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)

A great investment!
I bought this book when I took my first jewelry making class. The book was extremely helpful. It's descriptive, precise, and has great photographs. It's good for a beginning jewelry student because it doesn't involve soldering. It's also good for someone who wants to focus on learning techniques instead of working on original designs. About a year after purchasing this book I looked through it again, and it's still inspiring! Now that I know some more advanced jewelry making techniques and am proficient at soldering I sometimes forget about the basic cold-connections covered in this book. After looking through the book again I came up with some new and original designs. Anyone interested in making jewelry should own this book (& the series of books by Tim McCreight).

One of a Kind!
I love books, but this one had a spell on me! I was smiling with everytime page turn! Is like I commanded someone to create a cool jewelry book and Joanna just did it!
jewelry rave
This book is a must have for anyone who wants to create beauty with metals, but does not have safe access to a torch.I live in a condo, and had to find an available 'lab' whenever I wanted to complete a piece of jewelry.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Jewelry    5. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    6. Metal Arts And Crafts    7. Metal Work    8. BG-JUVENILE PROP - BG-JUVY ACTIVITY    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry   

Reviews (18)

Braid wire in a day!
I found the authors' instructions to be very clear.I had no trouble following their instructions, and made a bracelet in a day!I especially liked the way they showed photos of common mistakes and how to fix them.The section on precious metal clays was very interesting and I am looking forward to trying PMC.I have been braiding wire ever since I got the book, and have received many compliments on the braided wire bracelet I made from the book.My one disappointment is that the authors' showed many beautiful styles in the gallery, but did not include instructions on those braiding/weaving techniques.I would recommend this book for anyone interesting in learing how to braid wire.

dissapointing
pros: elegant designs
Clever, clear and not for the beginner !
Let me start by saying that if you are interested in making jewelry. You should learn to solder! It is not that difficult, nor has to be that expensive. You can purchase a butane torch that is refilled from the same cans that refill lighters. Add to that the three different solders, hard, med and soft or easy. These are different melting temperatures solder needed. with the flux and one or two tools you have you can silver solder form $30 to under $100.U.S. It will expand your work and range more than anything else you can do. As to the book in question. First is if you want to learn these techniques but balk at spending the money for the silver wire. Just replace it with bare copper wire or brass wire from the hobby or home center. The bare copper wire sold in the electrical dept is called ground wire and they have a number of gauges.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Jewelry    5. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    6. Jewelry making    7. Metal Work    8. Wire craft    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry    10. Handicrafts    11. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Reviews (2)

Beautiful examples, but not for a beginner
The photos and historical information in this book are terrific.However, if you aren't already fairly well versed in jewelry-making, you may be lost.There aren't very many "as you go along" photos -- mostly just a photo of the finished piece.If you can follow written directions only, without supplementary photos, you should be ok, but I wouldn't recommend this book for a beginner

beautiful button jewelry
I love all the ideas to make.I have a lot of antique buttons and now I have beautiful jewelry. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Button craft    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jewelry    7. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    8. Jewelry making    9. BG-ART/PHOTO/ARCH - BG-ART/ARCHITECTURE    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry    11. Handicrafts    12. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Jewelry    5. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    6. Jewelry making    7. Metal Arts And Crafts    8. Metal Work    9. Precious metal clay   

Reviews (3)

You'll Go Back to This Book Again and Again
One cannot absorb this book in one reading. There is just too much to see and learn. The writer speaks in English English, so an American must change mental gears with a few of her terms(Adds a little spice!)Knowing the existing conditions when a new development in design or materials began helps to set the scene in your mind. While there are many illustrations, there are not as many as in other quality books - but this book's strong point is in the history of the times and of the designers and manufacturers.

You'll Go Back to This Book Again and Again
One cannot absorb this book in one reading. There is just too much to see and learn. The writer speaks in English English, so an American must change mental gears with a few of her terms(Adds a little spice!)Knowing the existing conditions when a new development in design or materials began helps to set the scene in your mind. While there are many illustrations, there are not as many as in other quality books - but this book's strong point is in the history of the times and of the designers and manufacturers.

You'll Go Back to This Book Again and Again
One cannot absorb this book in one reading. There is just too much to see and learn. The writer speaks in English English, so an American must change mental gears with a few of her terms(Adds a little spice!)Knowing the existing conditions when a new development in design or materials began helps to set the scene in your mind. While there are many illustrations, there are not as many as in other quality books - but this book's strong point is in the history of the times and of the designers and manufacturers. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques/Collectibles    3. Costume jewelry    4. History    5. Jewelry    6. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    7. Technical & Manufacturing Trades    8. Technology & Industrial Arts    9. Antiques & collectables: gold & silver (other than jewellery)    10. Antiques & collectables: jewellery    11. Handicrafts   

Reviews (2)

A great book and reference
Great book!Simple to follow and the instructions are clear.It also allows for your own creativity to design and make future pieces.The illustrations are also very attractive and as a beginner I found the designs very encouraging and achievable to work toward.I think for the advanced, this book will be a great reference as well.

Good beginner book
For someone with little or no experience making beaded jewelry, this book is an excellent guide to making beautiful jewelry in some of the most trendy styles.All of the projects require 2 basic skills - stringing and the ability to twist a wire loop.If you have these skills, or can learn them from the detailed pictures and instructions, then you will be able to use this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Jewelry    5. Jewelry making    6. Pearls    7. Precious stones    8. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games    9. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Antiques/Collectibles    3. Costume jewelry    4. Film - General    5. History    6. Jewelry    7. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    8. Motion Picture Acting    9. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    10. United States    11. Films, cinema    12. Gold & silversmithing    13. Jewellery & jewellery-making    14. USA   

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques/Collectibles    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. Design - General    5. Jewelry    6. Exhibition catalogues and specific collections    7. India    8. Jewellery & jewellery-making    9. c 1800 to c 1900    10. c 1900 - c 1914   

Subjects:  1. Antiques / Collectibles    2. Antiques/Collectibles    3. General    4. Japan    5. Swords   

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   

Reviews (1)

Minimal Rings
This book is a "must" for anyone with a love of jewelry!It is a beautifully done book to stir and inspire the imagination of the viewer.
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Subjects:  1. 20th Century Art    2. Art    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. Design    5. General    6. History - General    7. Jewelry    8. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    9. Minimal art    10. Rings   

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 (16)

Very nice reference, with some lapses. Check new edition!
`The Beader's Companion', written for `Beadwork Magazine' by Judith Durant and Jean Campbell is, at first blush, a terrific little reference work for beading basics. It covers, in some depth, all the essentials of beads, threads, tools, looms, `hardware', needles, and stitches. Being primarily a loom beader from way back, I was particularly impressed by the wide variety of `freehand' techniques, especially those which can be used to incorporate beads into various stitching and knotting techniques such as macramé, knitting, and crocheting.
The New! Beader's Companion
This is great for examples and demonstrations.Being spiral bound is also a good thing.

Excellent reference and tutorial
Exactly what I needed as I learn more about beading. Good reference source, tutorials (basic how-tos) and clear illustrations. I like compact size and the wire binding, too. ... Read more

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

Reviews (6)

A must for the serious collector
I have been interested in the science of jewelry for 40 years, and am a metalsmith as well.I have been collecting books for many years, and this is one of the best.In addition to having wonderful color photographs, space has been given to showing the back of major pieces, to show construction and craftsmanship.The book is well organized to show the progression of design by the house of Bvlgari, from beginning to current day.If you are serious about jewelry, this book will provide many hours of enjoyment, and will be an excellent reference book for style research.

FANTASTIC
If you enjoy reading about the way this family business has evolved,about the Bulgari history, style, standards, techniques and also appreciate lovely photos, then it's really worth getting. A Wonderful Book!
If you collect jewelry or jewelry books, this is a must for your library. Out of the forty or so books I have on jewelry, this is my favorite.Asone might expect, there is page after page of breathtaking pictures ofexquisite jewelry.However, this book offers so much more.Many of thejewelry pieces are shown next to the sketches that inspired them.Asection of the book entitled `From the Idea to the Finished Product',proceeds to discuss and show some of the labor-intensive steps involved inmaking these works of art. The text equally is well written.It provides ahistory of the company and its designers as well as a look at the evolutionof the company's style. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques/Collectibles    3. Artists, Architects, Photographers    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. History Of Specific Companies    6. Jewelry    7. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    8. Popular Culture    9. Individual artists    10. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

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 (7)

Another Scarisbrick examination of gorgeous jewels
As I am a big fan of Diana Scarisbrick's "Ancestral Jewels," I was excited to see "Tiara."Although she does a masterful job giving the reader a miniature history of the tiara (especially in its different European forms), I must admit to disappointment at the layout of the book.Dozens upon dozens of photographs of women wearing their tiaras are literally about 1" square (sometimes less, sometimes ever so slightly more).There is so much white space surrounding these photographs that I have to wonder if perhaps there was a misunderstanding among author, editor, and designer. A Poorly designed book...
In the first 50 pages of this book and then periodically throughout its remaining pages, the photos of the women wearing these tiaras are about the size of a postage stamp, surrounded by large blank white areas.Talk about eye strain... A waste of paper and space. Later in the book some of the tiaras have their descriptions on the page opposite their photos, again, with a large area of white space surrounding the text.All this empty white space could have been used for LARGER PHOTOS. Some other descriptions for 4 consecutive tiaras are on the pages following the photos.Very unorganized, and poorly planned. It would have been SO much better to be able to see how these creations looked on people.Many of the larger photos of the tiaras are lovely, however, a number of them look like a "cut and paste job".Nice to see the jewels, however I think this book is just so-so.

A magnificent publication.
This is a most attractive volume sumptuously illustrated and beautifully laid out. The text is considered and informative. The printing and general feel of the book is in keeping with it's noble subject and would be a first class addition to the coffee table of any true lover of beautiful things. I can only await the author's next project with baited breath. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions - Museum    4. Exhibitions    5. Fashion    6. Jewelry    7. Tiaras    8. Fashion design    9. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles    10. Jewellery & jewellery-making    11. Non-Classifiable   

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 (8)

Has provided me many hours of crafting goodness!
The projects here are varied and so great (the curtains made from bandanas?Love!), there are color photos on practically every page, the directions are clear, and it is spiral-bound--this is such a plus with craft books.
Great Crafts Book for Everyone
*****
Awesome!
This book is great!!!I'm not very crafty, but when I saw this book, I though, why not?The projects are cool and the directions are clear and easy.Most craft books are either super dorky or super snotty, but this book rules.It's cool and really accessible to every level of crafter.A lot of people will get this book as a gift this year from me.Nice work :) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arts And Crafts    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating    5. Fashion    6. General    7. Handicraft    8. Hobbies/Crafts    9. Jewelry    10. Needlework - General    11. Recycling (Waste, etc.)    12. Crafts & Hobbies / Fashion    13. Handicrafts   

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques / Collectibles    3. Antiques/Collectibles    4. Jewelry    5. Antiques & collectables: jewellery    6. India    7. Jewellery & jewellery-making