around when I first started beading years ago?This new release which I just received from Kalmbach Publishing would have saved me endless hours on the internet looking for basic instructions - the books then were too specialized and the projects too involved for a newbie.
It's the perfect "textbook" for learning how to do bead work. Just one handy book to get you started with simpler yet satisfying projects - 27 in all - while tackling 11 basic stitches.
Crossweave, peyote, brick, RAW (right angle weave), ladder, daisy and square are the stitch projects which start off Lesley Weiss' book. I particularly liked how she included layered or 3D projects which are easy but "looks hard to do" - if you know what I mean. Weiss also gives helpful suggestions on how to change the look of the design by changing bead sizes, introducing color patterns and more. This is a good thing because sometimes beginners cannot see the possibilities beyond.
I find square stitch a slow one to do, so I was not surprised to see the author wisely limiting its use to a ring project! The ladder stitch projects could have had more oomph to them but really, that's just a minor point to an otherwise well thought out and illustrated book.
One of my favorite stitches is the spiral and Weiss made sure three different spiral stitches are covered - the basic spiral, flat spiral and the double spiral.
The necklace projects which incorporate tubular herringbone, tubular netting, tubular peyote, daisy chain, St Petersburg chain or RAW are not just standalone projects but are ideally suited for pendant additions. So once learned, the focus could be on adding a beaded cabochon using the peyote bezel project in this book or even a wire work pendant.
For the other "why didn't they come out with this book while I was learning" book check out my review on the Absolute Beginner's Guide: Stringing Beaded Jewelry.
Other book reviews:
- Your Seed Bead Style
- Crystal Brilliance - Making Jewelry with Crystal Beads
- Making Mixed Media Art Charms and Jewelry
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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
Looks like this would be a useful book even for experienced beaders who want to learn a new technique. I seem to use the same techniques all the time (for example, tubular bead crochet). It is good to step outside your comfort zone.
ReplyDeleteGood point, Willi!
ReplyDeleteDitto what Willi said. :D
ReplyDeleteNo, seriously even more experienced beaders don't know all the techniques and this "so-called" beginners book would be a must have basic in any beaders library.
I just stumbled across this review while reading a different review on your site. And I wanted to say thanks! I'm so glad you found the book useful.
ReplyDeleteIt was my pleasure! And I meant every word!
ReplyDeleteI just bought this book as i am a beginner cant wait to read it and cant wait use them
ReplyDeleteHave fun Tonya! This book will open up a whole new world of jewelry making!! I wish I had had it when I was starting out.
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