| If you are a complete
beginner who wants to learn how to string and weave beads
plus learn some wire techniques, you probably won’t
find a better book than this. Its 160 pages are jam packed
with pretty much everything you need to know, and unlike a
lot of “beginner” books, it doesn’t matter
if you really are starting from scratch. Originally published
as Compendium of Beading Techniques back in 2009, this is
one Search Press classic that any beader ought to own.
I have a copy of the original on my shelves and get a lot
out of it despite being an experienced beader. I love the
fold-out flap at the back which tells you wire sizes and gauges
plus how many beads of a certain size you get to an inch,
18” or 24”. Turn to the beginning and learn all
about beads, tools, wire, storage and more. Each page has
lots of colorful images of the items, plus it tells you a
bit about each and why you need them (or not). There are tips,
descriptions, charts and “Fix It” features to
help you buy wisely and get the most out of your purchases.
After this you can find out about what you need to consider
when designing a piece and even how to work comfortably. Along
the way are lots of useful features such as a list of birth
stones, a flow chart to use when designing for somebody else
and the pros and cons of various stringing materials. The
rest of the book is divided into chapters on stringing, wirework
and weaving. This is not a book of projects but a guide to
all the techniques you need to design your own pieces, or
to understand a pattern. Learn all the most common offloom
stitches, how to use a bead loom, work with wire and use all
the different stringing materials correctly. Master finishing
off, using tools, reading charts and fix problems like spilled
beads or wonky holes. At the back is an index, a useful glossary
and an indispensable list of UK stockists, groups and sites
with more beading information. By the time you have worked
through the book you will be ready for just about anything!
This is one for the keeper shelf, and a great gift for anybody
who wants to take up the hobby.
If you cannot find a good range of beadwork materials locally
try www.searchpress.com for a list of suppliers.
Reviews of other titles by this author
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Beads Big Jewellry - Jean Powers
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