Book Spotlight: Crystal Chic

No matter what kind of beading or jewelry design you practice most, chances are there are some areas where mediums and styles blur. Not all jewelry is beaded, and not all beading is done with just beads. Sometimes even the most basic craft techniques make it into high quality art jewelry designs.

Just like the cabochon which easily goes with beadwork, metalwork and more, flatback crystals are a jack-of-all-trades in the beading world. These little gems are just as beautiful as their drilled bead cousins, and can go many places that other beads can’t.

In Crystal Chic,Debbi Simon shows readers how to incorporate CRYSTALLIZED Swarovski flat-back and hotfix crystals into a wide variety of gorgeous jewelry designs. Debbi combines these versatile gems with everything from standard jewelry blanks and filigree, to polymer clay and tagua slices. Each project provides beautiful and inspiring examples of how you can add extra sparkle to designs you already like to make.

Crystal Chic begins with a detailed overview of materials and techniques, particularly selecting and using the right adhesives for your projects. There are also tips on making molds from two-part silicone and polymer clay, mixing and pouring resin, and basic jewelry techniques like wrapped loops and crimping.

There are 37 projects in all, including necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings. There are also two embellished clasp projects, and a stunning polymer clay poppy brooch. The tutorials include complete materials lists with Swarovski product numbers for easy reference, step by step instructions and easy to follow photo diagrams. The projects are divided into seven chapters: Filigree, Metal, A la Pavé, Fibers, Polymer Clay, Resin, and Fun Stuff with found objects and charms.

The book finishes with an inspiration gallery, including crystal designs by artists like Kristal Wick and Brenda Schweder. If you love to embellish, glue and bedazzle, Crystal Chicwill provide you with lots of fun ideas. You may have to do some hunting at your local library or flea market to scoop up a copy, but it will be worth it!

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
Debbi Simon and Kalmbach Books
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