I
love the jewelry-making books released by Kalmbach. They are
printed on high quality paper, with full color photos, and
are filled with wonderful easy-to-make original designs that
stir the imagination and always manage to infuse my creativity.
Jane Danley Cruz’s latest release, Ready, Set, Bead!
has “25 quick and easy stitching projects”
that will help us make stunning pieces of jewelry that will
please and amaze even the beginner.
As usual,
the author begins with information on basics: Beading tools
and Materials, Beading Techniques, and other items you may
want to have on hand, like bead mats or bead boards (which
I recommend), bead dishes and task lamps. The beading technique
section covers basic stitches and techniques, but what I like
most about this release is that the author guides us through
designs taking one hour and, as we get more comfortable with
the process, pieces that are progressively more involved.
All of the jewelry designs in this book are absolutely stunning
and can be easily redesigning incorporating your own concepts
and colors. One look at the cover of this release will give
you an idea of the exceptional designs included between the
covers, but I have my favorites: Th”e “Arabesque
Earrings” (featured on the cover, 1-hour project), the
“Little Black Dress Ring” (2 hours), the Chevron
Chain Bracelet” (3 hours) and the “Fishnet Stockings
Rope” (4 hours), the latter of which is reminiscent
of vintage jewelry pieces.
The real
value of this outstanding new release is the author’s
past experience as a teacher and Associate Editor of Bead&Button
magazine, which speaks of her expertise. Using this book
is like taking classes in your own home, at your leisure,
to create wonderful and unique pieces for yourself, your friends
and your family. |