Book Spotlight: Creative Crochet Jewelry

Most beaders and jewelry designers work within a niche, using techniques and materials that they love, and developing their own unique style. Even though we usually stick to our preferences, there are often times when we envy other artists who have mastered something completely different.

When I was first starting out with bead weaving, I caught an episode of Beads Baubles and Jewels that featured crochet jewelry. The artist demonstrated how fun the Bead Spinner tool can be, and made necklaces embellished with frilly eyelash yarn.

The designs from the show were so fantastic, that I immediately bought the first two balls of frizzy yarn I could find, thinking that even if I didn’t learn to crochet, I could at least make something equally fun. I put the yarn away, and forgot all about it.

Then I picked up a copy of Creative Crochet Jewelry by Esther Zadock, and everything changed. Just flipping through the pages was enough to make me want to take up a whole new craft. Over 30 delightfully intricate-looking projects sparkle with beads and pretty things, calling out to be recreated.

While most of the projects can be made with supplies that every beader has in their stash, I found many new materials that only enhanced my envy of the crochet jeweler. They get to work with all kinds of wonderful bits, like fabric flowers, ribbon, lace and trimming. The materials chapter alone was full of inspiration and ideas waiting to happen.

My experience with crochet amounts to a pair of chain stitch friendship bracelets that I made about 15 years ago. You could say that I am a total novice. The instructions in Creative Crochet Jewelry are suitable for anyone with a basic understanding of crochet techniques, so I had to enlist a little extra help. I was amazed at how simple the techniques are, and after only a few minutes, I was stitching away like Granny.

There is something incredibly refreshing about making a piece of jewelry from the comfort of any old chair, and being able to lean back and relax while working. Once the beads are all strung, it’s all downhill from there. Thanks to Creative Crochet Jewelry, I was able to use up some of my fancy yarn, and make myself a crazy new necklace!

I can’t wait to try out some of the more complex projects, including a cuff bracelet with crystals in crochet bezels. There are even some beautiful rings, and earrings that would also make charming pendants.

What I love most about the designs, is that beads aren’t just an afterthought. Esther Zadock incorporates beads into the projects with a true appreciation of their beauty, and expertly blends the materials with the techniques for amazing results.

I would like to thank Sixth & Spring Books for giving me the chance to enjoy Creative Crochet Jewelry. Inspirational Beading has not received paid compensation for including the book in this blog post. I have shared my honest opinions about this book.

Copyright 2010 Inspirational Beading and Sixth & Spring Books