Easy to read and well illustrated guide books are great for beginners. That is because they cover the basics and include all the explanations and tips needed so the learning curve isn't quite so steep. You can certainly learn on your own but it will take much longer.
The Absolute Beginner Guides from Kalmbach Publishing are excellent (see review links below). Several years ago, I reviewed their Beginner Guide for beading. Little did I know they now have another ace up their sleeve.
Beadwork is a very popular jewelry technique so it makes sense to see a fresh approach to teaching beginners. I received Marla Salezze's Learn to Stitch Beaded Jewelry book for review. Florida based Marla is a published designer and experienced instructor.
The book covers the major stitches and techniques. There are 3 main designs for each with additional variations and inspirations, taking the total to 50+ projects. There are bracelet, necklace, earrings and ring projects.
The author also covers the basics like tools and materials in the beginning of the book. I especially like her little section on beading lingo - these phrases are not usually explained in most beading projects and might bewilder beginners.
Shown here are some of my favorites from the book. The first projects in each section were clearly designed to be simple enough for the absolute beginner. One example is the herringbone bracelet project shown below :
Another "first go" project is the Lively Lentil Loop earrings in the spiral rope section.
The last projects of each section, like the Polka Dot Paradise peyote necklace below, are a bit more challenging but still well within the capabilities of a beginner.
The Dew Drop lariat project is a wonderful application of the netted beading technique.
This button pendant is a lovely example from the bead embroidery section.
Some weaves are not as popular as others. (You're not a fan of square stitch, either?) But this designer comes up with attractive, yet easy designs which wow. Shown below are the ladder stitch and square stitch designs I particularly liked.
I liked the previous beginner beading guide but this one is refreshingly different and my new favorite. Highly recommended for anyone who is just starting out. And for those who just want quick, easy AND lovely projects to make!
Giveaway
If you'd like to win this giveaway for a copy of Learn to Stitch Beaded Jewelry, 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, January, 2019. 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 - Absolute Beginner's Guide to Making Wire Jewelry
- Book Review - Absolute Beginner's Guide Stringing Beaded Jewelry
- Book Review - Absolute Beginner's Guide Making Chain Mail Jewelry
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.
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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Wire JewelryTips -Jewelry Business Tips
I have been bead weaving for quite some time, and I have to admit I have not yet even tried the square stitch, and I usually only use brick stitch to start a herringbone piece. The circlet collar looks like an awesome way to try my hand at a less used technique.
ReplyDeleteOopsy, it’s the ladder stitch I use to start herringbone. Lol, I might need this book more than I first realize.
DeleteWow, this looks like a great book. So many pretty projects!!! I would love to win this book.
ReplyDeleteswillert@new.rr.com
I love this kind of work. Thanks for all you do Pearl.
ReplyDeleteWould love to win this. Thank you for the opportunity!!!!
ReplyDeleteEven if you have been Beading a while, it's always a good idea to review technigues. It always makes sense to make sure that you haven't started using bad habits. Please enter me in the give away. I'm also a faithful blob subscriber. Thanks for all the interesting information you provide.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great book to have on hand for easy reference. So many awesome projects!
ReplyDeleteI have recently become obsessed with bead weaving! Thank you for the opportunity to win this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteKatrina@katrinapeebles.com
I love the work I have seen from the author of this book! Thanks for this review. I have been looking at this book wondering whether or not to purchase. Maybe I can win this?
ReplyDeleteInteresting pieces. via Facebook
ReplyDeleteLooks like some interesting designs to make while learning some new beading techniques.
ReplyDeleteI have had to put my beads away for a long period and am ready to start again. I would love to have this book as a refresher of all the patterns!
ReplyDeleteWow, this book would be awesome to have! I recently got a ton of 10, 12, 14, and 16mm Rivolis to bezel. Id love to make that necklace with the 4 bezeled rivolis in the center! Thanks for doing this great giveaway! :) (meredith.mckenna@gmail.com)
ReplyDeleteI am self taught...thanks to YouTube and blogs like yours. This book looks like just the thing to help fill in the holes of my knowledge base.
ReplyDeleteThose are gorgeous projects! I'd love to learn how to make them, especially the lentil loop earrings and the button pendant and the chutes and ladders bracelet!
ReplyDeleteI love that it has each technique separated and can be easily accessed when you are learning it as a new way or need a quick refresher. I also love that it has easy and some challenging projects that will help you progress through mastery. I haven't done much jewelry like this, but would love to try my hand at it.
ReplyDeletefan and follower
lorimahan71@gmail.com
These beading projects look intricate. I’d love to try them all!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a great resource to take beadwork to the next level. Thanks for the opportunity to win this awesome book!
ReplyDeleteLooks like some great projects. Would love to win it. Thanks Pearl.
ReplyDeleteekennedy0906@gmail.com
What AWESOME designs I love the look of them and would love to make them thanks for the chance to win this!
ReplyDeletesally0630@yahoo.com
I'm a subscriber
ReplyDeletesally0630@yahoo.com
pinterest.com/sally0630
Although this may be great for beginners, it is a great reference book. I love the pieces, especially the lariat, you have chosen to mention. Beautiful projects for beginners and experienced beaders alike are shown. Thanks for a wonderful giveaway. I follow your blog and facebook page. Would love to win. tigers628@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a very creative book for learning many bead stiches. Naturally, I would love to win it. pelletierbeads@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a book for the wish list! Thanks for reviewing it!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this. I would learn so much from it!
ReplyDelete