Learn
to Make Bead Jewelry is yet another excellent entry into
Kalmbach Books' craft publications. Though it appears to be
intended for beginner to intermediate jewelry designers, it
has wonderful ideas for any designer with any level of experience.
One of the great things I love about this book is the detailed
beginning section on materials, tools and techniques; also
included are photos that reveal blends of colors and color
gradients to create different motifs: ocean, beach, meadow,
woodland, forest, mountain and volcano. Also included in this
section are the names of the various projects and a quick
indication of the page number where you can find the complete
step-by-step instructions, along with more color photos. The
book has comprehensive sections listing beads and their diversities,
tips on bead buying, string materials and findings. The "Toolbox"
section discusses various tools needed to complete the projects
listed in the book, though most people who have already designed
jewelry may possess most of them. The most important section
is "Techniques" for using the tools, findings and
beads to make beautiful pieces of jewelry.
I'm not a novice at making jewelry, but even so, I found several
ideas I could use from the "Simple pleasures earrings"
for gifts. Some of my favorite designs were the "Beach
love beads" and "English garden necklace."
New techniques I found that I definitely will try is a new
take on the traditional technique of French beading found
in the "Fall leaves necklace." But that's just a
sampling of the many outstanding projects in this book. Anyone
who possesses Learn to Make Bead Jewelry will have
a selection of 35 bountiful ideas for fabulous projects from
Lynn Davy. This is a great resource for any jewelry crafter
and designer, and one I'll return to often.
2nd
review
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