Book Spotlight: Beaded Allure

Jewelry and craft books are a wonderful source of knowledge and inspiration, but how often is it that you come across one that actually makes you want to drop everything so you can sit down and create? Even the most popular beading books are at their best when used as a reference or guide, but once in awhile an author’s designs can really inspire.

What I love most about Beaded Allureby Kelly Wiese is that it’s not really a beading book at all. It’s a jewelry making book, with an emphasis on beadweaving. The tone suggests that the projects are intended for anyone and everyone, not just those of us who are already hopelessly obsessed with seed beads.

A brief but informative basics section describes some of the important beadwork terminology that a beginner should know, plus techniques such as weaving in threads. Kelly shows you how to do some of the basic stitches used in the projects, like ladder stitch, picots, and embroidering a cabochon.

Most of the 25 projects use variations of netting and peyote, but there are also appearances by daisy chain, ladder stitch and lots of fun fringes. A reversible lariat project includes a clever closed-back rivoli bezel that would also work well with other pendant projects. Step-by-step instructions and photographs guide you through each design from start to finish.

The necklaces, bracelets and earrings featured in Beaded Allure are made with a variety of easy to find materials, like seed beads, Czech glass, and crystals. They are also incredibly wearable, but live up to the title. Each piece is a mini work of art, but not too over the top for even beginners to attempt.

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
Kelly Wiese and North Light Books
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