Bead Simple: Essential Techniques for Making Jewelry Just the Way You Want It

Hooray, hooray, hooray my copy of Bead Simple: Essential Techniques for Making Jewelry Just the Way You Want It by Susan Beal finally came in the mail! My first impression was man this is a heavy and thick book. Most craft books seem a little thin, but this baby is chocked full of beading goodness and stays true to the tag line Bead Simple: 150 designs for earrings, necklaces, bracelets, embellishments and more. Plus there are 200 color pictures. Craft books without photos or a little picture section in the middle are not for me. I want tons and tons of pretty pictures to look at and this book has it in buckets. Whoa, this should keep me busy for quite some time! I'll just go ahead and get my own horn tooting out of the way. On page 170 is my Bric-a-Brac Charming Bracelet. I love the caption for the bracelet because it actually fits a lot of my jewelry and me in general: Designed by Jennifer Perkins author of The Naughty Secretary Club: The Working Girl's Guide to Handmade Jewelry, this colorful bracelet is one of those baubles that is all about the organized chaos. When absolutely nothing "matches", suddenly that's the very element that ties everything together. One of the best things about this book is the fact that there are so many different contributors which not only makes the book more diverse it also makes it a marketing dream come true. Why you ask because everyone who is featured in the book is going to blog about it just like I am right this minute. Actually even if I wasn't in the book I would write about it, but the fact that a ton of my crafty friends grace the pages sure does not hurt. Let me run down the list of a few favorites. Alrighty Sparkle Cocktail Brooch by Cathy Callahan of Cathy of California caught my eye. When I read that it was her ode to Enid Collins purses which I collect I knew why. I love jewelry that encompasses more than just beads and string. Cathy busts out the fabric, paint and gem stones! Suerte Love Charm by Kathy Cano Murillo author of Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life stands out with all the dangly charms and colors. Kathy knows a thing or two about organized chaos herself. I also really like the Tassel Talisman right next door on page 201. I love the adorable owl shaped beads on the yummy Candy Shoppe One-Strand Bracelets by the fantabulous Jenny Ryan of CRAFT: Transforming Traditional Crafts. Laura Stokes of Charcoal Designs and her Crown Jewels Button Brooch made my toes curl in delight. Jesse Malone from Art School Dropout is one of my favorite Indie jewelry designers so it only makes sense that I would be extra smitten on her Circles and Circles Necklace. Other contributors who's name you might know as crafty mavens include Natalie Zee Drieu of Coquette and CRAFT: Transforming Traditional Crafts fame, Diane Gilleland who does Crafty Pod, Leah Kramer author of The Craftster Guide to Nifty, Thrifty, and Kitschy Crafts: Fifty Fabulous Projects from the Fiftie

Susan Beal's Bead Simple is a great resource both for the crafter that's new to working with beads and the more experienced beader who is looking for inspiration. Basic techniques and equipment are explained and the projects run the gamut from simple, delicate earrings to embellished clothing. The author's enthusiasm for craft comes through on every page, as the beautiful photographs and elegant layout guide the reader through making their own unique creations. The techniques demonstrated are basics that any crafter can build upon, and this book makes beading accessible to crafters of all ages. Highly recommended!

For someone just getting started with jewelry making, this is an excellent resource. Susan Beal and several other designers (including Megan Nicolay of "Generation T" fame) transform found and vintage objects with style and originality. The detailed illustrations on technique are clear and easy to follow. The sections using vintage buttons to make barrettes, necklaces, and earrings are highlights. Embellishments include holiday ornamentations, decorating a range of items from belts to envelopes, skirts and handbags. There is a great list of online resources for supplies found at the end of the book too. Highly recommendable!

I love Bead Simple! With over 150 projects and technique instructions it's a great value. There are many beading books out there but Bead Simple feels fresh and modern. I especially like the range of projects offered from some of my favorite designers. What a great addition to my collection and and my craft room!

Beadsimple is a fun compilation of a bunch of my favorite crafters including Megan Nicolay, Jen Perkins, and the author Susan Beal. The projects are as the book promises, simple- perfect for beginners or beaders on the fly who are looking to make a fun colorful bracelet or a streamlined, minimalist necklace.