Decorative Beadwork: How to Create Stylish, Attractive Bead Designs for Jewelry and Items For...

This book is out of print, but it's worth looking for. I found my copy in a second-hand bookstore before I considered myself a beader, and this interesting, enthusiastic book gave me the push I needed to try new techniques.In the 100 pages or so of information, there is a lot of good technique, information, and inspiration. The projects cover a lot of ground--beadweaving, loom weaving, bead stringing, bead embroidery. The 12 projects include two necklaces, a watchband, and two pairs of earrings. The cute beaded alligators are the ones to try. There are decorative home items, too: a jug cover, napkin rings and a beaded curtain. Color pictures show each project step by step, with attention shown to the difficult spots. A Gallery shows some wonderfully different approaches--beaded beads, wall hangings, a magnifying glass as neckpiece. The only difficulty is the advice on string. Monofilament fishing line may have been a great idea when the book was written eight years ago, but it deteriorates in sunlight and is better left to string fish than beads. But the book does discuss either types of threads, beads, and tools.Keep your eye out for this charming beading book. If you find it for around $10, snap it up. It will bring you ideas and help you figure out that netted tube that you could never figure out before.