I headed down to Borders with my gift card, and picked up "Bead Fantasies", by Takako Samejima. It's SO COOL. Major eye-candy; almost everything is made with Swarovski bicones and RAW variations, but it all looks so different from what I usually see. It's very low on words, and high on diagrams (they are very clear, and easy to follow, too!). Perfect for a visual learner like myself. There are 70 projects in the book (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, pins, and other accessories), + instructions for variations, and it fits in my purse :o) The only thing I DON'T like about it is that two of the pages are already falling out; the binding on mine doesn't seem to be glued very well.
Cost me $18, which is more than I normally pay for books, but it's definitely my favorite:o) It's only $12-something at Amazon, though you hafta pay shipping there....