Favorite Beading Books

What are your favorite beading books? I recently bought "Easy Beaded Jewelry" by Ray and Wilke and it has wonderful photos and beautiful jewelry designs. I also liked "Getting Started Making Beaded Jewelry" by Campbell. The books tend to be expensive so I thought I'd see what others had in their libraries.

Reply to
cathyesq
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I like the Beadwork series of small project oriented books. Carol Wilcox Wells' books on beadweaving are outstanding. Past that, most of my books are polymer clay, pmc or wirework.

B.

Barbara

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There is a very fine line between a hobby and mental illness. (Dave Barry)

Need quality, >What are your favorite beading books? I recently bought "Easy Beaded

Reply to
Barbara Forbes-Lyons

Carol Wilcox Wells books are the new and old testament of beading "bibles"

Reply to
The Bad Liz

I only found two books by her on Amazon . . . is that all she has written? I entered information on all combinations of her names too . . .

I just got the Bead Directory by Elise Mann off ebay even though Amazon won't have it for sale until next month (same with Katie Hacker's new book Hip to Bead." The Bead Directory has a pictorial summary of all beads and tells facts about each bead and a sample of each bead with other beads. Pretty cool I thought.

Cathy

Reply to
cathyesq

I think there are only 2 books by CWW. If you are looking for a book with a huge variety of projects and styles, there is this one called

*Big Book of Beautiful Beads* (Hardcover) by Krause Publications

It's a compilation of several of their smaller bead books.

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Barbara
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There is a very fine line between a hobby and mental illness. (Dave Barry)

Need quality, >I only found two books by her on Amazon . . . is that all she has

Reply to
Barbara Forbes-Lyons

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BEADWEAVING:

Creative Bead Weaving: A Contemporary Guide To Classic Off-Loom Stitches by Carol Wilcox Wells

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If you want to beadweave, you must have this book. No arguments! THE place to start. Amazon quote: "Go beyond simply stringing beads together -- learn to weave them into beautiful textural patterns to create jewelry, bowls, baskets, purses, and even sculpture. With the step-by-step instructions and detailed diagrams in this guide, the seven stitches (peyote, brick, square, right angle, African helix, netting, and chevron chain) and their variations aren't terribly difficult to learn. Although they may take patience and some time to master, even the beginner can produce simple, attractive pieces. Beaders with more experience will be inspired to new heights of invention upon viewing the full-color gallery of spectacular bead weaving creations contributed by various artists to this attractive book." Paperback.

The Art & Elegance of Beadweaving : New Jewelry Designs with Classic Stitches by Carol Wells

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Carol Well's second beading book - even better than her first! Amazon quote: "What artist-author Wells conjures up in more than 30 bracelets, earrings, and necklaces is nothing short of breathtaking -- all with a variety of colored seed beads, occasional larger beads, strong thread, and a flexible needle. The projects are built around five stitches -- chevron chain, crocheted ropes, herringbone and peyote stitches, and spiral rope -- all of which, the author assures us, can be readily mastered by beginners. Although 100 percent of the fundamentals, from graphic illustrations and charts to accompanying text and great color photographs, are all present and accounted for, it's still a better bet for novices to start with a kinder, gentler, and easier text. Galleries inserted liberally throughout the narrative capture the real meaning of aesthetic bead weaving." Buy it anyway!! Paperback. Beadwork Creates Beaded Beads : 30 Designs (Beadwork Creates series) by Jean Campbell
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Beaded Beads, presented in numerous variations - and accessibly. Play! Amazon quote: "BeadWork has created a number of these slim books with tempting pictures and tightly edited instructions. With Beaded Beads, even the beginning beader can have a lot of fun creating usable pieces in a short time. Jean Campbell deserves a lot of credit for keeping the information to just the facts. Occasionally, one more diagram would be useful, but I'm a slow learner without lots of pictures. The beginner should know that there are two help sections in the back of the book--'Tips' and 'Stitches'. The sections are a real plus. With these instructions, even a novice bead addict can produce the beads shown, and advanced beaders can move on from these instructions to create their own work." Paperback

Beading with Brick Stitch by Diane Fitzgerald

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Learn brick stitch, often called the sideways peyote stitch. Amazon quote: "I found Beading with Brick Stitch an excellent book for learning how to do brick stitch. On working several of the projects, I found the instructions quite clear, and these were the first time I had done brick stitch. Several pluses put this book on a level above many beading books: the history of brick stitch with pictures of traditional uses; the inclusion of single-stack, double-stack and triple-stack brick stitch graph paper to copy; many different photos of each project as made by the author's friends to demonstrate variations; and a well-done gallery for inspiration. I have found that this book has been able to answer all my brick stitch questions so far, and I have found it one of the best books in the beadworks "Beading with" series." Paperback Netted Beadwork : A Beadwork How-To Book (Beadwork How-To series) by Diane Fitzgerald
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Netting can take you in a multitude of new directions. Amazon quote: "Netting is often swept under the carpet of more complicated off-loom weaving, but it has great possibilities and this book proves it. Netted Beadwork starts with a brief history of netting and some great pictures. That's commendable, as is the brevity of that section. This is a how-to book, and most of the book focuses on that. There is a tool and technique section that is brief, to-the-point and useful without slowing you down. For the rest of the book, there are beautiful color pictures and clear diagrams of how to make the pieces, along with instructions in writing. The diagrams are clear for the most part, and the thread path instructions show variations immediately. That means that once you understand how netting works and begin to wonder 'could I do it this way . . .?' you'll see the answer. A nice touch, indeed. Then there are the netting instructions for those of us who are wild at heart -- freeform netting, layered netting, and projects for those of us who mix beads in a palette and love to wear them that way. For the formal and traditional beaders, there are many projects, from ornaments to pouches, and yes, the never-say-die amulet bag. But the misers' pouch, also in the book, has more visual interest and appeal. The gallery is as it should be--full color, one project per page so you can soak in the color and design elements, and generous in scope and amount. Also nice is the index, which so many books don't have any more. It makes projects and techniques easy to find." Coraling Technique: Step-by-Step Instructions For Making Ten Original Design Necklaces, Bracelets And Earrings In The Most Popular Russian Beading Technique by Varvara Konstantinov
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Amazon quote: "This book introduces the beautiful coraling technique - widespread in Russia, it can now be enjoyed by beaders all over the world. Starting with a detailed introduction to the technique, it continues with step-by-step instructions for ten gorgeous necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Though these vary in difficulty, the detailed directions allow any beginner to quickly create stunning work. Diagrams detail every step of the process, and the book is complete with a gallery of luscious photographs of the finished pieces. The result is a fascinating oeuvre, a magical guide through a world of alluring beauty and filled with scintillating beading treasures." "I purchased this book thinking that the technique would be too hard and meticulous to follow; that just TRYING a project would have me end up in a pile/knot of thread and beads; but, that I would get some great ideas from it and it would be a nice addition to my library. The illustrations are WONDERFUL and CLEAR and CONCISE, printed large, and just a pleasure. The written instructions are just as easy to work with." Paperback

Beading on a Loom (Beadwork How-To) by Don Pierce

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Don Pierce is Mr. Loom. Amazon quote: "Don Pierce is one of the finest loom artists the bead world knows.... This is a beautiful and must-have book." "This is not a beginner's looming book, nor is it a pattern book. It is a book that will help you understand the history of loomed beading, how to do it, and how to design your own patterns. I recommend this book for beaders who are experienced with looming and want to expand their horizons, because it will do that. I will admit though, I think this book is worth it for the eye candy alone!" "I ordered this book having no loom experience at all. I was not disappointed. I read it from cover to cover, went to the shop and built a simple loom and began. The illustrations and examples were great inspiration. I did not make the exact pieces from the book, but used them for the beginning of my own works." Paperback

Beads and Threads: A New Technique for Fiber Jewelry by Diane Fitzgerald and Helen Banes

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A new, intriguing approach to beadweaving. Amazon quote: "In Beads And Threads, Diane Fitzgerald and Helen Banes effectively collaborate to showcase a new technique for making fiber jewelry. Superbly illustrated throughout in full color, each project is clearly laid out, complete with a pattern suited to the needs of even the most novice of students. Beads And Threads is divided into four major chapters: A Gallery of Necklaces; Designing Your Own Necklace: Weaving Your Necklace; Patterns; and Finding or Making the Perfect Beads for Your Necklace. The informative and instructive text is enhanced further with appendices listing 'Other Books and Publications'; 'Bead Societies'; 'Sources of Beads'; 'Photo & Illustration Credits'; and a succinct index. If you are looking for a do-it-yourself weekend art, craft, or personal adornment project ideas, try browsing through Diane Fitzgerald and Helen Banes' Beads And Threads!" "Generous (and rare) is the crafter who shares the secrets of years of experience, includes shortcuts and tips and presents diagrams and step-by-step instructions. Fitzgerald and Banes do all this, then reward the reader with well-composed color photographs of the finished product. While bead weaving is not for the timid or easily discouraged, the bold and the brave will be well-rewarded by trying [this] technique. Clear instructions make it easy to complete a piece that is satisfying from the creative center of the artist to the fingetips of the crafter. A must-read for those of us who dream of the color and texture satisfaction that weaving or jewelry making bring." Paperback

The Beaded Garden : Creating Flowers with Beads and Thread by Diane Fitzgerald

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Most beaded flowers are done using wire armatures. This book teaches a different approach - beads and thread. Makes wearing them (adding them to your jewelry) rather easier! Amazon quote: "This book is different from other books on beaded flower construction. Instead of using wire frames and filling in with wire strung beads petal by petal, this book uses peyote, brick, and herringbone stitches to sculpt each flower. The look and approach is completely different. So if you love the idea of beaded flowers, but the look of the old fashioned wire ones don't turn you on --- this is your book! The book also has great photos, instructions, and inspiration." "The book is well written, with clear instructions, excellent diagrams and a lot of good information and background for the projects. Additional articles included are very helpful. A lot of good information is available in this book. One can easily become inspired to higher levels of creativity with the suggestions here." Paperback

WIREWORK and FINISHINGS:

Findings & Finishings : A Beadwork How-To Book by Sharon Bateman

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Recommended by so many beaders! Amazon quote: "A great resource for anyone interested in making beaded jewelry. Its focus, to be sure, is exploring the options and techniques for finishing projects, but it goes much further than that. Bateman includes a brief history of jewelry and an excellent overview of the basic tools and materials involved in making beaded jewelry. Beautiful photographs and sketches in color illustrate the detailed explanations and instructions. Suitable for beginners and experienced crafters, the projects range from simple earrings to intricately stitched bracelets. The wealth of information and easy-to-follow layout will appeal to any beadworker." Paperback. All Wired Up by Mark Lareau
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This is the book first mentioned by every wireworker I've ever known when asked what book is best for learning this approach toward beading. Amazon quote: "The step-by-step techniques featured in this richly illustrated book take the beginner who knows little about wirework on a journey to creating artistic and unique free-form jewelry. Using round wire that is readily available and economically viable, wireworkers learn everything from how to hold pliers to how to make ear wires, hook-and-eye closures, and cages for marbles and cabochons. Line drawings, photographs of finished objects, and a wirework gallery of pieces by the author and other contemporary wirework artists provide sample creations and ideas for the innovative wireworker." Paperback. Designer Beadwork: French Beaded Designs (Designer Beadwork) by Donna DeAngelis Dickt
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Traditional approach to beaded flowers, using wire. This book will take you farther, adding the little details that make beadwork look like more than just a beginner's fancy. Amazon quotes: "It seems that books on beaded flowers either have great photographs and mediocre or worse instructions or good instructions and poor aesthetic values. This book combines glorious and inspirational pictures with incredibly clear and well-designed instructions. The author is obviously a meticulous and accomplished artist. She is also a wonderful communicator and teacher. If you can only buy one book on French beaded flowers, this is the one you want." "This book far surpasses any other book I've found in explaining the little details that transform your flowers from the ordinary into the elegant and extraordinary. While it doesn't provide instruction for as many flowers as do the Dalene Kelly books, the ones it does provide are gorgeous, romantic beauties. And you learn professional techniques along the way: how to make a precise pointed petal tip. How to lace-as-you-go. How to create more natural-looking leaves than just the normal cigar-shaped ones. I highly recommend this book, especially for intermediate beaders." Hardcover

BEADED EMBROIDERY:

Beaded Embellishment: Techniques & Designs for Embroidering on Cloth by Amy C. Clarke and Robin Atkins

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Delightful. The Rocky Mountain Bead Society says, "[The authors] have distilled their teaching philosophies and main points onto the printed page . . . the gallery is spectacular." Paperback.

Bead Embroidery by Valerie Campbell-Harding and Pamela Watts

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Incredible book on beaded embroidery. Amazon quote: "Two of the world's most experienced embroiderers show how to make a variety of beads for hand and machine embroidery. Emphasizing how beads add color, texture and beauty to a piece of work, they guide the reader through a variety of traditional and contemporary techniques, including bead weaving; sewing 'trapped' beads; stitching beads onto mesh and canvas; and adding them to fringes, edges, cords, chains, and tassels." Paperback. Embeadery by Margaret Ball
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Terrific new bead embroidery book. Amazon quote: "EMBEADERY takes a fresh look at bead embroidery by showing how to create new beadwork stitches based on classic embroidery stitches. Over a hundred stitches and variations are shown with clear step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and color illustrations. Projects include a beaded doll, a mermaid necklace, a crazy quilt block, and other items." Paperback.

MISCELLANEOUS:

500 Beaded Objects : New Dimensions in Contemporary Beadwork Lark Books
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Oh, swoon.......Inspirational forever and ever! Amazon quote: "Celebrate the amazing evolution of beadwork from a simple craft to expressive art. Every stunning sculpture, vessel, figure, loomed and woven work, free-form installation, and piece of jewelry shown here in glorious color photos is gallery-quality and thoroughly unique." Paperback. Bead Fantasies by Takako Samejima
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Many different goodies, all easily made using the clear diagrams. Stringing, netting, wirework, right angle weave, different stringing materials - lots of approaches. A slender book, its form belies all the fun inside. Amazon quote: "Jewelry artist Takako Samejima specializes in bead jewelry, and has been working with beads since she was a child. Her designs, which combine different types, shapes, and sizes of beads, have won acclaim for their beauty and originality. Bead Fantasies features over seventy of her most original and dazzling designs, including necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, brooches, hair ornaments, cell phone straps, and eyeglass chains. Each design includes detailed instructions for creating the jewelry, supplemented by small color photographs and detailed color drawings. For the novice, Bead Fantasies also includes descriptions of the beads used to make the jewelry, beading supplies, and some lessons covering basic bead-stringing, and weaving and finishing techniques." Paperback

Beads by Janet Coles

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An overview of beads from around the globe. Ground yourself in your craft and its widespread appeal to all cultures. Hardback. The Beader's Guide to Color by Margie Deeb
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If color is your stumbling block -- and even if it isn't -- this book will help and inspire you to greater sophistication and stunning new work. Amazon quote: "Demonstrating how color can be used to create unique and vibrant beadwork designs, this guide will interest beaders at all skill levels. Color is discussed in depth, including the basics of the color wheel, the psychological and symbolic associations of all the colors of the spectrum, plus whites, blacks, grays, metallics, and neutrals. Other essentials covered include blending techniques, how a bead's surface finish affects its color, and how color can be used to create and accentuate pattern, rhythm, and movement within a beadwork design. The more than 20 projects-each of which represents a specific color scheme or palette-include a discussion of the palette, multiple color illustrations, a beadwork pattern, and a listing of the beads required to complete that design." Paperback.

The Art Of Beadwork: Historic Inspiration, Contemporary Design by Valerie Hector and Lois Sherr Dubin

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Amazon quotes: "Valerie Hector is not only a brand name for high-quality beaded jewelry, she is thought to have invented the fine craft category of beadwork jeweler. Since 1992 she has consistently juried into the top crafts shows in the United States, including the prestigious Smithsonian Craft Show in Washington, DC." "Many of the beading books available today are for beginning beadworkers who are just beginning to explore the art form. This is not - it discusses beading in a social, historical and geographic context, and each chapter contains one or more projects that illustrate the topics being discussed. The directions for the projects are good, and the diagrams are clear. However, this book is not for the person who sat down yesterday with a tube of beads and expects to make a masterpiece, or for the person who wants to make identical copies of a craft pattern diagrammed by another. With the help of other talented bead artists, Ms. Hector teaches some advanced techniques and gives suggestions on making your own masterpieces using those techniques. It is not a 'how to' book in the traditional sense, as it does not assume that you will follow the instructions, making bead for bead copies of the illustrated projects. Rather, it is like having an instructor who helps you with the skills you'll need to create your own art. Beads are truly universal, and are among the oldest items manufactured by humans. Ms. Hector understands that and this book illustrates ancient techniques that are still indispensible, fresh and relevant to today's bead artist. It also provides a bit of humility to anyone who thinks they've discovered a completely new beading technique - it's almost inevitable that a skilled bead artist beat you to your 'invention,' probably centuries ago!" Paperback Metal Craft Discovery Workshop: Creat Unique Jewelry, Art Dolls, Collage Art, Keepsakes and More! By Linda and Opie O'Brien
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Fabulous for adding found objects to your jewelry, stamping in metal (such as words and phrases), and much, much more. Terrific fun, and wonderful for making your jewelry truly unique. Amazon quote: "Metal is the newest big trend, and crafters are hungry for ideas for using it in everything from jewelry and home décor to scrapbooking and mixed media art. In Metal Craft Discovery Workshop, artists Linda and Opie O'Brien show easy ways to manipulate, emboss, twist and join metal without using complex soldering or traditional metal-smithing methods. They provide: -20 unique projects including a bottle cap bracelet, mesh book cover, magnetic photo card, tin can doll and mixed-metal clock -An extensive technique section that teaches etching, hole punching, image transferring, and metal aging -Creative approaches for using copper, tin, brass, aluminum, found objects and recycled metals -A special gallery section featuring even more inspirational work." Paperback. Charmed Bracelets by Tracey Zabar
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Charm bracelets are coming back with a vengeance in the States. Explore their history, and create one for yourself. Amazon quote: "Tracey Zabar, premier crafter of charm bracelets, explores the enduring appeal of these chic, sweet accessories in Charmed Bracelets. Beginning with the amulets and talismans of ancient times, she discusses the origins of charms, then showcases a selection of exuberant ornaments from the charm-crazed 1950s and concludes with present-day bracelets......... Charmed Bracelets includes suggestions for selecting trinkets around a theme, be it foreign cities or favorite movies, and provides instructions on how to maintain the jewelry. Beyond embellishing a bracelet, Zabar also describes other clever applications for charms: to customize a dog collar, for example, or bedeck the ribbons on an exquisitely wrapped birthday present. A guide to buying charms completes this enchanting gift book." Hardback. The Charm of Charms by Albert Jade and Ki Hackney
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The thing I like about so-called charm bracelets is that they can be made out of anything. Try making a "charm" bracelet out of nothing but a chain with wired-on beads. A terrific way to use all those singular beads (lampwork or otherwise) you have languishing away in a drawer. Here's another beautiful charm bracelet book to inspire you. Amazon quote: "From antique shops to such upscale stores as Tiffany and Cartier, from flea markets to the chic design houses of Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel, charms are making a grand reappearance on the fashion scene. Drawn to these tiny treasures for their ability to express elements of the wearer's personality, today's charm lovers are using them to adorn everything from bracelets and necklaces to dog collars and diaper pins. In The Charm of Charms, photographer Jade Albert and writer Ki Hackney tell the fascinating story of this ever-popular jewelry item. The stunning color photographs provide an up-close and personal view of hundreds of cherished charmed jewels, including pieces belonging to Claudette Colbert, Joan Crawford, the Duchess of Windsor, Mariah Carey, and Mary J. Blige among other celebrities. The intriguing stories behind these beloved trinkets are told in the lively, informative text, which also covers the history of charms and amulets from prehistory to the present. Combining up-to-the-minute trendiness with nostalgic glamour, this gorgeous volume will appeal to fashion and jewelry enthusiasts both young and old." Hardback. Exquisite Beaded Jewelry: Use Basic Techniques to Create Distinctive Designs by Lynda S. Musante
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Amazon quote: "This fantastic guide to creating jewelry with beads will intrigue crafters of all skill levels! 15 projects for creating gorgeous earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pins and more are included, ranging in difficulty from beginner to advanced. Each project is designed to challenge the crafter while teaching new techniques and encouraging creativity. Clear, step-by-step instructions along with fantastic photos and illustrations guide the reader through each project with ease. The variety of projects included demonstrate the versatility of beading uses, and readers will be inspired by the photo gallery of top beaders projects. A resource guide in the latter part of the book includes information on where to find crafting materials, books, magazines and classes on beading." Paperback. The New Beadwork by Kathlyn Moss, Alice Scherer, and Tommy Olof
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Amazing eye candy inspiration tome. Amazon quote: "The New Beadwork, states the foreword, is about "transformation and change, about painting, sculpting, weaving, layering, and building with beads." Packed with lovely full-color photographs, the volume presents the exquisite works of nearly 100 supremely talented bead artists. There are pieces of very elaborate jewelry as well as vessels, purses, decorative accessories, wall hangings, and sculptures. You won't find any how-to projects, just dozens and dozens of gorgeous beaded artworks that are a delight to look at and that may serve as a source of inspiration." Hardback. Out of print; available used.

LAMPWORK

1000 Glass Beads : Innovation & Imagination in Contemporary Glass Beadmaking edited by Valerie Van Arsdale
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If you haven't been turned on to lampwork, this is the most wonderful place to start - and the most comprehensive, eye-candy, jaw-dropping one too. Amazon quote: "If you're looking for a how-to manual,keep looking. But if you're looking for a book with beautiful photographs of glass beads, you're in the right place. Each page contains photographs of beads by talented glass artisans. What's especially nice about this book is that there are artists represented from many different skill levels...........It's inspirational and almost overwhelming to see so many gorgeous beads together." "Whether you love glass beads and lampwork or you just love beautiful art, I believe you will be thrilled with this book. This book is definitely not a 'how to' book for those who want to make beads, but it is sure to inspire you beyond your imagination. There are over 400 pages in this book with very little text, however each page contains one or two, large, full color, highly detailed photos with a caption giving you the name of the artist and a very brief description of their technique. There are hundreds of different artists featured in the book with just as many different styles.... and these are not merely 'glass beads', these are absolute works of art which left me in awe every time I turned the page."
Reply to
Dr. Sooz

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