Easy Beading, Vol. 7

Easy Beading, Vol. 7
Gifted by Kalmbach Books
www.kalmbach.com
Reviewed by Kelly Spence

Gemstones, crystals, glass, ceramic, pearls, fabric, wire--all of this and more is included in Easy Beading, Vol. 7, a collection of the best projects from the seventh year of BeadStyle magazine. This gorgeous hardcover pattern book includes easy-to-make yet beautiful jewelry projects that encompass all techniques and areas of jewelry making, so whether you're a beader or a wireworker, there are projects here for you. The tutorials you find in this jewelry making guide look stunning and of professional quality, but they're all very simple to make, even for beginners. You'll never have to buy jewelry again with this book; you'll have all the inspiration you need to create a custom piece for every outfit and occasion. Plus, you'll have endless ideas for birthday gifts, Christmas presents, Mother's Day gifts, and more!

One of the coolest things about this collection is the Beader's Glossary included in the beginning of the book. In it you'll find an extensive "visual reference" guide to common bead types, findings, tools, and other materials--a sort of "Beading 101" crash course, if you will. It provides a little picture and the name of pretty much any and every jewelry making component you could ever think of, so if you're ever reading a tutorial and aren't sure about an item, you can refer back to this glossary for help. There's also a visual reference guide for some of the basic techniques used in most jewelry projects, so you can learn or review all the fundamentals before you begin.

Make a Bunches of Briolettes necklace, a Quick Drop Bracelet, a Crystal Frame Lariat, a Coiled Wire Cuff, Wire-Wonder Earrings, a Crystal & Copper Garden necklace, and more! Any jewelry maker would love to get their hands on this collection of projects, accompanied by big, full-color photos and detailed step-by-step instructions. It'll keep you busy beading for a whole year until the next one comes out!