a hedgehog from the top of the book. For example, the idea for turning baby spoons into jewelry ... . Well. you get the idea. Nancy
|
|
Rated
CHAIN MAILLE JEWELRY: Chainstyle is an inspirational project book for those who like to incorporate chain into their designs as I do. It never fails to amaze me how creative designers are, and author Jane Dickerson is leading the way. Nancy
|
|
|
Rated
CHAIN MAILLE JEWELRY: Classic Chain Mail Jewelry, by Sue Ripsch, is a winner. It's packed with projects and is the first chain mail/maille book that made my mouth water. Nancy
more comments in Beading Diary 2010 - October 25 entry
|
|
|
Rated
CHAIN MAILLE JEWELRY: Creative Chain Mail Jewelry, does not disappoint. I've flirted with chain maille, but I am honestly inspired by this Kalmbach winner. Chain Maille is easy at last! Nancy
more comments in Beading Diary 2011 - October 14 entry
|
|
Rated
COLLECTING: Classic American Costume Jewelry, by Jacqueline Rehmann, is a good addition to your collecting library. There are lots of photos. Nancy |
|
Rated
COLLECTING: Julia C. Carroll is an expert on costume jewelry. She explains how to build and care for a collection. Now I know what to look for and what to avoid as I grow the few pieces I have into something my daughters will reassure. Nancy |
|
Rated
COLLECTING: Judith Miller has written a number of good books about costume jewelry. I came across her in Costume Jewelry and learned so much from this series. Thanks, Judith! Nancy
|
|
Rated
COLLECTING: I didn't know much about costume jewelry until I picked up Costume Jewelry, How to Compare & Value by Steven Miners. It's a basic primer for anyone who wants to start collecting affordable beauty. Nancy
|
|
Rated
COLLECTING: Vivienne Becker's Fabulous Costume Jewelry is a history of all the good stuff we've been collecting. It has great photos, which always make a difference since we want to see the pieces, even if we can't wear them. Enjoy. Nancy
|
|
|
Rated
COLLECTING: There are some beautiful pieces in Caroline Cox' Vintage Jewelry Design. The timeline of design is a must see. Nancy
more in the July 12, 2011 Beading Diary
|
|
Rated
COLLECTING: Leigh
Leshner is an expert on historic fashion jewelry. You
won't go wrong with any of her books from Warman's Jewelry Field
Guide to Vintage Jewelry. Nancy
|
|
Rated
CRAFTING:
| "It
never ceases to amaze me how much beauty can come
from the simple process of combining beads and wire." Carol
Benner Doelp, The Art of French Beaded Flowers more
quotations |
I'm
not much for a massed bouquet of beaded flowers - unless perhaps
for a wedding.
Yes, white peonies or dahlias or camellias or ...
What I was going to say is a single beaded
bloom would look fantastic on my new outfit - or yours.
What are we waiting for. Nancy |
|
Rated
CRAFTING: People are so creative. The projects for bead lovers are endless, and books like Beaded Ornaments for the Holidays and Beyond only make us more productive. I used to be a sucker for Christmas ornaments, but now I know how to make my own - only better and beaded! Nancy |
|
Rated
CRAFTING: Dolly Mama Beads is the sort of book you might leaf through when you need wacky inspiration. Nancy |
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: I'm not a fan of the bracelet on the cover of The Art of Jewelry, Paper Jewelry by Marthe le Van, but then I opened the book and saw some projects I couldn't wait to try. Do not dismiss this book - there is something for you inside. Nancy
|
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: When
I complete a project from Bethany Barry's Bead Crochet,
it will never make it to the pages of VeryShinyObjects.com. I couldn't bear to part
with anything that delectable. Nancy
|
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: Beadalicious, by Sonya Nimri, contains lots of projects and information. It also has bonus recipes for food and other useful goodies. I really like this book. Brava! Nancy |
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: Beading with Filigree, by Cynthia Deis, is a book for those who like exotic, romantic jewelry. The project tips alone are worth checking out. Nancy |
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: I
have never learned to needlepoint, but I couldn't resist Ann
Benson's Beadpoint. The projects are gorgeous
and the instructions are simple, but detailed. Even
I might stitch something beautiful. Nancy
|
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: The directions and photos are not as helpful as they might be in Bella Beaded Jewelry. It's more of an inspiration book than anything else.
Donatella Ciotti makes beautiful jewelry, but do not buy her book unless you are a fairly experienced beader. Nancy
PS I wanted to make something similar to the beautiful wire mesh piece on the cover, but have you seen the cost of that stuff? |
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: Bent, Bound & Stitched by Giuseppina "Josie" Cirincione is something of a craft book with clever jewelry and paper projects. Nancy |
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: I have become obsessed with button jewelry. Of course, our CDO has long since raided my button jar, so I've had to go to garage sales to feed my habit (what a hardship). In any case, I was thrilled when I opened Susan Davis' Beautiful Button Jewelry. Davis combines a great deal of knowledge with wonderful projects, and I am a fan. Nancy
|
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: You won't find a better guide for your creativity than Margot Potter's Beyond the Bead. She gives us techniques as well as projects you will enjoy learning as much as I have. Nancy |
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: You will enjoy using the techniques in A Charming Experience by Kelly Snelling & Ruth Rae. The authors suggest collaborating with others to increase creativity. Your new jewelry will be fun and unique. Nancy |
|
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: I've been showing Helen Harle's book, Create Colorful Aluminum Jewelry, to creative types and the reaction is always the same: "Beer can jewelry? Ick? Let me see that. Wow. I want to make some."
Do not dismiss this book, or you will miss all the fun. And by fun, I mean no soldering fun. Check it out. Nancy
|
|
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: Dafna Yarom is extremely, well, creative and that's why she's the author of Creative Paper Jewelry. But just because you can do something doesn't mean you should. Nancy
|
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: When I first opened Crystal Chic by Debbi Simon, I saw some of the projects and thought I would never make them because I wouldn't wear them. However, when I made a second pass, I realized this is a very useful book. It contains techniques I hadn't considered, and it's those techniques I will use again and again. So thanks, Debbi. I can't wait to get started! Nancy |
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: Custom Cool Jewelry, by Melinda Barta, is full of fun ideas. Mixed media bring out the creative in those of us who dabble and this book is a good technique guide. Nancy |
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: I
gobble up every book on jewelry making I can get my hands
on just to learn more about all the skills I've yet to acquire. Dazzle has lots of good ideas and techniques
- check it out. Nancy
PS
Author Kenzle also wrote The Irresistible Bead. |
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: The ingenuity of some people just amazes me. Sherri Haab's Designer Style Jewelry is packed with all kinds of simple but clever projects, so my copy contains multiple bookmarks. Check it out. Nancy
Rated
PS I found directions for making pendants out of broken china in Jewelry Upcycled, so on that basis alone, it's worth a look.
|
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: Elements of Style, by Rosemary Hill, combines fiber and other techniques for unique jewelry. Fans of fiber arts will be delighted. Nancy |
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: Enchanted Adornments is Cynthia Thornton's delightful and creative book about her approach to mixing media and inspiration. It's not to be missed. Nancy |
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: The Encyclopedia of Contemporary Jewelry Making Techniques, by Vannetta Seecharran, isn't quite big enough to live up to being an encyclopedia, but the author manages to include lots of ideas for us to consider. Nancy |
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: Fabulous Jewelry from Found Objects is not for beginners, but the unusual jewelry projects will inspire you at any stage in your skill level. Nancy
|
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: Some of the creations in Flea Market Jewelry by Binky Morgan are suggestions rather than projects, although there are many detailed projects, too. What I like best about this book is the pure inspiration - there are so many pieces (think unusual crowns and head pieces) I'd like to start NOW. Nancy
|
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: French Inspired Jewelry by Kaari Meng is an eye opener. Meng tells us all about reworking vintage beads and buttons and oddities into gorgeous jewelry. I wasn't seriously scouring the paper for estate sales until I opened the book, but stand aside. There are treasures out there ... Nancy
|
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: As I get more comfortable with my jewelry making skills, I find myself considering everything with regard to its jewelry possibilities. If you are the same, check out Carol Grape's Handmade Jewelry. It's full of clever ideas. Nancy
|
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: When Hip Handmade Memory Jewelry arrived, I was beginning preparations for a jewelry summer camp. Some of the tons of projects I planned were based on the pages of Cathy Jakicic's fun and clever book. I promise you, too, will find beautiful jewelry ideas within its pages. Nancy
more on autograph books |
|
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: I got very excited when I saw the name of the author of Irina's Inspirations for Jewelry. Irina Miech is without doubt the woman I would most like to take a class with. Her books never fail to open up design possibilities for me. This volume introduced me to Gilders Paste and mesh bracelets as well as many other techniques. Love Irina, love her book. Nancy
more in the November 25, 2011 Beading Diary
|
|
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: Once you start making jewelry and building your repertoire of techniques, you can't help but be excited when you come across a book like The Jewelry Architect by Kate McKinnon. It's full of techniques and projects that will help your imagination soar. Nancy
|
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: Hardware-based jewelry is edgy and fun. Sometimes it's beautiful. Try Jewelry with Hardware, Gems, and Beads by Nicolle Noelle Sherman for ideas, ideas, ideas. Nancy |
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: Junk Drawer Jewelry is an inexpensive way to introduce aspiring jewelry makers to the craft. The materials are easy to locate and the designs are clever. Nancy
|
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: Junk Jewelry is a fun project book. If you like the offbeat, Jane Eldershaw's book is for you. Nancy
|
|
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: Creative people keep looking for new ways to make fun / beautiful things. Jewelry makers want to know new techniques to enhance their skill sets. That's why Making Mixed-Media Art Charms and Jewelry, by Peggy Krzyzewski and Christine Hansen, is so useful. Nancy
more in the July 25, 2010 Beading Diary
|
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: The idea behind Janette Schuster's Mixed-Media Collage Jewelry is to take stuff, add mementos and end up with wonderful, wearable jewelry. And why not? Schuster's book of useful relics opened my eyes to new possibilities from the garage and attic. Never throw anything away. Nancy
|
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: When I first looked through The New Jewelry by Carles Codina, I saw a lot of clever projects and several rubber band necklaces that turned me off. On my second read, I realized one of the rubber band necklaces was very ingenious and started to get into the spirit of the book. Let's face it. Good looking is just that. No matter what the materials. Nancy
|
|
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: Susan Grant Lewin gathered fresh and unique jewelry pieces for One of a Kind, American Art Jewelry today. While you can't just open the book and start producing masterpieces without a major background in design and craftsmanship, you will be inspired. Nancy
|
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY:
Amy Hanna's Rejuvenated Jewels if more than a find-cool-old-stuff-fix-it-up book. It's also a book of creative and clever techniques. Adapt away! Nancy
|
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: I've been seeing a lot of rubber stamping as people discover how creative they can be with this medium. The antique look is easy to incorporate and the results are spectacular. Try Sharilyn Miller's Rubber Stamped Jewelry and see what I mean. Nancy
|
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: Once you've leafed through Stephanie Lee's Semiprecious Salvage, you'll look at found objects with an eye to turning them into great jewelry. I, for one, am thinking baby spoons. Nancy
|
|
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: Flexible beading wire comes in glorious colors. Show Your Colors, by Jamie Hogsett and Sara Hardin Oehler, introduced me to 30 projects for a fun material I had foolishly dismissed. Nancy
more comments in Beading Diary 2012 - January 31 entry
|
|
|
Rated
CREATIVE MEDIA JEWELRY: That Jean Campbell never sleeps. Her Steampunk Style Jewelry is the found object fancier's answer to Victorian jewelry creation run wild. You will have great fun with this book. Nancy
|
|
|
Rated
EARRINGS ONLY: 30-Minute Earrings is a creative wonderland of projects from Marthe Le Van. The author employs lots of metal working techniques in the 60 projects she features in this book. Nancy
|
|
|
Rated
EARRINGS ONLY: 101 Gorgeous Earrings from Martingale Co. is a great collection of earring ideas. The project directions are located at the back of the book, which is annoying. Nancy
|
|
Rated
EARRINGS ONLY: You will find lots of project ideas, plenty of tips and good directions for a variety of earrings in Make Your Own Earrings by Jane LaFerla. It will inspire the creative inside you. Nancy
|
|
|
Rated
EARRINGS ONLY: Simply Earrings includes several techniques for earring projects. Nancy
|
|
|
Rated
EARRINGS ONLY: A Year in Earrings is a fantastic book with 365 projects! What else do you need to know? Nancy
more comments in the Beading Diary entry for October 18, 2009
|
|
Rated
FIBER JEWELRY: I
will never make the wonderful designs in Helen Banes' Fiber
& Beaded Jewelry. I probably won't ever get
to wear anything as beautiful, but if you are so inclined, got
a copy of the book, and weave a work of art. Nancy
|
|
Rated
FIBER JEWELRY: I'm fairly sure I will not have time to try all the techniques in Hand Felted Jewelry and Beads by Carol Huber Cypher, but the results are sooo beautiful. If you need some design inspiration, this is the book for you. Nancy
|
|
Rated
FIBER JEWELRY: If
you remember the macramé era of the 20th century - or even if you don't, you may enjoy
sharing Hemp Jewelry by Judy Ann Sadler with
your daughter, granddaughter, niece or other younger friend.
Or you might want to get a copy to make some fun hemp jewelry
for yourself. Nancy
|
|
|
Rated
FIBER JEWELRY: Pat Harste wrote Hooked on Jewelry for the fiber fashionista in all of us. As I write this, I don't know how to crochet, but anyone who looks at my book can see the projects I've marked for completion. Nancy
|
|
|
Rated
FIBER JEWELRY: All my friends are learning kumihimo, the Japanese art of braiding, and too am taking the plunge. When my skills improve, I may upgrade the ratings on Japanese Braiding by Jacqui Carey and Kumihimo by Giovanna Imperia, but now in June 2011, not so much. Kumihimo uses wire to make lovely projects and gives good basic info while Japanese Braiding is a more tradional book, but both are so complicated ... Nancy
|
|
Rated
FICTION: Wahoo!
A beading mystery series by Barbara Burnett Smith, author of
the Purple Sage series. Nancy
PS The enclosed instructions are not
the reason to get this book.
PPS Begin with Bead on
Trouble, however there are only two books in the series due to the death fo the author.
|
|
|
Amazon: The
Moonstone (Oxford World's Classics) by Wilkie Collins |
|
Amazon: The Sapphire Sea - John B. Robinson |
Rated
FICTION: A Visible Darkness, by Michael Gregoria, is not for everyone. It is well written, but it's heavy going. Still, I had to finish it and when I did, I was disturbed by the murderer's philosophical conclusion, which reminded me of the historical truth that ideas spring from somewhere - you'll see what I mean if you read the book. It is a nasty murder mystery, volume two of a series, set on the Baltic Sea in Prussia (there was no Germany then) during the occupation by Napoleon's army. The French are after amber, and a mad desire for polished, untreated amber beads rose up in me as I turned the pages. Bead lust, however, is not the same as a vision of the future in which the manifest destiny of racial superiority ... well, you know that story, and it's not pretty. Nancy |
|
Rated
FUN: If
you can find the real jewels by using the clues in Michael Stadther's A Treasure's Trove, you actually get to keep them! Or take a cash prize instead. Nancy
PS All the jewels have been found
from clues in the first book, but a second book is on the
way with over $3M in treasure! |
|
Rated
GEM LORE: If
you're into the mysticism and magic of gemstones and jewels,
Scott Cunningham is the author for you. Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic,
you get all the gem lore of the past and present. Nancy
more
on this book
Beading Diary June 19, 2005
|
|
Rated
GEM LORE: Jewelry Materials
Fred
Wards's Gem Series is, of course, a series
of small books packed with a lot of information about many
types of gemstones. I got Pearls and learned a lot. Nancy |
|
Rated
GEM LORE: Beading Diary 2009
Antoinette Matlins' Definitive Guides |
|
Rated
GEM LORE: Beading |
|
Rated
JEWELRY LORE: Bead One, Pray Too, by Kimberly Winston, is a detailed history of prayer beads as well as a guide to making your own. Nancy |
|
Rated
JEWELRY LORE: Brilliance, a production of the American Jewelry Design Council by Cindy Edelstein & Frank Stankus, is a collection of beautiful contemporary jewelry by today's leading artists. It's pure inspiration for the rest of us. Nancy |
|
Rated
JEWELRY LORE: Brighton Collectibles created Charming: Jewelry with a Message to celebrate charm bracelets. Enjoy. Nancy |
|
|
|
Rated
JEWELRY LORE: I
just love to play Let's Pretend while looking at jewels
in museums. But I can't always travel to major exhibits, so I fill in with books like Clare Phillips' Jewels and Jewelry - this book highlights the
collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. (page on the V&A coming soon)
Rated
The
National Gem Collection by Jeffrey E. Post is the
same type of mouth-watering treat. Nancy |
|
Rated
JEWELRY LORE: Every
once in a while, a piece of jewelry is created that takes your
breath away - that's how I feel about some of the treasures in
Daniela Mascetti and Amanda Triossi's The Necklace,
wherein the history of jewelry is laid out for our pleasure
and enlightenment. This book is part of a series. Nancy
|
|
|
Rated
JEWELRY LORE: Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright loves jewelry as much as the next woman, but she got to show off her fabulous pin collection to heads of state everywhere. Her pins are woven into her life story and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed Read My Pins. Nancy
|
|
Rated
JEWELRY LORE: France Borel's The Splendor of Ethnic Jewelry will inspire you and, perhaps, make your mouth water and your pocket itch. Ethnic jewelry is fabulous, and the book is packed with photos by John Bigelow Taylor. Nancy
|
|
Rated
JEWELRY LORE: You can't imagine the creative genius of the artists who contributed to A World of Head Ornaments until you see the photos in Anne van Cutsem's book. The book is part of a series, and I can't wait to see the other jewelry the author found in the Ghysels' collection of ethnic jewelry. Nancy
|
|
|
|
Rated
JUVENILE FICTION: You can hook a kid with beads because they're pretty, but a good story never hurts. The Magic Beads, by S. Nielsen-Fernlund, is a sweet bead story with a heart. Nancy
|
|
Rated
KIDS: 20-Minute Crafts - Beading by Katherine Stull is one of those kid books that has projects I can make with great results. That's what I'm talking about. Nancy |
|
Rated
KIDS: Beading, by Judy Ann Sadler, is what my beloved favorite author, P. G. Wodehouse [he invented Jeeves, the butler who served the brainless Bertie Wooster who was played by the guy who stars in House] would have called a "slim volume." Even so, I found a number of simple techniques and projects inside including a great idea for beaded tassels. Nancy
|
|
Rated
KIDS: Beading
With Lizzie McGuire is a good way to introduce preteens to beading. There are lots of photos and colorful projects
for the beginner. Nancy
|
|
Rated
KIDS: Sherri Haab and Michelle Haab are a creative bunch, I may never be a kid again, but their book, Dangles and Bangles, contains ideas I'm going to use for projects to wear and sell. Nancy |
|
Rated
KIDS: Jewelry Making for Fun is an excellent beginner's guide to the basics of all kinds jewelry making. It's crammed with fun facts and tips, and gives just enough information to allow a child to complete a project her way, leis to friendship bracelets included. Nancy
|
|
|
Rated
LEATHER: Leather Jewelry is a full spectrum leather jewelry making guide. The projects are contemporary and fun, but not for those who want to skim leather jewelry making because of the tool investment one would need to make to get immersed. Nancy
|
|
|
Rated
METAL CLAY: Yvonne M. Padilla reminds us that bronze is gorgeous. Her book, Bronze Metal Clay, is crammed with projects that made my mouth water. The Bronze Age is back! Nancy
|
|
|
|
Rated
METAL CLAY: It's hard to imagine a better time to get into beading. There are wonderful product innovations that give us more scope like metal clay.
Irina Miech's series, Metal Clay for Beaders and More Metal Clay for Beaders, explains the basics and offers projects for both beginner and intermediate metal enthusiasts. Honestly beaders, what are we waiting for? Miech has given us a can't fail roadmap to gorgeous jewelry. Nancy
PS As if those great books weren't enough, Miech does it again with Inventive Metal Clay for Beaders. You won't be a metal clay beginner for long once you begin creating jewelry based on the projects in this must have book.
PPS Miech's Metal Clay Rings keeps the series going for advanced metal clay designers. |
|
|
Rated
METAL CLAY: The Absolute Beginners Guides are a great series. Making Metal Clay Jewelry reflects the latest (late 2011) in metal clay technology. I learned so much just flipping through the pages and now have doable projects in the works. This book is excellent. Nancy
more comments in Beading Diary 2011 - October 14 entry
|
|
Rated
METAL CLAY: Metal
art clay, according to author Nana Mizushima, is "fun,
forgiving, fast, and friendly." Her book, Metal
Clay Magic, offers tips, techniques and projects for
both beginners and more advanced students. I didn't get
beyond the table of contents before falling in love with a piece
of jewelry I can make without becoming a silversmith.
Metal art clay is amazing, and so is Mizushima's book. Nancy
|
|
Rated
METAL CLAY: Silver Clay Keepsakes, by Katie Baum and Judi L. Hendricks, could be a great metal clay beginner book, but it came as a slap-on-the-head-why-didn't-I-think-of-that book to me because the projects, especially the charms, mesh beautifully with the way my brain has been nudging me. The authors present excellent information, tips and details for using silver clay wisely and well, and projects beyond my beloved charms for those who want to stretch their repertoires. Nancy
more in the June 30, 2009 Beading Diary entry |
|
|
Rated
METAL CLAY and POLYMER CLAY: At last. Patricia Kimle has written the book for clay people of all persuasions! It's called Perfectly Paired Designing Jewelry with Polymer and Metal Clays!!!! You must get a copy if you want to expand your creative world. Nancy
|
|
|
Rated
METALWORK: 500 Silver Jewelry Designs is essentially an art and inspiration book. Lovely to behold. Nancy
|
|
|
Rated
METALWORK: I love, love, love Jewelry Lab by Melissa Manley. It's the perfect combination of knowledge and creativity. Buy it. Seriously. Nancy
|
|
|
Rated
METALWORK: Metal Style, by Karen Dougherty, is THE cold metal guidebook with lovely projects. It is very descriptive. Nancy
|
|
|
Rated
METALWORK: Mixed Metal Mania is Kim St. Jean's answer to my need for more tips and ideas to expand my metalwork skills. You have to see this book to appreciate how detailed the tool section alone is. And then she discusses techniques in detail. Plus there are projects! Nancy
more in the February 9, 2011 Beading Diary
|
|
|
Rated
METALWORK: Liz Jones has translated her love affair with the butane micro torch and fine silver into a great book of easy techniques for the beginning silversmith in Silver Wire Fusing. I strongly recommend her book. Nancy
|
|
|
Rated
METALWORK: Simple Soldered Jewelry & Accessories, by Lisa Bluhm, is a fun guide to everything you wanted to know and didn't know you wanted to know about soldering. It's a goodie. Nancy
|
|
Rated
POLYMER CLAY: Gail Ritchey's Artful Polymer Clay is fresh inspiration for creating beautiful things with little pieces of cheap clay in a toaster oven. Life is good. Nancy
more in the September 22, 2009 Beading Diary entry |
|
Rated
POLYMER CLAY: Polymer
clay is a marvel. In Creating Your Own Jewelry,
Chris Dupouy has given us clear and simple directions to surprisingly
intricate projects. Nancy
|
|
|
Rated
POLYMER CLAY: I submit that Patterns in Polymer, by Julie Picarello, is the definitive guide to making the most amazing polymer clay focals. It's my absolute favorite polymer clay book in an outstanding field. Buy it. Buy it now. Nancy
more in the May 16, 2011 Beading Diary
|
|
Rated
POLYMER CLAY: The whole idea of faux anything, whether it's art or wall textures or beads is a tribute to how clever people are. In Polymer Pizzazz from Bead & Button Magazine, you not only get the how-to for some fairly simple techniques for making your own designer beads, but you also get polymer basics as well as complete jewelry projects. What are you waiting for? Nancy
PS There is now a second volume, Polymer Pizzazz 2! Wahoo.
|
|
|
|
|
Seed Bead Book Reviews
Wire Jewelry Making Books and Miscellaneous Links
|
