Learn to Make Bead Jewelry with 35 Fabulous Projects

Learn to Make Bead Jewelry with 35 Fabulous Projects
By: Lynn Davy
Gifted by: Kalmbach Publishing Co.
www.kalmbach.com
Reviewed by: Dana Byerwalter, Editor, AllFreeJewelryMaking.com
 

Do you ever walk down the beading aisle at your local craft store and feel instantly overwhelmed? There are so many beads to choose from! Don't let too many options stop you from embarking on a new creative skill. With Learn to Make Bead Jewelry with 35 Fabulous Projects, the exciting new release from Kalmbach Publishing Co., you will be equipped to confidently stroll into the bead aisle, make your selections, and create stunning new beaded projects for you and your loved ones.

This book is entrancing. Any maker who is new to beaded jewelry will find the detailed tips, techniques, and descriptions simply captivating. I couldn't put this book down! There is so much information at the start of the book to give a very thorough introduction to beaded jewelry. On page 10, the Materials, Tools, and Techniques section outlines with photos all of the information you should need to get started. Since beads are the number one material, author Lynn Davy gives five features to identify them: color, finish, size, shape, and material. Additionally, there is a stunning Bead Diversity chart on page 14 to give a visual overview of just some of the various beads you can use in your jewelry making. Pages 18-20 list additional materials and tools for you to work with, and Page 22 shows vital techniques you'll need for effective jewelry making such as knotting, wire wrapping, and stringing.

Once you have the basics down, you are then free to explore any of the 35 stunning project ideas. The projects are divided into seven categories based on beautiful natural wonders: Ocean, Beach, Meadow, Woodland, Forest, Mountain, and Volcano. The projects also become more advanced as you work through each natural wonder, with Ocean featuring easier projects and Volcano showcasing more complex options.

The color schemes for each of these seven project palettes are absolutely lovely. I love Beach because of the neutral tones and Mountain because of the rustic flair. Some of my favorite projects are in these categories as well, like Strandline Bracelet (p. 44) and the Silk and Stone Bracelet (p. 86). I also adore the Nostalgia Necklace from Meadow (p. 54) and the Crystal Cascade Necklace from Woodland (p. 54). Last, the Light My Fire Necklace from Volcano (p. 94) is enchanting with its ombre fire effect. It's hard to choose just a few projects to love. Every color palette is appealing!

Lynn Davy encourages readers to "use the projects as a starting point for your own personal journey of beady discovery" (p. 8). Don't feel bound to follow every single pattern to the letter! Let Learn to Make Bead Jewelry with 35 Fabulous Projects inspire you to explore this exciting world of beaded jewelry.