A String of Expression by June Roman is a book that takes it's inspiration from gorgeous collaged journal pages and creates strung jewelry that reflects the page.
It is stringing, it is art jewelry. Most of it is big, dramatic, with rich colors and mixed media techniques. The palettes are lush and beautiful. The necklaces make statements. It won't appeal to all beaders, but some will find the ideas and techniques in the book inspiring. Mostly, I'd recommend it to people who keep art journals or scrapbook, or people who really like statement necklaces and art pieces.
I love the pendants in this book. The layering techniques she uses to create the mixed media pendants make them works of art. Interpreting a memory or a feeling using collage techniques within a bezel frame in miniature.
There are also projects that use PMC and stamps to create pieces for the finished necklaces. The stringing techniques include using a beading cable like SoftFlex and knotting using leather or cording and using wire to create links.
The introduction explains the inspiration for the book and the next couple of pages are dedicated to tools and supplies you'll need.
It's a gorgeous book, full color pictures, pictures of the journal pages that inspired the pieces, and just beautiful color combinations. I found it very inspiring for thinking outside the box, thinking outside symmetrical necklace design and doing more with color and texture.
The pieces are bold, and remind me strongly of the sorts of necklaces my mother loved to wear. It's a book I'd recommend happily to my son who wants to start making more jewelry because it's a aesthetic I know would appeal to him. The mixed media pendants alone will inspire him greatly.
You can get this book directly from the publisher, North Light Books or by clicking the Amazon.com link below.


North Light Books provided this review copy of A String of Expression to me free of charge.
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