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Easy
Beaded Jewelry by Susan Ray and Sue Wilke Susan Ray has done it again. Her last book, The Art and Soul of Glass, was beautifully presented and this one lives up to her high standards. Co-authored with Sue Wilke, Easy Beaded Jewelry is a high quality “how to” book for beginning beaders who want to focus on beading and assembly type of jewelry making. Their goal is two-fold. First, their intent is to give the reader as much information as possible and, secondly, to organize it in a way that it is easy to follow. Accordingly, the book is organized in a logical progression of skills The first section is called “bead Basics” and gives you all the information that you need to get started. They cover thoroughly the usual topics, such as; tools, use of a bead board and organization of a work space. I found the discussion about storing and cleaning beads quite interesting. The projects start with basic instructions, such as designing, adding toggles and findings, crimping and use of tools. Each succeeding project adds an additional variation like using eye pins or multistrand findings, until you work your way up to advanced stringing. A section, sure to be popular with readers called “Something Special,” has instructions for jewelry items that are favorites among casual beaders and beginners; the sterling cube name bracelet, birthstone bracelet, “mom” bracelet, beaded watchband and a simple beaded Chatelaine. Throughout the book there is an on-going discussion encouraging the reader to develop one’s own personal style. Each page is very nicely organized with diagrams, photos, a highlighted materials list and tips. Complete instructions are given for the gallery items, also. I sought input from two beginning beaders and after immediately admiring the photography, both commented that the clarity with which the instructions were presented led them to believe that “I can do this.” They agreed with me that the particular projects selected for the book are more appealing and attractive than those found in most beginner books. Review by Diana Norris |
