Seed Bead Savvy

I bought this for the beadweaving patterns so was disappointed to discover that there were stringing and other types as well. But on the plus side, I benefitted from the intro material on the seed beads with an excellent page of photos which include bugles and lots of other beads plus another page describing them. Most of the patterns did appear in Bead and Button but still it's nice to have this collection to work from as it's hard to check back through all my issues. First four items are strung. Two loomwork patterns follow. Amulet bag in peyote, bead embroidered portrait, square stitch necklace, another bead stringing, floral centerpiece, fringed collar and 17 more beadweaving patterns. Some are bracelets, some necklaces and one pair of earrings. The choices are good and I plan on making several of them.

This is an excellent collection from Bead and Button magazine. The photos are clear. There is a 'shopping list' for each project and well written directions. Even though I have subcribed to Bead and Button for several years, this is a great collection of seed bead projects.I appreciate the variety of projects. Now I don't have to dig through piles of magazines to find a cool project.

The Best of Bead & Button Magazine: Seed Bead Savvy covers the tiny seed beads that play a big part in beaded jewelry making. They can be used in conjunction with an overall design with other beads or can stand alone as their own creations: this book shows how, from locating seed beads which are perfect for a project to stringing and blending colors. Any library strong in jewelry-making references will find this a fine addition. Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch

Seed Bead Savvy presents simple and sophisticated designs with full color photography, clear illustrations and detailed editorial-tested instructions. Seed beads are tiny beads or building blocks of jewelry design, but in this book they create stunning designs with ornate elements. If you can't walk past a bead store without going in and buying more beads, then this book is a must-have for your collection. Whether you are just starting to make jewelry or are looking for a new fascinating design, this book has something for every level of expertise, but seems to focus more on artistic interpretations and more complex items like fringed collars. The first chapter explores the basic types of seed beads and then shows the materials and tools you need for the specific beads you will be using. A few of the intriguing designs include: Reading a Pattern - Ideas for reading a geometric tapestry pattern to make a decorative wall hanging with seed beads. The results have an added shimmer effect that you wouldn't achieve with cross-stitch patterns. The Embroidered portrait gives detailed information on how to create your own pattern from a picture or photograph. Woven Pendant - A loomed pendant with a fringe. Looks very exotic! Wildflower Purse - Beautiful design for a tiny purse with fringe Ecuadorian Lace Collar - A gorgeous exotic gold necklace. Herringbone Collar - An elegant choker with seed beads and pearls. Fancier than just a string of pearls and the colors they use would make this perfect for the holiday season. You could make earrings and a bracelet to match, although patterns are not included for specific matching items. This would make a perfect gift for anyone who loves beading because there are detailed instructions for basic designs at the start, a few patterns for easy necklaces and then challenges to look forward to when you master the basic techniques. ~The Rebecca Review