Family Style Beadwork by Mary Harrison
Softcover, full color, 35 pgs, Design Originals, 2425 Cullen Street, Fort Worth, TX 76107, 817-877-0067 (International), 800-877-7820 (USA), www.d-originals.com or 817-877-0067

This book contains a “family” of projects designed to appeal to the beginner as well as advanced beader.  It begins with a short history of Japanese beads and a brief, informative description of the commercial bead making process.  The “Simple Scallop Necklace” would be the easiest project for a beginner.  It would produce an attractive finished product that would encourage most people to continue with beading.  The Multi-strand Necklace and Bracelets are also relatively easy.  The illustrations and instructions utilizing wire to attach findings are excellent.  An impressive, finished look for the jewelry will result.   

There are a total of twelve projects utilizing seed beads, triangles and cubes.  These projects, with their variations, teach a variety of techniques with which the reader could devise any number of original designs.  Basic skills are taught, as well as more advanced techniques; such as beaded beads and beaded toggles.  It is an excellent introductory book that also has some ideas that would appeal to the more experienced beader.

Review by Diana Norris