It wasn't too long ago when I mentioned how there was a dearth of tutorials and books featuring the use of the exciting new Czech bead shapes which are becoming more widely available. It looks as if we are getting our wishes come through as another beadwork book is just out. Many of the projects use a variety of Czech beads.
Kalmbach Publishing recently sent me Marcia Balonis' Lush Layered Beadweaving book for review. Most of the 23 projects in the book were for bracelets with a few necklaces. No rings, brooches or earrings! The author is an experienced instructor so many of the projects show helpful alternative colorways. That is because she has discovered students find picking colors particularly difficult.
The Basic Materials, Tools and Techniques chapter was illuminating - even for those fairly experienced with beadweaving. The author shared invaluable tips including how to use a Tulip awl to pop out an errant bead instead of crushing it.
She also discusses several thread options in this section. It is not always about Fireline! There are other fishing lines out there, each with its own advantages. The author uses different kinds depending on the project, For example, she uses Fireline 8 lb test if the design has crystals or if it is a heavier piece.
All the projects were categorized by skill level. I found there wasn't that much difference between the advanced beginner and intermediate levels. The advanced section was where the designs were more complex - my favorites included the Eye of the Tiger bracelet and the Dress Up Tie necklace designs shown at the end.
Other standout designs include those using crescent beads like the Chunky Monkey bracelet above. The Magic Carpet Ride bracelet neatly integrated crescent beads with Quadratile beads.
Overall, the designs were pleasing to the eye and not super difficult. Beadweaving fans will certainly enjoy having this book in their libraries!
Giveaway
If you'd like to win this giveaway for a copy of Lush Layered Beadweaving book, 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 for US and Canada only.
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. (The exception is Facebook - just like/comment on the giveaway status there!!)
It ends in a week's time at 6 pm EST Monday, July 9, 2018. 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!
Before You Go:
Disclosure This blog may contain affiliate links. I do receive a small fee for any products purchased through affiliate links. This goes towards the support of this blog and to provide resource information to readers. The opinions expressed are solely my own. They would be the same whether or not I receive any compensation.
______________________________
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Wire JewelryTips -Jewelry Business Tips
Kalmbach Publishing recently sent me Marcia Balonis' Lush Layered Beadweaving book for review. Most of the 23 projects in the book were for bracelets with a few necklaces. No rings, brooches or earrings! The author is an experienced instructor so many of the projects show helpful alternative colorways. That is because she has discovered students find picking colors particularly difficult.
The Basic Materials, Tools and Techniques chapter was illuminating - even for those fairly experienced with beadweaving. The author shared invaluable tips including how to use a Tulip awl to pop out an errant bead instead of crushing it.
She also discusses several thread options in this section. It is not always about Fireline! There are other fishing lines out there, each with its own advantages. The author uses different kinds depending on the project, For example, she uses Fireline 8 lb test if the design has crystals or if it is a heavier piece.
All the projects were categorized by skill level. I found there wasn't that much difference between the advanced beginner and intermediate levels. The advanced section was where the designs were more complex - my favorites included the Eye of the Tiger bracelet and the Dress Up Tie necklace designs shown at the end.
Other standout designs include those using crescent beads like the Chunky Monkey bracelet above. The Magic Carpet Ride bracelet neatly integrated crescent beads with Quadratile beads.
Overall, the designs were pleasing to the eye and not super difficult. Beadweaving fans will certainly enjoy having this book in their libraries!
Giveaway
If you'd like to win this giveaway for a copy of Lush Layered Beadweaving book, 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 for US and Canada only.
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. (The exception is Facebook - just like/comment on the giveaway status there!!)
It ends in a week's time at 6 pm EST Monday, July 9, 2018. 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!
Before You Go:
- Book Review : Exquisite Stitching with Multi-hole Beads
- Book Review : Inspired Bead Embroidery
- Book Review : Beadweaving Beyond the Basics
Disclosure This blog may contain affiliate links. I do receive a small fee for any products purchased through affiliate links. This goes towards the support of this blog and to provide resource information to readers. The opinions expressed are solely my own. They would be the same whether or not I receive any compensation.
______________________________
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Wire JewelryTips -Jewelry Business Tips
SThe Dream Deep Cuff looks amazing! Bead weaving is my favourite technique for making jewelry, and although I’ve been able to pick up a lot of it on my own, this would be so helpful in getting me to use those onderful beads sitting in my stash. I buy crescent, and peanut, and honeycomb, and the list goes on, because they look intriguing, but then I struggle to make something that looks good. I need this!
ReplyDeleteWould love to win this...Thank you for the opportunity!
ReplyDeleteMy goodness, those are some beautiful designs with the new bead shapes.Beautiful to look at, and I'm sure fun to make with many variations possible.
ReplyDeleteOooh, I absolutely love beading books. I barely have any, but always find them useful/inspirational! Especially those with shaped beads, they can be tricky sometimes! I would totally love to win this! Thank you for doing this great giveaway! Im a subscriber/follower and Ive also shared this giveaway on both my personal and business FB pages. Thank you again for offering this great giveaway! :)
ReplyDeleteOh wow!!! Looks like a fabulous book. I'd love to add it to my library!!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
I never really thought about other types of threads and how to use them. Now I'm curious...
ReplyDeleteLoriecrisp@yahoo.ca
This book takes bead weaving to places it hasn't been before. The Steps and Stones bracelet is a particular favorite because the colors are so vibrant.
ReplyDeleteoh my goodness! such gorgeous pieces! ty for this chance. blog reader at auravisionrose@peoplepc.com
ReplyDeleteThat's a great book, so useful to know how to use all these new shapes beads! Padmacr@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteWould love to win this book! Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this book. I love the Magic Carpet Ride Bracelet and the Dress Up Tie Necklace. I already struggle terribly with RAW and this book is bound to help me fly beyond my problems. lol.
ReplyDeleteWowzers! This book looks fabulous & is full of eye candy & inspiration.
ReplyDeleteAs always, Pearl, thank you for all you do to inform & inspire us all. I always look forward to seeing your blog in my email as well as your Facebook posts.
What a beautiful book, would love to win it. Thanks for reviewing it.
ReplyDeleteandreecaron67@gmail.com
I have for so long wanted to expand my bead weaving knowledge! What a great way to start! Thank you for the opportunity to win!
ReplyDeleteBlog subscriber, Katrina@katrinapeebles.com
Oops! I entered my comment above with the wrong contact info. Please don't disqualify me for entering twice.
ReplyDeleteOh my, I have a stash of beads that I could finally put to use in these patterns. Via FB
ReplyDeleteI am always looking for patterns using the new bead shapes (and more than one of the shapes per pattern -- I buy all the shapes as soon as I see them on the market!) so I am adding this to my wish list for sure.
ReplyDeleteThese designs look awesome! They would certainly inspire me to try bead weaving - I do most everything else with beads :-)
ReplyDeleteThe designs in this book look great. I really like the designs with crescent too!
ReplyDeleteFirst, thank you for not making your readers and fans of your work jump through multiple hoops to be eligible for the chance to win this gorgeous book. It is greatly appreciated!
ReplyDeleteThe jewelry you've shown from the book is not only beautiful, it has such a creative range there is something for everyone, regardless of their style. Reading the table if contents, I see several things that I could make for my daughter to wear on her wedding day (I repeatedly asked her to stop growing up but she became a lovely young woman anyway, LOL) Thanks for showing us the examples so we can go purchase this gem of a book if we don't find it in our mailbox...
Tracey McFerran
tmcferran60@gmail.com
I have trouble figuring out colorways. I am afraid that I will do it and have to undo it all to start again. I like that the book would help me with this. I need all the help I can get since I am a beginner. I have tons of duos, seed, tila beads just waiting for my creative juices to flow. I am up to the challenge with a little guidance.
ReplyDeleteFan and Follower
lorimahan71@gmail.com
I'd love the book! I don't have a shop or anything. My email is clarkwright@yahoo.com. Thanks...fingers crossed. lol
ReplyDeleteThis book looks fantastic!
ReplyDeletebt.13beads@gmail.com
I am so very interested in this book!!! I've never been one to do bead weaving, working with seed beads, etc. My initial problem with seed beads, bead weaving & the like, was the amount of time required; I'm more of "instant gratification" seeker. ;-D But, the bigger issue was their size & my aging eyes! Since the creation of the "newer" Czech glass multi-hole beads, with the colors & coatings, vast number of shapes & sizes (need I go on?), my imagiation has been working overtime. (I've also invested in better magnification equipment.) I've followed a couple simple patterns & want to do more. Hence, my reason for entering your give-away.
ReplyDeleteI do have a couple questions regarding the book: are there instructions, advice, suggestions regarding designing your own patterns? Are there specs on all the different shapes, sizes, number & location of holes? If not, do you know where I might find this information in a chart? I know I could go out & purchase 1 of each type or look up the information myself, but I thought before I do all of that, I'd ask an EXPERT!
Thanks Pearl for all you do for all the leaders around the world.
LouKYMom (aka terri@bidwells.us)
Bead weaving is my favourite technique. Looks like this book has lots of tips along with its patterns. i.e. the different types of fishing line. The patterns all looked very pretty and any would be fun to make. Here is hoping!
ReplyDeletea.p.brad@rogers.com
Just love these bracelets. I would be happy to give this book a good home.
ReplyDeleteekennedy0906@gmail.com
Love this giveaway! via FB
ReplyDeleteIt looks like there are some really pretty patterns in this book, I'd love to make them!
ReplyDeletejacienova@gmail.com
Hi Pearl,
ReplyDeleteThat would be such a fantastic book to have. Thank you for hosting yet another wonderful giveaway.
I shared the contest on Twitter and Pinterest.
I follow your blog too.
my email address is msd.katz@hotmail.com
Cheers, Debra
This books has some amazing patterns in it. My favourites are the Dream Deep Cuff and the Magic Carpet Ride. They are both gorgeous! !'m so glad that when I met you, you told me about your blog. I am finding a wealth of knowledge here. Thank you so much.
ReplyDeleterstevenson4@cogeco.ca
I have been waiting months for this book to come out and now due to unforeseen incidents (my husband having tongue cancer) I can't get it at this time. I definitely have it on my wishlists.
ReplyDeleteI follow you on Facebook, Google+, Instagram, Twitter, pinterest, email, and bloglovin
I would SOOOO love to learn how to use the new shapes of beads.
ReplyDeleteThe Magic Carpet Ride is so different than anything I've created before. As a bracelet junkie, I love the variety of bead shapes and sizes. I already have a color scheme in mind! Thank you for presenting this giveaway, Pearl. I'm going to Pin and FB this opportunity!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Gloria!!
DeleteWhat a beautiful collection of jewelry. I've never thought of learning how to do this. Looks wonderful. Essanders58@aol.com
ReplyDeleteI'm excited about this collection. I have some of Marcia Balonis tutorials and they are very easy to follow. I surely hope I can win this book.
ReplyDeletedorism3560@gmail.com
Another neat giveaway! Thanks!
ReplyDeletesusanduffy@hotmail.com
Great patterns. Would love to win. Thank you for the giveaway. tigers628@hotmail.com
ReplyDelete