0
0
I recently (within the past year) took up beading. Now, you would think
I’d have better things to do with my time, and I’m sure I do, but this
hobby has engulfed me. Some people weave baskets; I do beadwork. (What
can I say? It keeps me off the streets.)
There are lots of beading magazines out there, BeadStyle being one of the best I’ve found. Kimbalch Books and BeadStyle Magazine have published Discover Beading, a remarkable book that focuses on beginner-friendly beading techniques. The book contains stringing, wirework, and knotting
jewelry projects, most of which have appeared in BeadStyle Magazine.
There are different types of beadwork. I do mostly bead crochet, which
involves stringing beads onto thread and then crocheting them into a tube
that will ultimately become a bracelet, necklace, or other fashion
accessory. (I do so much of this I have calluses on my otherwise elegant
and tapered fingers. But I can’t seem to stop.) While Discover Beading
doesn’t cover bead crochet specifically, it is nevertheless extremely
useful for finish work for beaders of all levels. Using step-by-step
detailed color photography, clear instructions, and a list of materials for
each project, Discover Beading provides a photo guide to basic beading
methods and tools.
The detail work (finishing work, knotting, clasping, wirework), the proper
materials, and clear instruction make all the difference in the finished
product. Being self-taught (and thus having subjected myself to many
hours of frustration), I’m always looking for resources and reference
material to give me a better understanding of the techniques of my
recently-acquired hobby.
Anything worth doing is worth doing well, and to do well requires
mastering the basics. With clear and concise pictures and language,
Discover Beading will help you do just that. If you do beadwork or would
like to learn, this book is a wise investment.
