Book Spotlight: Convertible Crystal Jewelry

One of the best things about making your own jewelry is the ability to make it versatile and even interactive. It can be as simple as designing three necklaces to be layered together, or making a variety of focals to pair with a favorite rope stitch. Once you’ve finished making a piece, the real adventure is in how much fun you can have wearing it. In Convertible Crystal Jewelry,author and Swarovski Elements Ambassador Diane Whiting offers a beautiful selection of adjustable, mix-and-matchable projects for beaders of every skill level. Each one features gorgeous crystals and new ideas on how to make the most out of your beads.

There are 25 projects in all, each one using a mix of components and techniques to help you build and test your skills. There are designs for stringing, knotting, wirework, ladder stitch, peyote stitch, and so much more – each one more inspiring than the last. Diane’s projects make great use of the crystals and other components to create beautiful, versatile jewelry. There are beaded focals to wear with your favorite necklace base, necklaces that can become bracelets, tassels that can go anywhere, and two-tone bracelets that you can flip to match your mood. Many of the projects are created with ingenious techniques that spark so much inspiration, such as layering pairs of crystal flatbacks to make two-tone rivolis!

After a quick overview of materials, the projects begin, starting with a super easy lark’s head necklace for showcasing your favorite big-hole beads and Swarovski Elements fancy stone pendants. The difficultly increases as you go - the final projects feature more advanced techniques like beaded bezels and tubular right angle weave. Each project includes a materials list and step-by-step instructions with clear photographs to guide you through the design. There are also tips for adding even more variation to your finished piece, including ways to mix and match components from other projects to create something totally new. My favorite design is the Tila for Two x Two reversible cuff that looks gorgeously slinky and fun to weave.

If you’re looking for ways to revitalize your jewelry stash, Convertible Crystal Jewelryis sure to provide lots of inspirations. Many of the projects can even be converted to dress up your existing pieces and make them new again.

Happy beading!

Mortira

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Copyright 2016 Inspirational Beading, Kalmbach Books and Diane Whiting

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Book Spotlight: Leather Corded Fusion Ties

Some of the biggest trends in jewelry of late include knotting and cords – from wrap bracelets to paracord jewelry, the possibilities are constantly evolving. One of the best places to learn new knotting techniques for jewelry design is the Tying It All Together channel hosted by J.D. Lenzen. There are oodles of videos for tying gorgeous and interesting knots and creating unique knotted jewelry.

J.D.’s latest book features some of the prettiest and most versatile knots for jewelry making, paired with gorgeous leather cord and large hole beads for deceptively simple jewelry that looks stunning. Leather Corded Fusion Tiescombines a variety of traditional and innovative knotting elements into wearable jewelry designs that anyone can try.

There are 15 projects in all, each one introducing or expanding on techniques that can be used to create one of a kind leather necklaces and bracelets. My favorites are the Divided Double Coin Knot Bracelet, and the Beaded Ashoka Chakra Knot, which look so good they make me want to drop everything and delve into a whole new medium. The combinations of elegant knots with colorful leather and classic beads is incredibly appealing, and the possibilities for variation are very inspiring. These designs look great on their own, and could easily be adapted to include additional beads or even bead wrapping. Plus I love the metal-free clasp techniques that go along with leather cord designs!

Ashoka Chakra Knot Pendant and Noble Heart Knot Pendant

Each project includes easy to follow, step-by-step instructions, and clear photographs of each new technique. The close-up images clearly illustrate the steps, and include handy arrows to really guide you through the process of tying the essential knots. Each design begins with a full materials list, finished project size, and a list of the techniques used. Some projects also include a Decoded section, which is my favorite feature of Leather Corded Fusion Ties. These sections highlight design elements and possible variations for alternative design ideas, including example photos or step-by-step instructions. These extra tips provide valuable information and inspiration that give readers the tools they need to adapt what they’ve learned to make even more beautiful jewelry.

Although the knots look complex, the techniques are very straightforward and are so well explained, you’ll be knotting away in no time. J.D. has included some excellent tips for getting started, such as how to select the best leather cords and beads to use, and which tools will give you the best results.

If you’re looking for an exciting new medium to expand your jewelry design repertoire, Leather Corded Fusion Ties will definitely deliver!

Leather Knot Pendants and Beaded Leather Cord Bracelets

I would like thank J.D. Lenzen and Tying It All Together for giving me the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful book. Inspirational Beading has not received compensation for including products or publications in this post; however, actions you take from this page may result in a commission for Inspirational Beading.

Mortira

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Copyright 2016 Inspirational Beading and J.D. Lenzen

Ancient Worlds Modern Beads Preview

We have just under a month until the official release date of Ancient Worlds Modern Beads– although some readers have received their copies already, and the response has been great so far! Thank you so much to everyone who has given the book a chance. It’s very exciting to know that readers will soon be able to learn the techniques and draw a little inspiration from my own favorite sources.

As promised, I’ve created a slideshow preview of every design featured. There are 30 projects in all – necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings all inspired by the ancient world. The video will give you chance to view all of the finished designs and some of the techniques covered in the book. I’ve only included the main designs – most projects also include examples of variations on color, materials, or style. In other words, there is a lot of jewelry squeezed into these pages!

For the most part, the projects are showcased in the video by the same order you'll find them in for each chapter of the book. Each civilization has its own section, with 10 projects for different skill levels - from beginner to advanced. In writing Ancient Worlds Modern Beads, I did my very best to provide the same attention to detail that Inspirational Beading readers have come to expect for both basic techniques and complete projects. Each chapter is also sprinkled with extra tips for getting the best results, creating variations, or finding the best materials for a design.

The inspirations are quite varied, though most projects are modelled after real ancient jewelry from Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Several pieces draw on the icons of ancient deities like Juno and Demeter, while others invoke the things we admire about the classical world. Many of my favorite designs are covered, including those that many Inspirational Beading readers have requested in the past such as the chevron collar, herringbone coil bracelet, and chevron lariat.

Nile Necklace Project



Amphora Cuff Project

Which project are you most interested in? Are there any techniques not covered that you’d like to see in a future tutorial or book? I would love to hear your thoughts!

Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading
Barron's Educational Series and The Met Museum
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Book News and Assorted Updates

This week I received some advanced copies of Ancient Worlds Modern Beads, and I couldn’t be more excited. The official release date is just a few short months away, and I’m looking forward to being able to search book shops for copies. It’s been an incredible journey and a dream come true! Thank you again to all of you for your support over the past few years while it all came together.

I put off taking a good look through the pages of Ancient Worlds Modern Beads– I was hoping a little distance from the last editing session would help me to see it through a reader’s eyes. It’s a bit tough, since I’ve got all of the featured pieces sitting right here with me – what a strange thing to be able to see them both together! I hope that the projects help to inspire many more.

Meanwhile, I’ve been trying to find the right balance of work, family, and beading. We’re right in the middle of summer vacation, so almost any free time I’ve got has been going to fun outings, or just plain old sleeping in. I hope that once school gets going again, I can hammer out a much better schedule that will include lots of beadwork and related goodness.

After weeks of head scratching, I’ve finally solved the shop dilemma that’s been keeping me from finding homes for new jewelry designs. ArtFire has made some major changes this year, including placing ads on listing pages and offering an ad-free account with a commission. I had hoped to start a brand new shop, but I have no idea when I’ll have the time to commit to such an endeavor. Once ArtFire announced that they would accept PayPal – aka shop profits – as payment for fees, I decided I would just go ahead and continue using the site until I can migrate to something else. This works out nicely, since I have a lot of business cards to go through before I can change my links!

I’ve committed myself to adding a few new designs to my shops each week if I can find the time, and I’ll have to pull my socks up to really get things done. My workspace has become a bit of a disaster area again – it’s just so hard to spend time filing beads when I can be weaving with them instead.

How are you juggling hobbies and summer activities right now?

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Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading
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Introducing: Ancient Worlds Modern Beads

The time has finally come to reveal the secret project that I’ve been working on for the past two years. There have been many bead teasers along the way, and I’ve dropped a few hints about the purpose behind the exciting designs that have passed through my workspace. At last I can say that it’s all been for the production of my first beading book: Ancient Worlds, Modern Beads.

I am very excited to present this collection of projects, all inspired by Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. Some of my all-time favorite designs are included with step-by-step instructions, along with oft-requested tutorials that will finally be available in full detail. There are lots of collars, bracelets, necklaces and rings to make using seed beads, glass, and natural beads. I’ve also bent my metal rules just a bit to include 4 earring projects that coordinate with many of the other pieces in the book. It was a tough decision to make, but ultimately I wanted to create the best selection of projects possible - and there were just too many great earring inspirations to pass up!

There are 30 projects in all – ten from each civilization. The projects are inspired by the culture, mythology, art and jewelry of the time. Many pieces recreate the look of actual ancient artifacts, while others capture an essence of each region and its legacy. The Egyptian projects were some of my favorites to create, of course. Greece and Rome offer up some pretty amazing inspirations of their own, and I can't wait to share them! It was incredibly fun to design each piece, and I hope that readers will love to recreate them as well. The book also includes some gorgeous handmade backgrounds, with textiles by Elaine Partington and glass by Matthew Durran.

Amarna Earring Project Inspired by Ancient Egyptian Relics

Ancient Worlds, Modern Beads will be published later this year by Barron's Educational Series. It is available now for pre-order from Indigo and Amazon.The official cover has not yet been revealed, and there are plenty of details still to come. I’m planning to release a full preview of all of the projects for you closer to release time. Meanwhile, I want to thank the creative team at Quarto for helping get this book off the ground, and for all of their hard work on bringing it together.

Juno Pendant Project Inspired by Roman Medallion Jewelry

I also want to extend some very special thanks to every Inspirational Beading reader for your patience and support during these two hectic years. Being able to share my projects with you – if only as teasers – and reading your wonderful comments kept me going whenever I felt I couldn’t bead another stitch. Thank you for joining me here every week, and here’s to many more creative journeys!

Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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Book Spotlight: Decorative Wire Findings

Making custom components and findings is an invaluable skill for any jewelry maker. By learning just a few basic techniques, you gain the advantage of having exactly the right pieces to make your dream designs, every time. Whether you like to string, weave, or wrap, custom findings allow you to personalize all of your designs, make perfectly matched sets - and of course, save money for more of your favorite materials.

In her new book Decorative Wire Findings, jewelry artist and instructor Melody MacDuffee shares her favorite techniques for making one of a kind findings and components for amazing jewelry designs. The book includes instructions for more than 20 versatile essentials such as earring posts and backs, bezels for cabochons, and spacer bars for gorgeous multi-strand pieces. For inspiration and an in-depth look at how each component is used, there are 26 complete projects for earrings, bracelets and necklaces – plus ideas for unique rings and brooches.

Many of the projects feature gorgeous beads from around the world, including Krobo beads created by artists at Soul of Somanya – an amazing non-profit co-founded and directed by Melody in Ghana, West Africa. There are also projects for fans of crystals, pearls and druzy stones – all of them a delight to new and experienced wire-wrappers alike. My personal favorite is an eleven strand bracelet made with stunning teal Krobo beads and golden spirals.

With expert care, Melody guides readers through each of the projects; full color, step-by-step photos provide a look at how each design will progress. The materials lists include everything you need to complete a project, including page numbers for each of the components and findings that you’ll need to make ahead before completing a piece. Several projects offer instant gratification with just a few wraps and tweaks, while others provide an exciting challenge in gorgeous wire wrapping techniques. Never again find yourself without the right components for a project with the easy, professional-looking techniques in Decorative Wire Findings!

Want to check it out for yourself? Melody and the kind folks at Kalmbach Books are giving away one copy of Decorative Wire Findings to an Inspirational Beading reader. For a chance to win, simply leave a comment on this post letting us know what your favorite jewelry components are! One lucky winner will be drawn on Tuesday, April 28th.

Good luck and happy beading!

Update: This giveaway draw has closed.

I would like to thank Meloday MacDuffee and Kalmbach Books for giving me the opportunity to enjoy Decorative Wire Findings. Inspirational Beading has not received compensation for including products or publications in this post.

Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading
Melody MacDuffee and Kalmbach Books
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Book Spotlight: Beautiful Bracelets by Hand

There’s something truly wonderful about the form of jewelry we call bracelets. As a project, they’re right in the middle of the road – not as instant as earrings, or as lengthy as necklaces. They can be worn with anything but the longest of sleeves, and are comfortable in almost any weather. No piece of jewelry provides quite as much movement, jangle, poise, or punch to an outfit as a gorgeously made bangle or bracelet.

In her new book, Beautiful Bracelets By Hand,the founder of We Dream in Color has created a treasure trove of inspiring designs. Jade Gedeon’s 75 beautiful bracelets will delight beaders and jewelry makers of all skill levels. There are 8 chapters in all, dividing the projects by their essential materials. The Beads chapter features bold focals and understated heishi beads. Bits & Pieces encourages readers to experiment with found objects, buttons, and upcycled jewelry. There are also projects devoted to the beauty of Chain, Fabric & Cord, Leather, Metal, Plastic, and Wood.

Although the materials vary greatly from the first project to the last, the techniques used are both enticing for experienced beaders, and simple enough for the weekend crafter. Beautiful Bracelets by Hand includes instructions for wire wrapping, crimping, resin molding, polymer clay smooshing, simple woodworking, and much more. All of the projects are united by their very trendy looks and flair for decidedly pretty design. This book would make a fabulous addition to any crafter’s library.

Jade Gedeon and Page Street Publishing have generously provided a sample project from the book for Inspirational Beading readers to try. This Lace Cuff bracelet from the Fabric & Cord chapter provides a pretty pattern with instant gratification. Enjoy!

LACE CUFF

New or repurposed, lace of any sort makes a pretty piece. We picked vintage and antique metallic weaves to give this ladylike bracelet a little edge and a good pop of glam.

BITS YOU’LL NEED

• Two 7" (17.8 cm) lengths of lace ribbon (we used 2¼" [5.7 cm]-wide ribbon)
• Bias tape
• Four 19x5mm ribbon crimp ends
• Two 4x6mm jump rings, 18 gauge
• Two 10mm jump rings, 18 gauge
• Two 12x6mm lobster clasps

TOOLS

• Scissors
• Chain-nose pliers
• Flat-nose pliers
• Nylon-jaw pliers
• Hot glue gun

1. Big wrist? Small wrist? Wrap ribbon around your wrist so it is slightly loose. Trim so there is about a ½-inch (1.3 cm) gap between the ends. Cut your bias tape about ½ inch (1.3 cm) longer than your ribbon width.

2. Fold the excess bias tape into itself and crease. Do this on the top and bottom edge.

3. Since you’ll be using HOT glue, take care not to burn yourself. Press any edges down with a piece of card or a spoon rather than your fingers unless you don’t mind a blister or three. Now that we are clear on that, with a few dots of hot glue, stick the top and bottom folds down. Sandwich your ribbon edge in between the folds of the bias tape. Apply a few small dots of glue and fold and press (again with a card or something without nerves) the bias tape over the ribbon.

4. Center the ribbon crimp on the bias tape. With a pair of nylon-jaw pliers, firmly close the crimp onto the ribbon. Attach a 10mm jump ring to one end. Attach the lobster clasp with a 4x6mm jump ring to the opposite end.

5. Make another. That way one wrist won’t be jealous.

I would like to thank Page Street Publishing for giving me the opportunity to preview this gorgeous book, and for sharing the Lace Cuff tutorial. Inspirational Beading has not received compensation for mentioning titles or products in this post; however, actions you take from this page can result in a commission for Inspirational Beading.

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading
Jade Gedeon and Page Street Publishing Co.
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Book Spotlight: Beaded Bracelets

My favorite craft and beading books are those that focus on a love for weaving with seed beads, and using them with their full potential. It’s always a joy to look at tiny glass jewels transformed into beautiful structures, whether playfully or precisely.

In her first beading book, Claudine McCormack Jalajas combines a love of jewelry design with a knack for seed bead weaving to create 25 gorgeous and wearable bracelets. Every piece combines techniques and materials in new ways - each different from the last - with styles to choose from that will suit every beader. There are geometric shapes, delicate florals, bold patterns, and plenty of embellishments.

Beaded Bracelets includes a really straightforward and beginner-friendly basics section, with suggestions for choosing the best threads and needles for your projects, supplying the essential tools for a beginning beader’s workspace, and finding beads that will last. My favorite section in the book is the contents gallery, which showcases each of the projects up front, so readers can easily find a bracelet that inspires them. Each piece has a new combination of beads, stitches, and styles to try, for hours of delightful beadwork.

The projects include step by step instructions and clear diagrams. Most of the bracelets are simple enough to make in one or two beading sessions, but look very elaborate. My favorite pieces include Melissa’s Honeybees with bold dagger bead flowers, and Sea Gold, with a trio of Swarovski Elements cosmic rings.

Beaded Bracelets is a great book for new beaders, providing a variety of quick and wearable designs to try. It’s also a great source of inspiration for using your favorite beads in new ways!

I would like to thank Running Press for giving me the chance to enjoy Beaded Bracelets. 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 2014 Inspirational Beading
Running Press and Claudine McCormack Jalajas
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Book Spotlight: The Art and Elegance of Beadweaving

One of the best things about most beadweaving techniques is that there are so many different ways to use them. Variations are what make a simple stitch into a gorgeous design, whether it’s adding a new type of bead to the mix, or just adding a few twists. In The Art & Elegance of Beadweaving,stitch variations are explored in ways not seen anywhere else.

In this book Carol Wilcox Wells has compiled a gorgeous collection of projects based on some favorite stitches, taking them to a whole new level. After a brief introduction to the materials and tools used for beadwork, readers can jump right into creating. There are four to five projects each for chevron chain, bead crochet, herringbone, peyote stitch, and spiral rope. The highlight of the book is an entire chapter on beaded beads with ten projects to try.

Each section is filled with beautiful photos of beadwork and jewelry designs featuring the relevant stitch, from some of beading’s greatest artists. Contributors include Marcia Decoster, Martha Forsyth, and NanC Meinhardt, plus many more.

If you’re looking for ways to spice up your beading repertoire, I highly recommend looking for The Art & Elegance of Beadweaving at your local library. It is full of gorgeous stitch inspirations!

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading
Carol Wilcox Wells and Lark Crafts
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Book Spotlight: Dimensional Bead Embroidery

Cabochons, fringe, and oodles of lovely seed beads - is there anything more exciting than a perfectly stitched piece of bead embroidery? Experienced designers create and construct designs that are as stunning as they are intimidating to beginners, but the good news is the techniques are deceptively simple - no matter what the size of the project may be.

In Dimensional Bead Embroidery,Jamie Cloud Eakin lays out all of the basics for bead embroidery, guiding readers through the process with ease. Unlike many beading instruction books, this reference guide focuses mainly on the techniques and how to execute them, rather than on how-to’s for finished designs. Although there are 9 projects complete with instructions, it’s the chapters on materials, stitches, and design methods that make this book an invaluable tool for beaders.

Jamie begins with an overview of all the beads, materials, and tools needed to create the pieces shown in the book, as well as new experiments in bead embroidery. Then it’s on to the teaching chapters. Starting with the simplest steps - such as knotting and adding thread, and selecting a backing and design - every aspect of the craft is explored in detail with helpful diagrams and gorgeous example photos. An abundance of stitches, bezels, and fringes are explored, providing readers with a wonderful palette of techniques to add to their designs.

Dimensional Bead Embroiderycloses with a stunning gallery of jewelry by some of bead embroidery’s best designers. My personal favorite is the whimsical Under the Sea bib necklace by Diane Mahan. If you long to try the amazing free style techniques of bead embroidery, or want to add new stitches to your repertoire, this book is a must read!

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading
Jamie Cloud Eakin and Lark Crafts
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Book Review: Small Beads Big Jewelry

An interesting trend in the world of beading is: the smaller the beads, the bigger the design. Big beads are great for simple stringing, but tiny seed beads can transform into elaborate masterpieces. Proving this with her new book on bead weaving, Jean Power showcases the amazing potential of seed beads.

There are thirty gorgeous beadwork projects, with ten pieces by designers handpicked by Jean from around the world. Justine Standaert represents Mexico with amazing acai jewelry, Maria Lindemann of Denmark shares delightful peyote patterns, plus many more - including myself. It was a great pleasure to share a bracelet tutorial for chain link right angle weave!

Following a quick basics overview for beginners, the projects are arranged by difficulty and technique. Each section starts with a primer on the relevant stitch, such as peyote or herringbone. Then readers can learn to make three or more gorgeous pieces of jewelry using the technique. Every project showcases the amazing versatility of small beads with simple techniques like Celinni spiral, and adapted designs such as herringbone beaded beads and 3-D beadwork. Jean shares one of her famous techniques for geometric peyote triangles, and there’s even a fringe-tastic variation of spiral rope that takes the stitch to all new heights. Full materials lists and large, full color diagrams guide readers through the steps, and there are plenty of variation examples to inspire new pieces.

Small Beads Big Jewelryalso includes a wonderful Q&A section with all 11 designers, providing tips and advice for new beaders who want to dive into the craft. More than just a bead weaving basics title, this book inspires a love of seed beads and all the amazing things that they can do.

I would like to thank Jean Power and everyone at Quarto Publishing for the opportunity to take part in this wonderful publication, and for providing a copy of Small Beads Big Jewelry for this review. Inspirational Beading has not received compensation for including products in this post; however, actions you take from this page can result in a commission for Inspirational Beading.

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading
Jean Power and Barron's Educational Series
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