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

Reviews (8)

Native American Beadwork & more!
This is a great book for those looking for authentic beadwork styles. The author covers a broad range of styles. He also discusses different backgrounds and even provides instruction for hide tanning.

Preserving tribal styles and techniques
The author, Joel Monture, is a professor of traditional arts at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe.His thorough textbook documents not only native American beadwork techniques, but the tedious methods of leather preparation that are necessary prior to beading.
It's worth looking at.
I just got this book along with two others the other night. Haven't had the chance yet to read it completely yet. Having scanned it a bit though, I would say the section with color photos is good, particularly if you're a crafter looking for patterns. The text I've read up to this point is good and worth reading. I've had a little bit of a hard time with some of the diagarms though, particularly some of the ones dealing with hides and hide tanning. Not that I'm looking to tan hides right now, but I thought it would still be interesting to understand the process. Several of the stitch diagrams are easier to follow though. There are black and white photos as well in this book. Most came out fine, but I think a there are a few that must have had poor lighting. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beadwork    2. Costume and adornment    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Indian beadwork    8. Indians of North America    9. Jewelry    10. Leather Arts And Crafts    11. Native American Art    12. North America    13. Textile Arts - General    14. Crafts & Hobbies / Folkcrafts    15. Embroidery    16. Fashion design    17. The Americas   

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Beadwork    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Embroidery    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Needlework - Embroidery    8. Patterns    9. Textile Arts - General    10. BG-KITS - BG-ART KITS    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Embroidery    12. LITERATURE - LIT CLASSICS TRD PB   

Reviews (3)

Bead-Dazzling Garden of Flowers!
I've been working with beads for many years, and creating french beaded flowers for at least 20 years, and I STILL was very impressed with this book (which isn't easy to do!) The instructions are clear and the designs are wonderful!It's hard to say if a beginner would view it the same since I have been working with this art form for so long, but I believe it would be an excellent instructional guide, and a fantasticaddition to every beading artist & hobbyist's library.

This book will keep you pleasantly occupied for a while
I bought Dalene's first French Beaded Flowers book and used it extensively. I was happy to add the second one to my collection. It is a very project-based book like the first one. I have made a number of the flowers already. The instructions are clear and concise. A good book for beginners.

Stop and bead the flowers!
Dalene's second book of French Beaded Flowers is a welcome addition to her first.I've already made several of the flowers! Her instructions are clear, and the flowers are just beautiful. Good work, Dalene! ... Read more

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

Reviews (1)

The title says it all
"The best projects from a year of Bead&Button"!
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Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Jewelry    6. Jewelry Arts And Crafts   

Reviews (2)

Deals with many aspects of beadwork
I bought this book because i was attracted by the colorful beads,andalso because i liked the idea that i was ready to start beding since i had all of the equipment that was necessary to begin with. In fact the items that come algong with the book, needles, thread, beads, pins, etc are very usefull to people like me who dont know how to make a knot to start bedding and dont have the basic stuff at home. However,there weren�t too many instructions for the projects that could be carried out with that stuff. I was expecting a larger amount of things to do and more creative as well. Instead, there is an extensive Introduction where the culture and customs of the African people are described and the importance of the beads is emphasized. It was not what I was looking for since it wasn�t concentrated on instructions but instead on historical facts.

Excellent book for those who loves handcrafts
People who love doing unique and exotic handicrafts will find this book terrific. The art of beading is described from the simplest to the most sophisticated ones. Beginners are given a step-by-step guidance: from thebasic to the most complicated techniques in creating spectacular work ofart; while learning about the beauty of this African art. This book will bea marvelous gift for people who like to keep themselves busy at home. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Africa, Sub-Saharan    2. American - African-American    3. Beadwork    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Crafts / Hobbies    6. Folk & Outsider Art    7. History    8. Hobbies/Crafts    9. Jewelry    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry   

Subjects:  1. Beadwork    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jewelry    7. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    8. Jewelry making    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry    10. Handicrafts    11. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Reviews (3)

Seed Bead Chains
This book helped me to learn spiral seed bead chains.Some of the directions were too basic for me and some of the directions weren't clear enough for me. The key word here is patience.If you have the patience to read and re-read and re-read again and again to figure things out, this might be an okay booklet for you.If not, you might want to seek out another book with clearer directions.Just my opinion.I am an intermediate beader so I am writing this to beginners who might buy this and be disappointed if they have to struggle to get a project complete.It's a good booklet for intermediate and advanced seedbead workers

great patterns
I bought this book last Fall and made two different types of necklaces for Christmas gifts...everyone loved them!The patterns are easy to follow and fun to make.Worth the money!

Easy-Does-It but Beautiful!
First time I've managed to make necklaces with seed beads and not give up after the first hour! Great directions - easy to follow even though I'm left handed. Have made two different necklaces and can't wait to make the others. Great fun and everyone loves them. ... Read more

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

Reviews (4)

Senior Citizen Style
I too believe that the instructions are vague but the pictures are nice.One star for effort and one for the pictures.I also think that all the designs are for old ladies.Yuck, wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.Well, unless I didn't like them.

Not what I had hoped for
The photos, illustrations, and layout are beautiful, and at first flip through I found several pieces that I wanted to make, but when I began working on them I found the directions to be incredibly vague. This is not a good book for a beginner to learn from. I am generally very good at learning new skills from books, but the information just isn't there. I found I had to refer to other publications to figure out techniques and then guess at how to make the pieces shown here.

DISAPPOINTED
I recieved the book yesterday. Alot of the designs and projects are relatively simple to make. I find that the same designs are repeated throughout the book. As with lariats, chokers, and simple strung neclaces. The instructions are vague, and many times are left up to the student to figure out. There are diagrams, but no threadpath to find out where to start or end. In many cases there is NO threadpath at all. There are better designs and instructions in bead magazines.
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Subjects:  1. Beadwork    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jewelry    7. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    8. Jewelry making    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry   

Reviews (16)

Beaded Embellishment
This book is one of the most exciting beading books I have read.Not only does it have beautiful projects with a variety of techniques, but the gallery of pieces made is out of this world.I would recommend it strongly for any serious or even beginning beader.Beading rocks!!!

Very comprehensive - Excellent!
I am just beginning with fabric arts and this book was just what I was looking for.I had never done beading on fabric before.This book gave a little history, talked about supplies and showed several basic steps. It had several nice projects to work on as well as several lovely pictures of other artists' work.It also goes into color theory and talk about design which I only skimmed over, but that's just me.Overall, very, very helpful for someone starting out in this area.

Super Book Nice color pictures
This is a must have if you do spirit dolls or any beading at all..The color pictures threwout the book alone make it all worthwhile but the lesson plans are very detialed and easy to follow.Im really really glad I finally bought this book..I only wish I had before now..B.W. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Beadwork    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Needlework - Embroidery    7. Needlework - General    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Needlework    9. Embroidery    10. Handicrafts    11. Textile arts   

Subjects:  1. Beadwork    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry    4. Jewelry    5. Jewelry making    6. Wire craft   

Editorial Review

Pretty photos and decent directions demonstrate how to create dozens of different projects out of enamel, glass, pearl, ceramic, semiprecious, and other types of beads. From the basics of equipment and foundation techniques like threading, knotting, and finishing, to designing striking necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and brooches, Read more

Reviews (4)

My style of bead book!
Of my several bead books, this is one of my favorites. The instructions are very clear, and the same techniques are used repeatedly for most of the jewelry pieces, for example, stringing the beads on thread, and using calottes to finish the ends. There are a few other techniques also, and I did pick up a few new ones for my own use, for example, how to work with leather thong in jewelry -- braiding it and finishing the ends with findings I hadn't used before. Wonderful book full of inspirational designs
When I ordered this book, I was looking for something that would have lotsof pictures of various kinds of beaded jewelry.I definately found what Iwas looking for in this book!It's got wonderful photos of designs theauthor has created, along with how-to instructions (nothing too difficult). Nearly every picture has helped get the creative ideas flowing!It alsohas a bit on the history of beads, plus a section on making your own beads. Good book for beginners and those wanting pictures for ideas!

World of Beads
The dust jacket on this book is covered with luscious, rhythmical beaded jewelry that invites a look inside.The photography inside the book is just as exciting.There is no history of beads here, just a straightplunge into creating beautiful accessories.Read more

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Beadwork    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. General    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Jewelry    8. Jewelry making    9. Art techniques & materials    10. Handicrafts    11. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Reviews (1)

Key word: INSPIRATION! ...with a dash of sass and wit!
Margot Potter's second craft and jewelry book, THE IMPATIENT BEADER GETS INSPIRED!, is an appealingly written, informative collection of ideas and techniques designed to encourage the inner artist in all of us to wake up, look about at the world and create! As a jewelry designer,I was enthralled by every page of this book. More than once I found myself interested in the more crafty projects, which are not within my specific arena. THAT IS HOW GOOD MARGOT POTTER IS! She makes you want to do things you don't normally do. She is so vibrant and encouraging! Additionally, her projects are inventive and original, yet not so very difficult that you couldn't try something you have always wished to take a shot at (like soldering, or polymer clay). She works with fabric, feathers, polymer clay, wall paper, vintage magazines, grommets, Mod Podge, traditional jewelry findings and you name it!!! You have to read it to believe it, and I guarantee you, you will love it!
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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. Handicrafts    11. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Reviews (1)

Amazing African Trade Beads
This book offers a comprehrensive insight in the colourful world of the many types beads used in the trade with West Africa. With about 3000 diffrent colour combinations of glass beads.A must for every collector ofbeads. And fun to recognise the collected beads. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Africa, West    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Beads    4. Beads & Beading    5. Catalogs    6. Glass beads    7. History: World   

Reviews (8)

Intermediate Instruction and Master Class Samples
`Beading on a Loom' by Don Pierce is sort of two books in one, and both suffers and gains from that fact. The book begins with something of an overview of basic seed beading techniques which, to someone like me, who did some pretty large self-designed American Indian style beading projects many years ago, is just right as a next step in teaching us how to, for example, do French woven chains, where the weave splits into two different runs of warp, to be joined at their ends with a clasp. This project also adds elements such as a medallion and fringes.
Inspiration..
I ordered this book having no loom experience at all.I was not disappointed.I read it from cover to cover, went to the shop and built a simple loom and began.The illustrations and examples were great inspiration.I did not make the exact pieces from the book, but used them for the beginning of my own works.

Calling All Designers
This is not a beginner's looming book, nor is it a pattern book. It is a book that will help you understand the history of loomed beading, how to do it, and how to design your own patterns.Read more

Subjects:  1. Beadwork    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. General    4. Handlooms    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Handicrafts   

Reviews (5)

Elegant little book
Photography is excellent.Very clear instructions. Good for new crafters as well as those with experience. Variety of patternsis excellent.

Very nice beading book
This was the first French beading book that I bought. As a beginner, it was a little hard to figure everything out at first, but with some practice and the detailed pictures in this book, I was able to come up with a nice finished product. The things I liked about this book, specifically, were how the first project illustrated the four basic techniques that would be used throughout the whole book. Once I fished the poppy, I almost couldn't believe it would be that simple! I also liked how each project was unique by demonstrating a new concept or some variation of the original four basic techniques (for example, striping the tiger lily and split loop for the dogwood).
Great for beginnners!
This was the 4rd book on french beaded flowers that I picked up and I found it to be the best so far.The instructions are very detailed with photos of each step along the way.More detailed than other books I have tried to learn from. If you prefer photos showing the steps as opposed to just hand-drawn diagrams, then this is the book for you!
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Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating    5. General    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Crafts & Hobbies / General    8. Flower making    9. LITERATURE - LIT CLASSICS TRD PB   

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

Reviews (11)

WONDERFULINSTRUSTIONS! BEAUTIFUL PICTURES!
I would have liked to give this book a 10 STAR rating. I bought this book not just for the purses BUT for the clear and very easy to follow directions for the weaving! I used the stitches I learned in this book for other projets. I am a visual learner and this book is better than more $$$$ books I bought just to learn the stitches. Color through out. I did not find any of the colors muted as another stated.
Do not choose if you are looking to make high fashion bags
I totally disliked this book...if you want to make craft show type stuff then perhaps this is a good choice but I came lloking for info on how to make high fashion high quality beaded handbags likened to some of todays top designers and thisbag did not even stracth the surface of what I needed.I would only suggest this book for those looking to make little trinkets in thier spare time certainly not for resale.

Concentrates on beaded purses
Start at the cover of this book that features five necklaces.You'll say, "Wow!How can I make these gorgeous little necklace purses?"Author Enid Taylor shows you how.Bead stitching is pretty much the same from book to book, offering the same techniques shown here: brick, square, peyote, and netting stitches.This book is special because Enid shows you how those stitches combine to make a fabulous purse.Enid, a home economics teacher for 24 years, started a craft studio in 1982, so there's lots of teaching experience behind her book.Although her craft studio's focus was on lacemaking, spinning, and needlework, her expertise in beading shines through.Not only are there many techniques shown for the body of the purses, but there are multiple ways shown to make the neckchains and fanciful decorative finishes.If your aim is to concentrate your efforts on amulet necklaces, this is the book for you! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Beadwork    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Fashion    6. Handbags    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Patterns    9. Reference    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Fashion    11. JUVY-TODDLERS - JUVY-BABY NOVELTY    12. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Editorial Review

This stunning volume utilizes glorious color photos to catalog all types of beads (glass, wood, metal, ceramic, natural, semiprecious, plastic, novelty, and collectible), offer design guidelines on planning jewelry (considerations of bead shape, texture, size, weight, and color), and document various practical considerations (findings, equipment, basic how-tos of creating earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and brooches). The section on themes and special occasions, complete with directions for each project, features designs for evening wear, summer styles, holiday looks, weddings, children's items, and African- and Indian-inspired pieces. Even the purely informational and visual spreads (those without actual how-to instructions) offer endless inspiration and ideas for beaded creations. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

A wonderful resource and idea book
This beautiful book is full of colour photos that show hundreds of examples of bead types and styles and describes their origins. A whole section is devoted to projects appropriate to each style and the how-to instructions are easy to follow. The only problem is the book doesn't include a bag of beads once you get your appetite whetted! For the beginner and more experienced beader, this is a lovely reference guide and worth the money.

Can't wait to make this stuff!
This bead book is like an encyclopedia and gallery in one.I love looking through its wonderful photos of beads and jewelry, and it has added to my store of techniques and design ideas.A large section is dedicated to close-up photos of many types of beads with references to their history and cultural background.It makes me more knowledgeable about what I'm getting when I shop for beads. Bead Fest for the eyes and imagination!
The information and the photography in this book is really wonderful. I refer to it time and again for information on particular beads or just to look at the wonderful pictures of beads. I love to collect beads and use them in designs.It is always enjoyable to me to just peruse this book. I would recommend it to anyone that is interested in beads,or just for information and ideas. ... 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. Jewelry making    10. Crafts & Hobbies / General   

Editorial Review

Beautifully designed and photographed, Read more

Reviews (5)

Fantastic and very helpful
I have just started having some lessons of BEADING and COSTUME JEWELRY. This means that I'm a biginner, but in a very short time I found myself looking on the internet for some free patterns so that I can see if I'm improving or not in this new hobby which may also gives me a fortune. And during may surfing on the WEB I went to the Amazon (...) where I have found myself in a mine of Gold of all sort of Magazines. This gave me the whealt to move step forword, and by all means I did, because I bought two very useful magazines which I'm sure that I am going to keep AMAZON the favorite to buy from. One last thing is that not only Amazon kept their promise of their date, but I have recieved them Ten ( 10 ) days before. I recommend Amazon as best suppliers to my friends.

Exquisite ethnic designs
Oh my gosh, what beautiful jewelry pieces!This is the best jewelry book by Sara Withers that I have yet seen.The title lives up to its name because the beads used and the designs all have an exotic, ethnic look.Each chapter focuses on designs representing a particular culture, i.e., Native American, Europe, Middle East, Far East, and Africa, the pieces having an updated, sophisticated look. Disappointing ... Not what I expected from the reviews
I have to take exception to the reader reviews of this book.I ordered the book based on these reviews, but now that I have it in my hand, I find that I'm very disappointed.While the book design and layout are fine, and many of the beads are interesting, I found the projects to be disappointing.For the beginning beader, this book may provide some inspiration, although I think the instructions are very sketchy, at best. I'm still searching for a good design book on beading.In the meantime, I do like "All Wired Up" by Mark Lareau -- the gallery of jewelry designs at the end of his book are great!! ... Read more

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