The Beader's Color Palette: 20 Creative Projects and 220 Inspired Combinations for Beaded and Gemstone Jewelry

For those of you that are hesitant about this book, please review the "Search Inside this Book" link underneath the book cover image again. As you can see from the table of contents, the glory of this book IMHO comes from Deeb's use of historical color combinations and designs, to cultural variations, and fantasy. Included are natural stones from the earth and representing the elements (earth, water, air, fire) - not just Delicas as Deeb is so fond of using (with the appropriate color numbers listed for the projects and recommendations). This focus is very different than other beader books and much appreciated as many jewelers often focus on cultural, historical, etc. when developing their own designs. Unfortunately only 20 of the designs are discussed in depth so one can mimic the design, but there are soooooo many other wonderful images of jewelry designs that add to the creativity pathway for all beaders to begin from - not to duplicate! So I really consider this more of a book that compliments Deeb's earlier book on color (using primarily Delicas) and a necessary reference book for all serious jewelry designers to have and use. A true classic book that will definitely withstand the test of time in regards to design and color.

I LOVE this book! It inspires me on so many levels. The work that Margie created and those created by chosen artists to represent the different color palettes is incredible! My favorite artists were Jamie Cloud Eakin and Joan Babcock: Breath taking interprations! Such a great concept. I will dog ear this book through my years of creatively expressing myself. It feeds my soul.

I have an Art background and have been beading for a long time, but still see this book as a wonderful resource regarding the use of color. Margie's technique of using a photo or image and disecting the colors is a great tool for both beginners and advanced beaders. The projects in the book are varied and interesting but the material can be used in creating your own beadwork as well. Well done.

I have been so excited for this book to come out that I was almost afraid that I had built it up too much in my head. Turns out I did not build it up enough!! Last year I read (and have continued to study) Margie Deeb's book, The Beader's Guide to Color (see link below). With Ms. Deeb's ability to show the properties and effects of individual colors as well as mixes taken from the color wheel, I discovered that what I thought was my natural eye for color was, in fact, just a tiny glimpse of what was possible. The Beader's Color Palette builds even further on that. It is true that there are amazing projects already in the book as well as dozens of prepared color palettes and these are fabulous and inspiring. The many photos are lush and rich and enthralling. However, I believe the best thing about Margie Deeb's books is her ability to share her gift of vision. Not only does she help reveal the color palettes in various landscapes, pictures, pieces of art, etc, but she helps beaders to learn to discern for themselves the color palettes in the world around them. This is not a book to just read once and then put it on the shelf. Nor is this just an instruction book for wonderful projects. The Beader's Color Palette is a text to be studied, absorbed, and treasured over and over. Because there is so much contained in this book, I have found thus far that I can study it for a while (30 min to possibly an hour)but then I have to go away from it to absorb what I have read. Otherwise, I find I am on "sensory overload."(And yes, my husband thinks that is completely nuts:) To restate what I treasure the most about this book - Ms. Deeb does not just share her gift for understanding color, but she helps the reader to develop his or her own vision. With that vision comes an even greater appreciation for everything in your world. The Beader's Guide to Color

I just got this amazing book today. I loved Margie Deeb's other Beaders Color Book, and this one is a whole new world. Mostly inspirations for advanced beaders, esp. off loom work. This book has a very unique approach to a color palette of beads, using photos and paintings to inspire a piece of jewelry. And so many gorgeous works of beady art! Theres over 800 photos in here! I love it! I am inspired! And now, my year-long stint of "beaders block" is over. I HIGHLY recommend this mostly to an advanced beader, but all levels can most certainly use this book too for inspiration. Its that versatile.