Winner

Cin Hollins of the High Desert Bead Society of Northern Arizon is the winner of "Metal Clay Fusion" by Lark Books.  Congratulations, Cin.

We are now offering a new random drawing ending May 25, 2012.  To participate, leave your comments and email address under any book image.  Maybe you will be the lucky winner.

30 Minute Earrings

Ready for the Prom!

My granddaughter will soon be going to her high school prom.  I remember when her father was all bedecked in his tux and bow tie, standing with his date and smiling his infectious grin.  I’m sure it was a night to remember.  The girls in the photograph, which he shared with us, wore colorful dresses of all styles and hem lengths.  Their earrings were particularly eye-catching.

I am amazed what emphasis women of all ages continue to place on earrings.  The new book, “30 Minute Earrings” by Marthe Le Van, features  60 quick and creative earring projects for jewelers.  All one has to do is get comfortable in front of their work bench, pick out the material of choice, decide upon a project, and saw and hammer away.

I loved the chance to try my hand at the ideas presented in this fun filled book.  Neither lack of time, nor lack of money, would present any obstacles.  With the aid of this book, “30 Minute Earrings,” my granddaughter will be the recipient of a pair of new dangling earrings framing her beautiful face.  Ellie will be the “belle of the ball.”

500 Wedding Rings

"I DO"

Many years ago, my husband and I made a commitment to each other. I would share with him all of my worldly goods. I was the only one working. He,in turn,would finish school and then share with me all of his income-derived worldly goods. To seal our love, he gave me his mother's diamond wedding ring. I in turn, many years later, gave this diamond to my son to share with his beloved.

After viewing "500 Wedding Rings," I am amazed how the styles have evolved. The ceative genius of this collective group is mindboggling. The author states that "ancient civilizations living along the furtile plans of the Nile River were the first people to form tokens of commitment." Grasses and reeds were twisted and turned into this expression of commitment. Iron, with its amazing strength, was utilized both then and today.

As a child, I remember sitting on my front porch where I had gathered a pile of small clover flowers. I then proceeded to tie them into garlands of necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Problem, they didn't last very long, but they didn't cost very much either.

Today's rings, as featured in this lovely visual book, are unique and inspirational. They range from the rediculous to the sublime. They are woven, fused, fabricated, oxidized, brushed, machined, cast, etched, welded, forged, and repoussed,etc. Materials used are steel, mesh, wood, resin, gold, platium, silver, glass, copper, magnets, brass, plastic tubing, velcro, fabric, mokume,etc. This list of techniques and materials are as never ending as some couple's commitment to one another.

If I could persuade my husband to consider a new wedding ring purchase, I would choose this book as his bible. I wouldn't be demanding. "Just select one of the designers featured here, and I will guarantee our union will last at least another 25 years." We will soon celebrate our 60th wedding anniversary.

Masters: Polymer Clay: Major Works by Leading Artists

From A to Z

"Masters" Polymer Clay is a master in and of itself.  The artists and their creations featured in this book demonstrate a wonderful appreciation and knowledge of this medium.  I have never viewed such a remarkable display of the use of polymer clay.  Many of the pieces undulate with both movement and color.  I marvel at the many different patterned pieces produced.

I own a polymer clay butterfly broach created by Steven Ford.  He has done many collaborative pieces with David Forlano, whose work is featured on pages 88/95 of this exciting book "Masters."  My own classroom experience with Steven Ford was inspiring.  By the end of the sessions, we had a greater appreciation of this material and its potential. But, we had a long way to go before we had "mastered" this art form.

Several of the artists featured in this book have demonstrated their intrinsic ability to combine their metal, textile, and painting experience to create bracelets, necklaces, and pendants.  Mary Filapek and Lou Ann Townsend are representative of these kind of artists.

Chris Malone's figurative sculptures are examples of detailed tribal figures.  Polymer clay is utilized for the faces and  hands.  Their human-like features captures many different expressions.  His creations are adorned with a myriad of materials such as fabric, rafia, metal, beads, etc.

Some of the artists have drawn on examples of nature.  Others have looked forward to what might be.  There are wonderful playful pieces such as those displayed by Rebecca Mazur.  Flashy patterns created with brilliantly colored clay are exhibited on many of the structures featured in this book.

In essence, eveyrthing is here from A to Z.  The alphabet of wonderful polymer clay is presented in "Masters."  In this book one can view all of the complexities of this material with both its two and three dimensional attributes.

Creating Glass Beads

Breathless

Creating Glass Beads: A New Workshop to Expand Your Beginner Skills and Develop Your Artistic Voice (Hardcover) Many years ago, as part of my Art Education degree requirements, I took a class in glass blowing. It literally left me breathless. The molten glass had a mind of its own. Although I claimed to my instructor that the final finished project was as I had envisioned, he didn't buy my spiel.

Perhaps, if I had "Creating Glass Beads," as a reference guide, I would have changed paths and explored lampwork beads instead. My finished beads would have been less labor intensive and would have glowed with vibrant colors instead of looking like a muddy river.

The author, Jeri L. Warhaftig has written a very informative and important book for would-be bead thinkers and doers. There is a very impressive introduction. She points out all the necessities useful in setting up a bead studio work space.

Her approach in writing this book is quite different. Jeri recruited fourteen talented volunteers who were invited to participate in a series of tutorials organized around a particular skill building exercise. Most of the porjects are directed towards the intermediate beader, although I could certainly see an adventuresome beader lighting up the torch, putting on the safety goggles, and exploring the challenges of the vibrant colored molten glass rods.

The photographic resolution is excellent. The gallery pages display both fun and intriging lampwork beads executed by a talented cast of creators. I would highly recommend "Creating Glass Beads" by Jeri L. Warhaftig. This book presents a inspiring visual learning experience. My glass professor's mantra always was "learn one, teach one." The author certainly does just that with her breathtaking array of lampwork bead techniques and "how-to."

Steel Wire Jewelry: Stylish Designs * Simple Techniques * Artful Inspiration

ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD. First of all, there is a wonderful foreword in this book. Keith Lo Blue pulled me into this exciting book by Brenda Sue Schweder. I too, along with my husband, are hardware store junkies. Nothing beats an afternoon spent exploring the shelves, spying an unusual tool or roll of wire, and walking out with our purchases and a Cheshire Cat grin. As shown in the photographs in the book, steel wire for jewelry is beginning to have a univeral appeal. One can fabricate it, pierce it, solder it, burnish it, paint it, and combine it with a multitude of other materials. I recall that many years ago, I even knitted with 30 gauge steel wire, shades of Mary Lee Hu and Arlene Fisch. Steel wire has a mind of its own with it myriad twists and turns, but once you begin to coax it along, you can become its master. "Steel Wire Jewelry" has an interesting section on the history of steel and its journey and application in today's world. Think crinoline hoop skirts, barbed wire fences, telephone and telegraph lines, nails, etc. And then along came steel reinforced houses and high-rises, cars, boats, trains, and airplanes. We are surrounded. This book has an excellent section on basic tools required when working with steel. We have ten already built into our hands. Rawhide and plastic mallets can be used to fabricate the metal. Heavy flush cutters have a cutting edge advantage. Pliers and mandrels are pointed out as a necessary requirement. And, as a final touch, one is led down the path of finishing with wax to preserve this once over-looked treasure. The project section of "Steel Wire Jewelry" is very well documented. The photographs are very revealing and the step-by-stop instructions leave nothing to chance. As the book points out, once you learn the basics and the wire's temperament, you can produce jump rings, geometric shapes, etc. Then partner it with gemstones or found objects, and you have made a powerful statement. This book is an adventure in creativity at its very best. Forget the rising cost of gold and silver. Go for "Steel Wire Jewelry."

Create Colorful Aluminum Jewelry

Create Colorful Aluminum Jewelry: Upcycle cans into vibrant necklaces, rings, earrings, pins, & bracelets (Paperback)
Well done how-to-book. Easy to follow instructions using inexpensive materials found in everyone's soda can collection.. Drink it up on a warm night and let your creative juices flow.

The Absolute Beginners Guide: Stitching Beaded Jewelry: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started (Paperback)

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I have struggled with beading books, but this one is self-explanatory. Good projects explained in easy to follow detail. Only negative is that I would have liked to see a visual print-out of the various bead stitches at beginning of the book. Practice makes perfect and I would have practiced, practiced, practiced before starting out on the beading path.

Beautiful Wire Jewelry for Beaders 2 (Paperback)

If this were a stock offering I'd say "buy." Irina Miech did it again. The projects look interesting, the instructions are very clear, and the pictures are very self-explanatory. Ribbon fibula had a nice twist and the ammonite frame with the seed beads could lead to a very creative adventure.

Classic Chain Mail Jewelry: A treasury of weaves (Paperback)

I liked this book. Since I have played around with jump rings for years,both making them and purchasing them, I was interested in the contents of this new book "Classic Chain Mail Jewelry." I liked it, but it did'nt exactly make me rush to pick up my stash of links, hole myself away in some corner and "open,close,and join." I must say though I got very excited about the "checkerboard bracelet." It looked like something Paloma Picasso would create if she really created those meshy gems sold by Tiffany. All in all good instructions, supply list,and very good pictures. Might have been a little more helpful for the less experienced chain mailer if various colored jump rings had been utilized in the step-by-step picture directions.

Making Elegant Jewelry for Special Occasions (Paperback)

Great photographs and very easy to follow directions. Excellent jewelry know-how at your fingertips. Book contains a stylish collection of imspiring project from several gifted artists.

Lacy Wire Jewelry (Paperback)

The author, Melody MacDuffee has certainly done her homework. Easy to follow project examples. Materials, techniques and tools required are all listed in the back of book as well as outlined under each jewelry creation. I would highly recommend "Lacy Wire Jewelry" to anyone desirous of learning these fiber techniques utilizing wire.
Why no voting buttons? We don't let customers vote on their own reviews, so the voting buttons appear only when you look at reviews submitted by others.

The Big Book of Beading Patterns: For Peyote Stitch, Square Stitch, Brick Stitch, and Loomwork Designs (Paperback)

Good basic instructions at the beginning of the book "The Big Book of Beading Patterns." I felt that once one familiarized themselves with the stitches, a lot of creative process could take place. All patterns were classified into specific catagories. The examples were very large and if one so desired, with a few changes of color, it becomes more personal. I do Kumihimo jewelry and was looking for a book that introduced possibilities for beading additions. Believe this book might be most helpful in that respect.

Bead Tube Jewelry: Peyote and brick stitch designs for 30+ necklaces, bracelets, and earrings (Paperback)

I really did enjoy this book. The pictures and instructions were excellent. My beading experience is somewhat limited as I am a metalsmith. But, I truly felt that I could incorporate several of the concepts into my Kumihimo designs or chain maille creations. The cover to start with was very attractive and certainly pulled me into the book. I particularly liked the "Dehli Delight." Great color sense to inspire one's one creativity. Would certainly recommend book. Easy enough for both beginner and challenging enough for more experienced beader.

Stitch Workshop: Peyote Stitch: Basic Techniques, Advanced Results (Paperback)

Even though I agree that the patterns in this book were inviting, I found the directions rather intimidating for a beginner. For example, on page 15 of the "Electrifying Zigzag Strip bracelet, the instructions state to pick up 12 color B and 2 color C beads. Yet when I look at Figure 1 on page 16, I can only count 11 color C beads. Possibly I am misreading the instructions inasmuch as I am a beginner.

The "Bead around the Bend" necklace on page 35 was quite different. Interesting structure to bead around once one learns the basic peyote stitch. All kinds of experimentation can take place to give this piece your very own signature.

In essence, I guess I need someone to hold my hand as I peruse each design. Maybe once I get a handle on the techniques I will be more inclined to encourage others to purchase this book.

Beading Across America: Jewelry Inspiration from Coast to Coast (Paperback)

I have come across many beading books, some I own and others I borrow from the library. Found this book to have some interesting beading concepts. When I look at some of the diagrams, found that the large illustrations and directions were easier to follow than many. Although many of the designs didn't pull me in, I was absolutely lulled into a state of wonder by the beautiful "California Poppy" necklace created by Huib Peterson. He is one talented beader. A couple of years ago I had seen one of the bracelets and contacted him. He was kind enough to share the design. My teacher always said, "learn one teach one." I guess that is what these beading books are all about. Unfortunately there are good and bad teachers.

Endless Sparkle: 12 Crystal Components - Unlimited Jewelry Designs (Paperback)

I recently obtained this book and was very pleasantly surprised. The very large diagrams were so easy on the eyes. It has become more and more difficult in recently years to see the tiny seed beads, but at least the illustations were wonderfully enlarged. Encouraged me to attempt some of the very challenging designs. Nothing sparkles like a Swarovski crystal. I am anxious to try my hand at incorporating some of the pendants into my Kumihimo jewelry.

Polymer Pizzazz 2: 25+ Beautiful Jewelry Projects to Make and Wear (Paperback)

Webster defines "pizzazz" as the quality of being exciting or attractive. This book is all that and much more. Who would know that this soft pliable material with a myriad assortment of textures and colors could be so inviting. Working with this material is certainly a hands-on experience. The directions were extremely easy to follow. The illustrations were all presented in full living colors. And, the finished product, although never encrusted with diamonds, silver, and gold, were very valuable in design, color, and final execution.

Easy Beading Vol. 7 (Hardcover)

I agree with the two reviews Good beader's glossary and this book presents projects for every level. I have seen strands of chips and don't know where to go with them. But beginning on page 18, I know I could create a necklace that would have oomph and sparkle. I have some beautiful Swarovski crystal brioletts which have been sitting in my stash of beads for quite awhile. Like many of my friends in the jewelry world, we are enticed by this clusters, but if the creative juices aren't flowing at the moment, a wonderful opportunity is lost. This book hooks you in. Great ideas how to combine various clasps, stones, etc. and make it work. I am truly enjoying "Easy Beading, Vol.7.

Patterns in Polymer: Imprint and Accent Bead Techniques (Paperback)

By Julie Picarello

The book "Patterns in Polymer" is extremely well presented. I make Kumihimo jewelry and many of the examples illustrated will add an extra dimension to the braids. Polymer comes in a multitude of colors and is fairly inexpensive. There is no guesswork here. The projects shown takes one from A to Z. Simple method for affixing pendant with polymer-riveted metal bail No more sodering for me with it's noxious fumes This book is a most welcome addition to my craft book collection.

Diane Fitzgerald's Favorite Beading Projects: Designs from Stringing to Beadweaving (Lark Jewelry & Beading) (Hardcover)

Diane Fitzgerald stated in the introduction that she started down the interesting and rewarding beading path over 20 years ago. How fortunate we fellow beaders are that she followed this journey. I often wonder about "inspiration." She gleaned hers from "historical beadwork, classes in color theory, contemporary and vintage jewelry, travel, nature, and geometry." As I viewed the many pages of captivating projects, it is very obvious that these influences stood her in good stead. Her sense of balance, color, and use of materials demonstrate a wonderful eye for design. She incorporates seed beads and large and small beads in a myriad of colors and shapes. The instructions are very well defined with no questions left unaswered. As a both a beader and metalsmith though, I wish she could have found a way to utilize some of the sterling silver pin backs currently available. Their use would have added an extra value to some of jewelry presentations. Overall, this is a very exciting book. Diane Fitzgerald, as a wonderful teacher and influence, has once again whet our appetite to add to our stash of beads and go for it.