Some years ago, I reviewed the Absolute Beginner's Guide to Stitching Beaded Jewelry. It still is a book I would recommend to total novices. But what if you are not just started out but wanting to improve your basic beading skills a bit more....and have some fun while doing so. This book might just do the trick.
I recently received Carol Huber Cypher's Mastering Beadwork which aims to be a comprehensive guide. It is an Interweave/F+W publication. There are digital as well as hard copies of the book. It's not often a beading publication includes a spiral bound version. It's particularly helpful to have this thick 240 page book be laid open in this way.
The book is packed with 63 projects and is nearly comprehensive. The St Petersburg stitch, for example, did not appear in this book. But many of the most popular basic stitches are included.
The projects were for bracelets, earrings, necklaces, rings as well as non- jewelry items like the beaded card case and a net fringed scarf (no shown). Toggle closures and the ever popular beaded beads are also covered. The eyeglass leash was also noteworthy because the author teaches an alternative to the ladder stitch foundation.
The inspirational designs are often colorful, fun to make without having to invest a huge amount of time. It's clear the designer has experience in teaching because she offers tips, variations and alternative suggestions for all the techniques covered.
Packing so many projects in this book reduced the number of step of step pictures it could hold. For most part, reading the text sufficed although a rank beginner might be put off with some of the more complicated projects. One project I thought could definitely do with more pictures was the bead crochet one. It is tricky to get the first round and correct hooking done so the beads lie correctly.
I was also surprised to see soldering mentioned but not thoroughly covered in this book. The author solders jump rings to close them. I suspect most beaders will not be keen on any hot technique so purchase closed jump rings instead!
All in all, this is a useful stitch reference guide especially for those who need a refresher from time to time. It benefits most those who have already started along the beading path although determined novices will also be inspired. With so many projects, this book is the best value for the price I've seen in a long while.
Giveaway
If you'd like to win a copy of Mastering Beadwork please make a comment below. Make sure you leave contact info below if you do not have an online shop or blog.
Email subscribers need to scroll down the post they receive, click on Share Comment and enter your comment. Pick Name/URL. If you don't have a store or blog, leave the URL blank.
This giveaway is international.
If the winner has a non-post box US address, the prize will be a physical book. Otherwise it will be an eBook.
Extra entries if you become or are a blog subscriber or follower etc. If you also do shout outs about this giveaway, those will count as additional entries too! Please say so in the comments.
It ends in a week's time at 6 pm EST Monday, January 4 , 2016 . I will pick the winner randomly and announce the results as soon as possible after. So be sure to leave a contact email if you don't have an online link or make sure you come back and check! Otherwise I will redraw in a week. Good luck!
Disclosure
I receive books and products for review. I do receive a small fee for any products purchased through affiliate links. The opinions expressed are solely my own. They would be the same whether or not I receive any compensation.
Before You Go:
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
I recently received Carol Huber Cypher's Mastering Beadwork which aims to be a comprehensive guide. It is an Interweave/F+W publication. There are digital as well as hard copies of the book. It's not often a beading publication includes a spiral bound version. It's particularly helpful to have this thick 240 page book be laid open in this way.
The book is packed with 63 projects and is nearly comprehensive. The St Petersburg stitch, for example, did not appear in this book. But many of the most popular basic stitches are included.
The projects were for bracelets, earrings, necklaces, rings as well as non- jewelry items like the beaded card case and a net fringed scarf (no shown). Toggle closures and the ever popular beaded beads are also covered. The eyeglass leash was also noteworthy because the author teaches an alternative to the ladder stitch foundation.
The inspirational designs are often colorful, fun to make without having to invest a huge amount of time. It's clear the designer has experience in teaching because she offers tips, variations and alternative suggestions for all the techniques covered.
Double Spiral Roll-on Bangle |
Packing so many projects in this book reduced the number of step of step pictures it could hold. For most part, reading the text sufficed although a rank beginner might be put off with some of the more complicated projects. One project I thought could definitely do with more pictures was the bead crochet one. It is tricky to get the first round and correct hooking done so the beads lie correctly.
I was also surprised to see soldering mentioned but not thoroughly covered in this book. The author solders jump rings to close them. I suspect most beaders will not be keen on any hot technique so purchase closed jump rings instead!
Joy Squared Cuff (Peyote) |
Starry Night Card Case |
Flaming Cocktail Ring ( Triangle Weave) |
Marigold Fan Earrings (Brick Stitch) |
Saffron and Crimson Necklace (South African Scallop) |
Giveaway
If you'd like to win a copy of Mastering Beadwork please make a comment below. Make sure you leave contact info below if you do not have an online shop or blog.
Email subscribers need to scroll down the post they receive, click on Share Comment and enter your comment. Pick Name/URL. If you don't have a store or blog, leave the URL blank.
This giveaway is international.
If the winner has a non-post box US address, the prize will be a physical book. Otherwise it will be an eBook.
Extra entries if you become or are a blog subscriber or follower etc. If you also do shout outs about this giveaway, those will count as additional entries too! Please say so in the comments.
It ends in a week's time at 6 pm EST Monday, January 4 , 2016 . I will pick the winner randomly and announce the results as soon as possible after. So be sure to leave a contact email if you don't have an online link or make sure you come back and check! Otherwise I will redraw in a week. Good luck!
Disclosure
I receive books and products for review. I do receive a small fee for any products purchased through affiliate links. The opinions expressed are solely my own. They would be the same whether or not I receive any compensation.
Before You Go:
- Book Review - Japanese Beadwork
- Book Review - Bead Riffs
- Book Review - Beadweaving Beyond the Basics
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
I have not delved into beading in this way as I have been intimidated by the fine work but this book looks so comprehensive that I think I could possibly manage some of the techniques! Thanks for the description and samples.
ReplyDeleteThis book is so fantastic. I don't have a copy but I've often borrowed it from the library and read it. Thanks Pearl! and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteOh this does look like a great book-I could never have enough books on learning new skills or expanding my current skillset! Subscriber and blog follower, can be reached at retro-grrl@hotmail.com, fingers crossed!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win. I'm new to beading and always looking for tips, tutorials and ideas
ReplyDeleteOnce again, you have a wonderful giveaway. It looks like a great addition to my beading library.
ReplyDeleteI'm a blog subscriber & FB follower. Thanks for everything you do for the beading community!
Awesome post. Looks like an interesting book with a lot of great ways to do different stitches and weaves.
ReplyDeleteWould love to win this...thanks!
ReplyDeleteI have seen this book before and love it!!!! I thank you for the opportunity to win it!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the opportunity to win what looks to be a wonderful book! pstaveley@roadrunner.com
ReplyDeleteWould love to win this for Deb, she is struggling with bead work. Blog follower: zoowatcher10@yahoo.com. Thank you Pearl.
ReplyDeleteO, there's just so much to learn. How great to have all the beading techniques in one book. Would love to win this book.
ReplyDeletedonnacorn@juno.com
This looks like a great book! I have decided to increase my skills in the upcoming new year, and this book would be an outstanding addition to my library. Thank you for the giveaway and I hope you have a happy new year!
ReplyDeleteAs you know, I spend most of my time on Kumihimo but am always looking for beaded projects to use as embellishments. I am self taught but do have problems at times following instructions. Would love to have better instructions as well as pretty projects to use. Please enter b meet in the drawing.
ReplyDeleteLooks like the perfect reference book. It would be a welcome addition to any bead lovers library! beadcontagion@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI know sooner or later I am gonna win one of these giveaways. Maybe this will be the one.Looks like a great book to have. jdbabygirl57@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI would LOve, love, LOVE to have this book. I am primarily self taught & would love to have this amazing book to master the stitches. cozyhomerental@cox.net
ReplyDeleteWhat gorgeous projects! Makes me think I should back away from the hammering of metal for a while and try something new!
ReplyDeleteLove beaded jewelry. Would like to have this book. I't seems to be easy to follow and the pattern are gorgeous.I'm a suscriber.
ReplyDeletelinda.lalibarte@hotmail.com
Thank you would love a chance at winning this book. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteOh I'd just Love to have a book like this! Please enter me in this drawing. I'm a page follower and an avid beader and jewelry maker. Self taught so if feel as if I'm reinventing the wheel sometimes. Any book instruction will be welcomed! Thanks! Sherri Morris ✌
ReplyDeleteSherrimo3@yahoo.com
Looks like a great book ! I have been learning beadwork from tutorials on-line it would be great to have this book! great giveaway thank you!
ReplyDeleteJudy
judy@rosewind.ca
Looks like a terrific book. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteI am a blog follower. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this giveaway !
ReplyDeletevoltzia@gmail.com
I have taken out Mastering Beadwork from our library many times--love that book (and would love my own copy)!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rachel
I would love this book. It would enhance my beading skills.
ReplyDeleteWhat a book of wonderful designs. I would love to have the chance to make some of them.
ReplyDeleteShuga217@gmail.com
This is a wonderful giveaway and I would love to have it, like many others would. Happy New Year all.
ReplyDeleteI have seen this book and learned how to peyote stitch from it. It would be a wonderful reference to have!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy reading all your book reviews. This looks like it would be a great addition to any library. I can already see a few projects that I would like to start.
ReplyDeleteThe book looks great! Thanks for having the giveaway. I receive your blog posts and enjoy them very much. Happy New Year! rochelleth@hvc.rr.com
ReplyDeletewonderful book... I am a blog follower... thanks for the chance to win
ReplyDeletegreat book to add to beading skills. Thanks for offering as prize and for all you do for beaders.
ReplyDeletetigers628@hotmail.com
always love a book to add to skills. Thanks for the giveaway and all you do for beaders. follow your email offerings tigers628@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteThis books takes the basics and turns them into beautiful pieces. I would love a chance to win. Thank you for this opportunity Pearl.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous book! I would love to have a copy.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the opportunity.
maprice13@hotmail.com
Fantastic book. Would love to win it.
ReplyDeleteYes I would love to win this book of such beautiful designs. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great addition to my beading library...hope I get it!!
ReplyDeleteAlix
apeshet
Wow, what a givaway. As an amateur beader I'd love this book I would love to enter to win this. What a New Year's present to mr
ReplyDeleteOh nice!! I used this book when I was first starting to learn and loved it. Unfortunately, I didn't have my own copy and borrowed it from the library but they don't have it anymore.
ReplyDeleteI'm a blog subscriber/follower - email: rachelw.crafts@hotmail.com
I would like to be a part of this giveaway~!
ReplyDeleteI'm also a follower of your blog :)