Reviews (3)

TRULY DOROTHY REVIEW
Outstanding service!! Great item and super fast shipping. A pleasure doing business with this seller.

Very Nice "Guide" Book
This book is a wonderful little comprehensive "guide" to the different shapes, sizes and composition properties of the beads included.I feel this book will be particularly helpful and a wonderful resource to those just starting out in beading.To learn about types, the correct names for shapes and to be able to see the names of the bead/stones that you may hear about frequently, this is PERFECT!Not only does it tell you what the beads are, it explains why or how the name was arrived at.There is also a nice section on findings along with a very well thought out guide for every bead listed.The guide found along the side edge of each bead listed provides the shape of the bead when strung from both front and side views, the weight, the size, type of stringing recommended, the costs to your wallet and a ruler guide as to how many of each particular bead can be strung on a thread 10 inches long.This feature will be particularly helpful in preventing over purchasing of beads by not buying more than you will need for a particular project you may have in mind.Additionally it shows each bead with several different viewsand an "actual size" photograph, which I find extremely helpful.If you are looking for a book on "HOW TO" bead, this is not it. However, before you really can learn how to bead, you ARE going to need to know all the things in this book.Very nice resource guide and index with this one too, for quick location of a particular bead.The book itself is in a beautiful hard cover with a nice spiral spine that is housed inside the cover.This book has a retail price of $24.95 US, but on Amazon only $15.72!!!A real bargain for the price and one of the best bead books I own (and I have PLENTY!)

Great for Beginners
This book is great for the Beginner Beader to learn the names and shapes of beads.As an Advanced Beader I was disappointed, assuming this directory would include more information, including history of particular beads, qualities of the stones and where they come from, where certain beads originate from.Perhaps a "must-have" for Beginners, but somewhat redundant for the Advanced Beader. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beads    2. Beads & Beading    3. Beadwork    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Crafts / Hobbies    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Jewelry    8. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry   

Reviews (6)

For buyers, not researchers
After 20 years working in Africa and collecting beads, I find this the best book of its type for people actually going into African markets, American bead shows, and flea markets looking to buy rare or collectible beads. It is not the right book for someone who doesn't yet know the basics about where and how the major types of beads are/were fabricated, how they have traveled, and the ethnographics associated with their past and present uses. (For those subjects, try Dubin, J. Allen, Liu, Picard, and Beckworth's Africa Adorned.)But for ballpark pricing, comparisons, and availability, there's nothing better in print.

Excellent!
I boughtthis book for my mom - she was getting really into hunting for beads (and buttons but that's another story) at yard sales, antique stores etc.She didn't really know what she was buying - just what she liked - so I bought this book for her about a year ago and she has loved it ever since.There are a lot of pictures, descriptions and background info on the different types of beads.If nothing else, it has provided a good foundation for her in her hunt for more beads so she knows a little more about the types/styles to look for (in addition to just what she happend to like)

I DON'T KNOW BEADS
AND THIS BOOK DIDN'T HELP ME UNDERSTAND THEM ANY BETTER. IT JUST CONFUSED ME MORE ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques / Collectibles    3. Antiques/Collectibles    4. Beads & Beading    5. Buttons & Pins    6. Jewelry    7. Antiques & Collectables    8. Decorative arts & crafts    9. bead   

Reviews (3)

Here a bead, there a bead, EVERYWHERE
It's not necessary for a book like this to start with bead types (bone, coral, African trade).Most who would pick up a book on decorating with beads, like me, probably have drawers full of them and just want to get them out where we can see them.I also don't need to know what tools I'll need to fill my entire house with beaded d�cor, so just rip out the beginning of the book and take me straight to ideas.
Nice to Look At But.....
Lots of good ideas and beautiful projects.However, instructions are terrible...it took us about 30 minutes just to figure out some of the instructions to one of the projects. GORGEOUS! An extraordinary book full of many great projects
I *LOVE* this book!It is filled with innumerable gorgeous innovative projects which are both spectacular as they are, and easily modified to suit your own style/tastes.The exceptionally wide range of projects includes everything from exquisite beaded bottle tops and bottle people to a beaded abacus and beaded napkin rings. There is truly something for all styles and tastes. The projects are gorgeous in themselves, and will also spark your own creativity.I love it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Graphic Arts    7. Handicrafts    8. Home furnishing & decoration    9. PETS - CATS TRD HC   

Reviews (4)

great projects and easy to undrestand
Not only are the pictures and drections clear but this book is great for those looking for a bump in skill level from your basic beading techniques.Basics in the back are helpful if one forgets how to stitch or bend something.
Good, beautiful, fun...but not for beginners.
This is a lovely book for beaders with some experience.
Fabulous Book!
I received Chic & Easy Beading today and am really thrilled with it.The projects are straight-forward and step-by-step photos are provided to demonstrate techniques.With the exception of a few projects that weren't to my taste, there are enough ideas in here to keep me inspired for years!The beauty, of course, is that you can substitute any colours you don't care for to something of your own choosing.I would highly recommend buying this book -- it'll be a great addition to your beading library.:) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Jewelry   

Editorial Review

Beads have been used throughout the ages and in virtually every culture, not simply as adornment but to express social circumstances, political occurrences, and religious beliefs; as a form of currency; or as symbolic embodiments of curative powers. And they're colorful, made of various interesting materials, and can be combined in endless configurations. With more than 100 crisp color photos and intelligently written text that reaps the benefits of the author's 30 years of research, Read more

Reviews (9)

A 'MUST OWN' for all interested in beads, jewerly, adornment
I own a great deal of books on the subject of beads. I can easily say that I find myself returning to this book again and again for both reference and entertainment. Although some information may require a bit of updating, the work itself is easily one of the best books on the subject, making it an absolute 'must have' for anyone interested in beads, jewelry, or the history of adornment in cultures throughout the world.Although there are two wonderful editions of this book, I recommend the unabridged vesion, as it obviously contains the most amount of information.Overall, this book is concise, well-illustrated, and an overall entertaining read!

Incredible Book and a labor of love
This book comes in two versions:a concise version and a huge hardcover version.I own both, but find the unabridged version to be head and shoulders above the paperback "bead history lite" one.This huge tome is a labor of love, and is one of the best books available to learn why every culture devised by man has valued these little objects with holes in them. This is a correction of an erroneous review--
I hope this edit supercedes my previous review as the author was correct and I feel like an idiot for not doing my own research correctly and voicing criticism very inappropriately.The book is, as described by previous reviewers, quite gorgeous, and, along with Robert Liu's book, one of the few available serious efforts at a comprehensive history. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques / Collectibles    2. Art    3. Beads    4. Beauty & Grooming - General    5. General    6. History    7. History - General    8. Hobbies/Crafts    9. Jewelry    10. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    11. Crafts & Hobbies / General   

Reviews (4)

good for beginners and veterans
This is a great book for both beginner and advanced loomers.It has great instructions and pictures and is easy to follow.
Great starter book
I bought this book based on a mention in a beading magazine. The patterns are very beautiful and the instructions are clear. It's a good buy for someone starting to loom (like me).

this is a beautiful book!
There is something for everyone in this book. If you just want to look at the pictures, it is interesting, and has information on how to finish the projects. I was not disappointed! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies / Weaving    2. Hobbies/Crafts    3. Beadwork    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Crafts / Hobbies    6. Handlooms    7. Patterns    8. Weaving   

Reviews (1)

okay but rehash of previously published
first - the cover seems to have changed - mine has a pair of wire wrapped earrings -secondly, several of the pieces show have been published elsewhere, in magazines . when I buy a hardbound book, I'm assuming it's going to be all new material - or that the publishers will be honest enough to indicate that pieces in it are previously published. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Beadwork    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Decorating    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Jewelry    8. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    9. Jewelry making    10. Metal Work    11. CRAFTS & HOBBIES - LIT CLASSICS TRD PB    12. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry    13. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Reviews (4)

Beading with Peyote Stitch
A comprehensive review of the various types of peyote stitch.Clear instructions and diagrams.Great for a beginner and a good reference for the advanced beader.Has a number of pages of finished products without instructions which may or may not be useful.

good expansion on peyote
I am an experienced beader and liked this book because it expands on peyote's capabilities.Some examples are: making different shapes in peyote, curling, tubular, free-form,and beading in the round. There is a great project section followed by an excellent gallery section.

Worth buying, worth reading, worth keeping, and a warning
One of the few instructional beading books that also makes good reading.Sure, it's a must-have for the beading table, but it's a great take alongfor commuting, waiting at the dentist, or on the bedside table forinspiration before sleep. The good news: if you are a fan of the originalBeady-Eyed Women (the authors have other books), this one has lots of colorpictures, and not just in the (40-page!) Gallery section.More goodnews: Lots of diagrams, and most of them are right next to the text, sopeople who need both words and pictures can understand the steps. Thetext-links to the diagrams are easily numbered, and that's a big help.Even more good news: there are some great ideas in this book that I haven'tseen in others. The section on making geometric shapes and links is worththe price of the book. The surprise: the picture amazon.com shows as thebook cover is not the one on the cover of the book I got. The instructionsfor the Vicki Star's "Stellar Star" is not included in the book,but the picture is, on p.75. The bad news: The diagrams showing beadplacement use blue ink to show existing beads and the same tone of purpleink to show added beads. If you are a diagram user, read under a brightlight, or you won't understand what's going on. It would have been a betteridea to use contrasting colors for existing and newly added beads in thediagrams. More bad news: In the section on making bead triangles, thereis an assumption that if you've done one side, you can figure out theother. Some of us can't, and one more diagram would have been helpful.Instead, after a step-by-step description of the first half of thetriangle, we are told, "you don't have to make two steps down or twosteps up, but you still have to take the ten-cent tour." As thetwo-step process was crucial, that final diagram would be a big help.More bad news for beginners: This is the only book I've read (and I ownmore than 30 books on beading)in which odd-count peyote stitch starts withan even number of beads, and even-count peyote starts with an odd number ofbeads. In the odd-count, you add another bead in row three, which, as theauthors say, "turns the first three rows upside down." In theeven-count, there is a diagram (with asterisk footnotes explained on theflip side of the page) that left me confused. I finally got it, but I'm aslow learner, so this may not be a problem for people who are fastlearners.The conclusion: Buy the book. The well-explained tips,scattered throughout the book are worth the price of the book. You'll learnsomething no matter what level you are on, and the color pictures areenough to inspire any level beader. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Beadwork    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jewelry    7. Reference    8. Textile Arts - General    9. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (3)

Beautiful, fresh ideas with great instructions!!!
I just received this book yesterday, and I can't wait to start on a project.There is a nice variety of projects. There are even Christmas trees and wheat sheaf ideas, making this book multi-seasonal. Beautiful, fresh ideas. Very detailed, easy instructions.My only limitations will be deciding on what colors of beads to use!!

NOW THIS IS A BEADED FLOWER BOOK FOR VISUAL LEARNERS!
WONDERFUL STEP BY STEP DIRECTIONS! Not just for flowers only. There is a beaded Tiara that would add beauty to any wedding, Some Miniature Rose swags, Beaded Christmas trees with decorations, Wreaths, Candleholders, Nice wedding decorations for glasses, the Bouquet, beaded flowers for the top of the cake. a shallow bowl/vase for candies, A pomander, Framed flowers, Darling little Flowers in BEaded baskets beaded flower crochet lace wreaths. 10 STARS FOR THIS BOOK!

Bead Flowers by Minako Shimonagase
A very clear instructional book with many ideas for flower arrangements.Clearly written and illustrated ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. General    5. Hobbies/Crafts   

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Beads & Beading    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Needlework - Embroidery    7. Embroidery   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (6)

Book order lost in the mail
Seller said the book had been mailed but we had not received it.Seller issued a credit and it was all a wash in the end.
Extreme Eye-Candy for Beadwork Lovers!
This book is for one thing only - inspiration! But what inspiration! I'm an actually on my second copy of this book as my first became so worn from my paging and drooling. Gorgeous beadwork!
Inspirational...helps get your own creative ideas going when you see some of the incredible stuff other bead artists are doing.Has a small how-to section which is not very helpful, but the photographs are wonderful. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques / Collectibles    2. Arts And Crafts    3. Beads & Beading    4. Beadwork    5. Crafts & Hobbies    6. General    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Jewelry   

Features

• Color

Subjects:  1. Beadwork    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. General    5. Handbags    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Knitting    8. Needlework - General    9. Needlework - Knitting    10. Patterns    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Needlework   

Reviews (3)

Fantastic
The whole book is fantastic, great charts, beautiful necklaces. I statred making the rose designs the same day I got the book.

Outstanding Book, must read if you make beaded jewelry
I first became interested in this book on a recent trip to Colorado when I saw the author's incredible works of art displayed at the State Fair.Upon receiving the book I was delighted to see how MS Moring's talents extend to writing and teaching. Outstanding Book, must read if you make beaded jewelry
I first became interested in this book on a recent trip to Colorado when I saw the author's incredible works of art displayed at the State Fair.Upon receiving the book I was delighted to see how MS Moring's talents extend to writing and teaching.Read more

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Beadwork    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry    5. Crafts / Hobbies    6. Decorating    7. Jewelry    8. Jewelry making   

Reviews (8)

An unusual step-by-step approach which leaves nothing to the imagination alone
A fun, light reading style provides a very approachable guide to beaders with Margot Potter's The Impatient Beader: Easy Jewelry Projects For The Busy Beginner! If author Margot Potter's name sounds familiar, it's because she's a QVC on-air presenter and featured artist on PBS TV's 'Beads, Baubles and Jewels' show, and here provides a collection of master techniques and tools for making necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more. Color photos present not only the usual finished product, but close-ups of beading in process for a unusual step-by-step approach which leaves nothing to the imagination alone.

Lively and fun -- this book is a blast!
I have a standing twice-monthly babysitting get-together with my nine year-old niece, and I got this book to try some projects together.The book is intelligently laid out with a concise shopping list (important, because I don't enjoy spending a lot of time wandering around craft stores), and easy-to-follow photographs that lead the reader every step of the way.
Have a Blast Bedecking Yourself with Beads!
I have never read a beading book written quite in Margot Potter's style before. She clearly has a charming personality and it shines through, here. She is witty and intelligent, but even more importantly (although that makes this book a great read, anyway!), for beginning beaders, she is thorough and totally informed about the subject of beads, tools, findings, and particularly how to put together a design. Designing is a talent. Margot is a great teacher: you learn without even realizing: she explains the importance of beading boards, color wheels, why you need certain tools and how to use them. Her projects have fun, snappy titles like: Victorian Temptress Choker (whoo-hoo!) and Bahama Mama (which put me in a mellow mood).I was attracted not only to her color schemes and her choices of projects, both simple and more complex. I liked her tips. I was encouraged by the manner in which she explained each project, and I liked her little cartoon person--but then--I am a little redhead too! Her hair is more perfect than mine could ever hope to be, but I felt a kinship as I enjoyed reading The Impatient Beader. I look forward to making the "Cha-Cha-Cha" Bracelet as my first project from this book! I am excited and enthused by the fun imparted by author Margot Potter! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. General    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jewelry    7. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    8. Handicrafts    9. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Reviews (4)

A Beader's Reference
This book has been helpful to me because I am a beginner and there were things that I did not understand.They used pictures to explain the different sizes, shapes and materials used for beads.

For both beginners and beadworkers alike
Over 200 beadwork graphics and designs, photos, and project ideas contribute to a comprehensive reference for both beginners and beadworkers alike. From large and small beadwork projects to finishing fringes and edgings, each project is accompanied by a graph, instructions, and numerous resources. The color photos of completed results are exquisite embellishments. A Beader's Reference is a unique and highly recommended addition to any dedicated craftmaker or needlecrafter's reference collection.

useful AND inspirational
the previous reviewer hit all the highpoints.the charts are wonderful.i particularly appreciate the charts for beaded crochet, since i haven't been able to find many (this is not to say that they aren't out there, just that i haven't found them). a very nice touch is the inclusion of a color key for each chart--you can see at a glance what colors are needed.Read more

Subjects:  1. Arts And Crafts    2. Beads & Beading    3. Beadwork    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Crafts / Hobbies    6. General    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Jewelry    9. Patterns    10. Equestrian & animal sports   

Reviews (6)

Inspired to String Along!
It's a great little book about making and using stringed prayer beads. Now I am a spiritual person (in no way religious) and I have always thought prayer beads were interesting, mainly as a personal thing that would help you focus your energy in creating your intentions. I think sometimes with everything that goes on in our daily lives, it's hard to find that quiet still place inside yourself and I think prayer beads might be a good way to help facilitate that.
the point is the process
I think this book is probably most helpful if you are already familiar with meditative prayer, using beads or not. Selecting the beads and resources (or finding you already have them, as I did today after getting the book as a gift) and making the beaded object are all parts of a prayer in themselves. When you come back to the object you have created, you are aware of the process and the feelings you put into the work and can call these up again--either in actual prayers you have memorized or which come to you at the time *or* simply in holding the beads and moving them through your fingers. If you assign a special prayer purpose to each bead (red bead = pray for your mother or whatever) then you may use the beads with a prayer for each one like a traditional Catholic or Anglican rosary. But making the beaded piece itself creates a prayerful mood you have access to when you use it--or which you can explain to others if the piece is a gift.

a wonderful journey
this is an easy to follow wonderful journey--- a mantra in itself - to be read over and over --- a treasure in the library of life ---peace --- rv ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternate Spirituality    2. Beads    3. Healing - Prayer & Spiritual    4. Inspirational - General    5. Prayer    6. Religion    7. Religious aspects    8. Spirituality - General    9. Spirituality   

Reviews (20)

Quilted Memories
Every time some one sees my book I am compelled to purchase them one as a gift. I am on my forth book. Everyone I know loves this book!

It's a winner.
If I never picked up a needle, I'd still want to have this book.It is beautifully written and photographed.Instructions are very clear and make it all seem so simple.This book certainly takes the fear out of the idea of quilting. Lesley has done a fabulous job blending the arts of quilting and collage.Pages and pages of wonderful photographs to inspire you to pick up that needle and head for the scrap bag.

Finders Will Be Keepers of this Delightful Book.
A wonderful book for multi-tasking, multi-talented people who love to put creative personality into their craft projects. Riley's instructions and ideas make for page after page of motivation to create your ownn original family heirlooms."Scraps: Adventures in Scrapbooking" got me into the joys of cropping and journal-keeping, and this book motivated me to take the next joyful leap. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Assemblage (Art)    2. Beads & Beading    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Patchwork    7. Quilting    8. Quilts & Quilting    9. Scrapbooks, Memory Books    10. BG-COOKBKS - BG - COOKBOOKS    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Quilts & Quilting   

Reviews (2)

Beadwork Designs
This is a great book to use for applique designs.I craft and bead cradleboards and the designs really helped towards my ideas.The designs vary in region which also helps.The designs are large, simple to use and she even numbers them for the specific colors to use if you choose.I am very satifsfied with Stanley-Miller's book.

Great Patterns!
While there are 50 charts and 21 patterns for applique, Pamela has only 2 pages that tell you "how to do it."But, the applique patterns alone are worth the price of the book.All Patterns are black and whiteand color suggestions are given. There are brief descriptions given forloom beading and 2 needle applique. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beadwork    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. General    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Indian beadwork    7. Indian embroidery    8. Jewelry    9. Native American    10. North America    11. Textile Arts - General    12. Fashion design    13. Handicrafts    14. History / Native American   

Reviews (10)

clear and easy-to-follow instructions
The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars is it's black-n-white.
Moods in Wire
One of my best jewelry book purchases.A variety of projects with great illustrations and easy to read instructions.Wonderful source of new techniques in wire wrapping.I'm extremely pleased with this book.

Beautiful projects, great technique... photos, please?
This book really shows a lot of good techniques and covers SO much information on wire wrapping. A must have for the wire worker.
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Subjects:  1. Art    2. Beads & Beading    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Jewelry    5. Lapidary    6. Reference