A review of Necklaces, Bracelets, Brooches and Rings using Crystal Beads by Christine and Sylvie Hooge and published by Search Press.
I'm never quite sure what to expect from books that center on crystal beads like Swarovskis and faceted fire polished beads, a lot of times they seem to have a lot of variations on a theme in them. This one is different.
It's really got a lot of different projects that range from fun to elegant, modern to very vintage looking. My personal favorite is the hair slides on page 23.
The techniques used also vary, beadweaving, embroidery, and stringing. The first part of the book describes the techniques, tools, color choices, and bead types. This first chapter is well done and logical. It explains how to read the diagrams in the book, has a brief section on lengths for necklaces and bracelets, and information about the tools used and how to use them.
Then there are lots of projects, all wonderfully photographed in color and diagrammed. Some of the projects are very quick, but challenging enough for an experienced beader to enjoy and be inspired by, and the results are simply stunning. This is jewelry everyone can wear, there are bold pieces, and sparkly delicate pieces. I'm really in love with this book and the ideas in it.
The book title says Necklaces, Bracelets, Brooches and Rings, there are also hair slides, earrings, pendants, and the techniques and motifs can be used for other things, recombined and used in lots of other projects. It's a wonderful book for beginners who want to be challenged or for experienced beaders who want ideas and inspiration.
You can get it either directly from Search Press USA, or from your local beadstore.
If you prefer to order from Amazon.com here's that direct link.
