Another Review at MyShelf.Com

Project: Necklaces
20 Designs Using Beads, Wire, Chain and More
Compiled by Bead&Button Magazine editors (Erica Swanson, Editor)

Kalmbach Books
October 8, 2013 / ISBN 978-0871167514
How-to/Jewelry
Amazon

Reviewed by Linda Morelli

As a jewelry designer, I look forward to all the new releases from Kalmbach Books. They produce the best magazines and books on the art of jewelry design, no matter the medium. Project: Necklaces is among the best I’ve read yet. It’s impossible to select any one that I love the most in this latest release, because it has everything novices need to take up jewelry design: information on tools and materials and, most importantly, various techniques needed to complete a project of which one can be proud. Instructions include stringing, single stitches, combined techniques and wirework.

Project: Necklaces isn't limited to newbies. This publication contains 30 designs by some of the best jewelry designers, all meant to inspire even the most experienced jewelry designer and get our creative juices flowing.

I love every design in this book, though I have my favorites. Some of them are classical designs, such as Jenny Van’s bicone crystal “Peacock Fan,” and Ludmila Faitzin’s infused glass “Flowers and Lace.” Then there’s the unusual -- Tea Benduhn’s “Rock Collector” that incorporates pyrite, lava and goldstone. Or the simply stunning and beautiful “Autumn Garland” by Maria Kirk, and Jeka Lambert’s fire-polished beaded “Fanciful Romance.”

I‘ve tried a few designs, varying the materials but using the clear and helpful instructions as a guide. I doubt my finished product would have been quite so elegant had I not had this book as a reference. Each talented designer who contributed the stylish jewelry to this publication is among the top artists today, but what I love most about this book is that it incorporates the styles so prominent in today’s fashions. A must have for every jewelry designers’ reference library, Project: Necklaces will be referred to again and again.

Reviewer Linda Morelli is the award winning author of three published romance novels.
Reviewed 2013
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