5 comments about Bead Flowers.

1. Your service is one of the best and fastest without doubts is reliable too . Well done !



2. I buy just about every Beaded Flower book that comes along and have some rare older ones. Also I have been beading florals in tiny beads for about 4 years. While this is a beautifully photographed book and the diagrams for instructions are very well done, I find that the recommendations for wire gauges for these compositions is to light to provide long enduring work. If you want to use this book, substitute her recommended 30 gauge wire for 26 gauge wire and 28 gauge wire depending on the weight and placement of your components. If you are going to spend hours of time creating beautiful beaded work, it should be of a construction that will provide you and your loved ones with many years if not a life time of enjoyment. 30 gauge wire will not do the job.



3. To beading flowers fantasist I recommend this book, because it has got a
   lot of lessons about Flower beading.This is a book that one can't afford
   to miss. Special thanks goes to Amazon.com for the presentation of these
   products,which craft people finds them very useful



4. I really like the book and the instructions look great. My only complaint is that I'm having trouble finding the beads 3-cut and 6-cut beads. Also having a lot of trouble finding the wire she recommends.
   
   If anyone has a suggestion I would really like to know where online or in Oakland I can purchase the supplies for these flowers.
   
   Don



5. I just love this book. The author has made it so easy, her instructions are very clear, concise, and easy to follow. The designs are so beautiful, there is a bounty of techniques which can be applied to many other projects. I have other flower beading books, but none of them lead you from beginning to end like this book does. The diagrams are so clear, and easy to follow. The last pages have measurements of beads, and rulers which are so helpful. The only thing I would like to see added is a resource list, especially for the three cut beads. I admire this author, Minako Shimonagase, she has done a wonderful job with this book.

5 comments about Zulu Inspired Beadwork: Weaving Techniques and Projects.

1. I cannot begin to describe the appreciation I have for this book. Being an Amercian of African decent, I always appreciate learning about the culture and history of people from different parts of the motherland. I have been trying to find a how-to-book on making African beaded jewelry. From what I observed from books about African Art and culture, the jewelry is always so colorful and beautifully designed. I want to make and wear jewelry that imulates the beauty of African styles of beading. Through a perspective of a person of African decent, I would have liked to see photographic examples of jewelry made by the Africans, which the book shows, but with more of them and the instructions demonstrating how to make them. However, the author has made the jewelry shown in this book to truly represent styles and beauty of African beaded jewelry. The photographs, the jewelry and instructions in this book are fantastic as others have mentioned and plus some.



2. I love this book-have made one bracelet, and am onto a second one. The instructions are so easy to follow and there are lot's of different patterns to try.



3. Lovely book. Wonderful photos and clear instructions of various stitches used. The historical pages are very interesting. Looking forward to the next book!



4. AWESOME. This book is detailed, very easy to follow, and causes visions of projects in your mind that you JUST might be able to do now. This toom of teaching bead weaving goes above and beyond other books written about the same subject.
   
   Highly recommended for content, price, and excitement. Buy it now!!



5. I have Diane's original, self published version of this book, but having this version, with all the colored pictures, is worth the price of buying the new edition.
   
   For those who like such, there are also specific patterns using the stitches-- something I dont remember the original ook having.

5 comments about Seed Bead Chains (Easy-Does-It).

1. 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!



2. 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



3. Good little booklet from past articles/projects of the Bead & Button magazine. This is off loom needle woven beadwork. All are do-able projects and contain no surprises. Very reasonable price!



4. This is just a little volume, but if you're looking for some basic beaded chains, this is it. The chains can be worn as necklaces, or lengthened to be used as straps, etc.
   
   Many projects just assume you know how to make a beaded chain, so they don't bother including instructions for one. You're sure to find something in here that will be just perfect! It's definitely worth the price!



5. New to bead weaving, I needed a set of clear instructions and step by step photos to walk me through and this book delivers! Took a few tries (ok, more than a few, this is tough for me) but finally got it and it turned out great. Anxious to make another!

5 comments about Polymer Clay Beads: Techniques, Projects, Inspiration.

1. definitely not for beginners or hobbyists. The chapter on mica shift is the most useful for someone who doesn't have the tools that the later chapters require. The author explains more clearly than any other book I've read how to build various ingots and how to use them to make beads.
   
   The emphasis is on art beads perhaps larger and more modern art than the average reader has in mind to make. The book is well worth reading but perhaps it would be better to check it out from the library before buying to be sure that the book covers topics you will actually use.



2. Esta muy bien, ademas viene con muchas fotografias, lo cual hace que sea mas facil entender las técnicas



3. i was very satisfied with this book. It has beautiful, inspiring photos andunderstandable instructions for a variety of beads. I would recommend this book.



4. I devour instruction art books. Polymer books are usually for beginners
   making cute stuff. This is in another class. Outrageous, over the top gorgeous. Not for a week-ended artist. the turning process is brilliant and finish product is show quality.
   
   As a statement jewelry artist [...] myself I learned
   by leaps and bounds from this book. Thanks.



5. I own about a dozen polymer clay books that I have purchased over the last twenty years to learn from. Most of those books contain a lot of duplication. Lots of authors offer more or less the same instruction on creating faux gemstones, caning and millefiori and other basic types of techniques, but most of these are only variations of one another. Diffendaffer has gone these other authors one better because he applies the use of tools to his work that are not commonly described in other books. These include texture plates that you can design in your studio or work space, tube and core beads that are constructed using mandrels, an oven stand using mandrels to bake many beads at one time, a lathe, polymer clay extruders, and texturing tools. He has also included information on the basics so the book could be used by those who are not highly experienced.
   
   The bead types for which there are illustrations and instructions include mica shift beads, textured beads, lathe-turned beads, recursive molded beads, molded hollow-form beads and mandrel formed pillow beads (these are beads that extend halfway around the neck). While not all of them are to my taste, I have to say that most of them are quite attractive and very original.
   
   The book concludes with a gallery that includes beautiful works by Dan Cormier, Jeffrey Dever, Debra De Wolfe, Kathleen Dustin, Celie Fago, Lindly Jaunani, Kasuyo Kono, Judy Kuskin, Wendy Wallin Malinow, Sarah Shriverr, Cynthia Toops and Elise Winter. Highly recommended as an addition to the library of any polymer clay artist or practitioner.

5 comments about Bead Simple: Essential Techniques for Making Jewelry Just the Way You Want It.

1. I'm so happy to have a copy of this book! I'm not really a jewelry maker, but the projects and photos are completely inspiring! I noticed that the projects don't all adhere to the same aesthetic, which is so nice and refreshing to see in a craft book - lots of good variety for gifting or matching to different styles of clothing, and it's not hard to imagine modifying many of the pieces to suit different tastes. This is a really great choice for a beginner, or for anybody who appreciates a well put-together how-to book!



2. I've been reading all over about how fabulous Susan Beal's new Bead Simple book is. Ever since I saw a first glimpse of the cover on the web ages ago, I've been dying to get my hands on a copy. My wish finally came true, and folks ... this book does NOT disappoint. Everything I've read was right on. It's a big, thick, yummy, beautiful book. I've spent the last several nights dreamily perusing it before I drift off to sleep. It's no wonder I've had lots of dreams of jewelry this week!
   
   Bead Simple is gorgeous. It's styled in such a way that makes it a borderline coffee table book. Don't relinquish this book to the craft room bookshelf. It's one you'll want to keep out where you can look at it at any time, and share with friends. The projects are beautifully photographed, the illustrations are clean and simple and the typography pulls it all together in a way that's delicate without being too fru-fru.
   
   This book has got something for beading newbies and jewelry experts. The first part of the book has incredible resources and information about everything you need to get started making your own jewels. The descriptions of the supplies are simple and clear and the intro chapter makes for a great starting point and future reference.
   
   The project portion of the book is brilliantly organized. Each "chapter" has three variations on a particular theme. It's a great way to see how you can easily modify a certain technique or design to make loads of different, fun pieces. I love the chapter on vintage button necklaces. Remember how I haven't been a big button person in the past? Well, this chapter makes me want a button necklace for every day of the week.
   
   And it's not just baubles that you'll be making when you get this book. There are great projects for embellishing clothes, too! I love that! There are also some fun household projects - like the Name Dropper Wine Glass Charms. I've got dibs on Prince!
   
   And I haven't even gotten to the guest contributors. All your favorite crafty gurus are in here. My pal, Diane of Crafty Pod fame, has a beautiful Starburst Pendant design that involves wire twisting. I can't wait to give that one a spin. There's a fantastic project from Crafty Chica, Kathy Cano Murillo, that has a beautiful back story. I can almost hear Jennifer Perkins' Bric-a-Brac Charming Bracelet jingling off the page. I have to say, I'm a sucker for simple, fun, colorful stuff, so Jenny Ryan's Candy Shoppe One Strand Bracelet is among my absolute favorites. I know it's all about the beads on that one, and I'm drooling over the tiny owl beads and little squares with atomic sunbursts on them. I NEED those!
   
   If I haven't convinced you of the luscious quality of Bead Simple, perhaps the price will do the trick. What can I say, I'm a practical, frugal gal at heart. So seeing this glossy, glorious, massive book filled with the designs of fabulous independent crafty folks priced at just under $20 ... that's a steal of a deal if you ask me.
   
   Treat yourself to Bead Simple. Like me, you won't be disappointed.



3. you would think that just because someone is a beginer at beading or jewelry making they were 12 or retired by the look of most beading and jewelry books.But not this one.It has a beautifuly illustraited techniques section and projects that are made from both typical and very interesting (possibly for the younger crowd!) objects.So its things that you can actualy find at your crafts or bead stores to make something similar unlike many fo the botique or simply 'insperation' books.This is a great 'project book'.Ive purchased two and put them in 'beginner' baskets for gifts.One for a sisterin law who is more mature but wanted a beading hobby and didnt know where to start but is much too classy of a lady for most other books on the market (and many were too advanced!) and another for a young cousin.I think it fit them both euqaly well..
   I do love the photos of the projects too!



4. I checked out all the beading books from the libraries in our local cluster and this was by far the best, so I bought it from Amazon.com. The book just has a lot of techniques and tricks inside and great photographs to illustrate what the project should look like. Beading is a great hobby for me, the one craft I really enjoy.



5. This book is great for beginners and experts alike. It has simple techniques that some wouldn't think of. All the designs are easy to do and this book provides materials lists so that you can get everything you need to finish a project. Or you can just use this book for inspiration!

No comments about More Glamorous Beaded Jewelry: Bracelets, Necklaces, Earrings, and Rings (Creative Home Arts Library).

2 comments about Bracelets, Buttons & Brooches: 20 Projects Using Innovative Beading Techniques.

1. A beautiful book of creative designs. Directions are detailed w/clear, colorful photos. Can't wait to start my own creation.



2. I realize that beginners have to start somewhere, but 99% of the bead books available seem to cater to the newest of the new: people who can't thread a beading needle, or need to be told what a seed bead is. And frankly, as I read the first chapter of Bracelets, Buttons and Brooches, I thought it was another one of the same. That is, until I got to the projects:
   
   Yay! These projects are NOT for beginners, except for one or two at the beginning that appear to be put there so that an adavanced beginner who bought the wrong book won't take it back to the store. The rest of the instructions, while complete and thorough, don't assume that you can't tell a Delica from a Treasure or a Charlotte. And this book makes liberal use of all three, along with 11/0 beads, 15/0 seeds and 8/0 Delicas and seed beads.
   
   I love the new (to me) methods of surrounding a cabochon with beading on both sides at the same time. The method is ingenious, and I gave myself one of those "why didn't I think of that" smacks in the head when I saw Ms. Davis' clear and easy to understand diagram. I was also thrilled when I looked at the twenty projects and realized that they were merely the springboard for many, many more projects simply by adding some of the steps in other projects or subtracting an edging or a bit of netting that is too fancy for the cabochon or button that you're using for that particular project. You can also fancy up a project to your heart's content with netting, edging and pretty links to the other focal beads in your project.
   
   Ms. Davis assumes that the reader can follow a flat peyote pattern, knows netting, brick, ladder and peyote stitches (both flat and round), although she does give one of those one paragraph once overs at the beginning of the book. If you aren't familiar with all of these stitches, plus probably going from one stitch to another, you might want to wait before buying this book. But if you are an intermediate to "almost advanced" beader, you are going to leap for joy because there is finally a book with some new projects for the rest of us!
   
   (I say "almost advanced" because there are advanced beaders who do loomwork in 24/0 beads in twenty shades of yellow, or think nothing of encasing a kitchen chair in Aiko beads. Those people don't need books. They write them, unless they are busy making beaded clothing from handmade beads they got on their last bead-gathering trip to the Yucatan. I'm exaggerating slightly, but people who are that advanced know who they are)
   
   Most of all, the finished projects are pretty and can be finished in a weekend or less. Those are two big deal selling points to me, because I don't want to spend three months working on something that isn't mind-numbingly easy only to find out that using ten shades of taupe doesn't look so good. It also gives you a chance to use those cabochons that you bought because they were so beautiful then stored somewhere because beads without holes present challenges all their own. Or if you have a drawerful of beautiful buttons from your grandmother, and you'd like to make something beautiful that would remind you of her. If those things apply to you, then you will be very happy you spent the money on this book and will shriek at the spouse who says, "Another one of those freakin' books? I'm throwin' this out!" (Or maybe that's just me. I don't think a bookcase dedicated to beading books is too many, do you?) Just sayin'
   
   To sum it up, if you're sick of the average "here's how to make an odd numbered peyote watchband" project, then this book is for you. It's a happy medium between so simple you can bead in your sleep and so tough that you're scared to buy the beads. Best of all, it teaches some very clever techniques that can be adapted to even more projects and you'll refer to the book again and again.
   
   P.S.: The author mounts a lot of her cabochons on a backing, i.e., Lacy's Stiff Stuff/heavy interfacing/bonded felt. It would be a good idea to purchase a little bit of your favorite backing so you have it on hand when the book arrives. That way, you can jump right into beading your next masterpiece. You will also need a good quality white craft glue and a very good quality glue that dries clear and bonds anything to anything else.

5 comments about Findings & Finishings: A Beadwork How-To Book (Beadwork How-To series).

1. Although "Findings and Finishings" is described on its cover as "a beadwork how-to book", it is as much a catalogue of the different findings and finishings that are available, as it is an instructional manual. In this book, Sharon Bateman provides color photographs of just about every type of jewellery finding imaginable (including clasps, connectors, terminals, spacers, crimps, head pins, ear wires and pins), with instructions on their use, and photographs and instructions of a wide range of beading techniques. There are no specific projects described in this book, but there is enough information given for the reader to create their own projects.
   
   Although this book is only 118 pages, there is a lot of information given in that space, and I would imagine this information would appeal to jewellery makers of all skill levels. However, this book could have been improved if more illustrations were provided of the interim steps involved in attaching each of the findings etc. Bateman provides photographs of finished products but often provides no illustrations of how she got there. This caused me some problems when I was learning how to bead.



2. I thought this book would just be about findings but it has everything you need to know to polish and finish any bead work. A must have for any beader.



3. For all the people who want instructions on finishing jewelry, this is a wonderful resource book. It's well written and gorgeously printed in color.
   It's a nice overview of finishing techniques, including some absolutely inspirational clasps done in seed beads, she has wire tips and instructions for wire clasps, detailed hints and instructions for finishings.
   It's got nice ideas for beginners, and for wireworkers both beginning and experienced. Bails and earrings and multi strand clasps that are well thought out.
   It's also a great book for advanced beaders as well, there are some projects and ideas in it that are just really inspirational. I'm absolutely in love with some of the seed bead clasp ideas, they are elegant and gorgeously executed, and I know I'll be using them in the near future. There is a slide bar bracelet that's so clever it took my breath away. I can picture it so well with a rug pattern peyote stitched bracelet!
   I was very impressed. In some ways, learning how to end a piece of jewelry you've spent a lot of time on in a way that balances well and is as beautiful as the rest of the piece is very hard, this book makes it much easier to have the back of your necklace or bracelet look as amazing at the front does. A lot of the ideas are also a lot less expensive then buying fancy findings that only "almost" match your finished piece. With this in hand, you can design the perfect finish for your piece.
   It was released by Interweave Press, the company that does Beadwork magazine. This book easily meets all expectations. I've been using it as a reference since I got it.



4. This book is an absolute must for beginners or advanced jewelry designers. The great step-by-step pictures provide an excellent reference. Terms are clearly defined.



5. This book gives some information on tools and bead types, lists a good number of findings and how to make them and some examples of finishes with drawn-up instructions.
   I gave it only 3 stars because I bought other books for most of this information and expected a more detailed list of findings. The finishes and the picture gallery feature almost exclusively seed-bead projects.

1 comments about Beading with Filigree: Beautiful Jewelry, Simple Techniques (Lark Jewelry Book).

1. I impatiently waited all summer to order this book. Once it arrived it has been on the top of my bead book pile as I frequently turn to it when I'm in need of a shot of inspiration. The book starts off with an in depth "Filigree Primer" filled with the history of filigree, the styles, metals and finishes. The chapter on "Getting Started" introduces you to the cast of beads used in the book along with some great little tips and hints. The book is presented in an encouraging format with an emphasis on your own creativity.
   
   The "Basic Techniques" gives you the how and why of using different types of filigree. Along with jewelry-making basics, there are informative tips for working with the filigree and a few ways to treat the surface, like heat treating and painting. Painting filigree, OMG, you have to see the Lucille necklace. You'll be pulling out the spray paint before you know it!
   
   The rest of the book focuses on step-by-step projects that vary from simple earrings to complex asymmetrical necklaces. The designs range from delicate to bold. The techniques cover stringing to embellishing filigree with seed beads, so there is something for every one's tastes.

5 comments about Creating Lampwork Beads for Jewelry.

1. I bought the book because I wanted to make glass beads for jewelry.
   The chapters about making beads are very informing and original as well.
   I am glad I bought the book.
   How ever I was very surprised that part of the book is about actually making the jewelry, not about making the beads. I don't need a book about that topic so I was sory the space was not filled with bead making.



2. the techniques shown in this book are elementary and few in number-- this book may be of interest to the beginner, but has nothing to offer the more experienced lampworker--save yourself the cost of having to return this book--



3. Karen has written a wonderful book that walks you through several jewelry projects via easy to understand directions with excellent photos. This book is unique in that it shows the reader how to make a lampwork bead -- step by step -- and then walks the reader through how to create a necklace or bracelet that is the perfect showcase for the bead. I think this book is an excellent addition to any jewelry designer and/or lampworker's library. The ideas contained within it have so many applications! It's a terrific book!



4. This book is excellent. I am a beginner at lampworking and this book has showed me different ways of making beads and the instructions are excellent. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning how to do lampworking.



5. I'm a glass beadmaker which means I use a torch to melt glass. I tend to call my glass, "flamework glass" but historically, melting glass with a torch has been called lampwork. Although modern lampwork artists sometimes prefer to describe what they do as "flamework glass" author Karen Leonardo calls it "lampwork" - it's all the same techniques and set up.
   
   The book opens with setting up your studio. Kudos to Ms. Leonardo for writing the best set up chapter of any book I've seen on lampworking. Critical for any new flameworker is the set up of the torch. Leonardo includes pictures of how to safely connect the torch and propane tank. Once you've set up your torch you're ready to make your first bead in Chapter 2. Again, Leonardo has written a good chapter with fine basic steps. Various techniques from beginner to intermediate are included in Chapter 3. A sheep bead, a boro bead and the ever popular double helix reactive glass in fire and ice flow tab bead. The book transitions to making jewelry with the glass beads you've created in Chapters 2 and 3. First though, Chapter 4 introduces jewelry basics. Chapter 5 includes jewelry projects using the glass beads you've made in previous chapters. I like the Santorini Fossils Necklace using wire. The Deep Woods Wirewok Pin was nice too. I wonder if the silk cord in the Pond and Sea Necklace really holds the weight of the silver beads.
   
   All in all, Karen Leonardo has written a lovely book marrying how to make glass beads with how to use glass beads in jewelry.