Friday, March 21, 2014

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 Jewelry: Chain Link Bracelets by Mortira

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.

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