Chain and Bead Jewelry: Geometric Connections

Chain and Bead Jewelry: Geometric Connections
Provided by Watson-Guptill Publications
crownpublishing.com
Reviewed by Maggie Flynn

If you're charmed by chainmaille and blossom around beading, Chain and Bead Jewelry: Geometric Connections is the book you need to take the next step in your jewelry making. From basic chainmaille designs to gloriously intricate statement jewelry, this volume contains everything you need to know about the weaving of chainmaille jewelry. The volume starts off with the simplest tools of jewelry making and gradually builds to more complicated designs. There's something in this book for anyone and everyone who has an interest in chainmaille patterns.

Beginners will find dozens of helpful diagrams and tutorials designed to get them better acquainted with the basics of chain linking and chainmaille design. However, the lessons are presented in tandem with beading. You'll learn how to incorporate beads with jump rings from the beginning. Though the patterns take some practice to master, they use chainmaille weaving and beading in tandem, which provides valuable skills for the more complex patterns showcased later in the book.

One feature of the book newcomers will appreciate is the lengthy opening section, which covers the use of jump rings, the aspect ratios of different chainmaille patterns, and the basic skills needed to work with chainmaille weaving. Chain and Bead Jewelry: Geometric Connections takes a user-friendly approach to chainmaille patterns and jewelry design. There are plenty of tutorials to get the beginner comfortable and plenty of ideas to give the more experienced some inspiration.

From beginning to end, Chain and Bead Jewelry: Geometric Connections makes sure to put the crafter first. By providing extensive patterns and designs, as well as tutorials and warnings to help novices through the more common pitfalls, the book prevents discouragement in the beginning and gives plenty of reward by the end.