Reviews
Kalmbach Books’ most recent release of Beautiful Beadweaving is subtitled “simply gorgeous jewelry” and, indeed, they told the truth. The cover itself shows one project that is absolutely stunning. As a lover and designer of jewelry, I couldn’t resist this book. If you’re proficient at making and designing jewelry, you’ll love the projects revealed in this book as a source for making new designs of your own. For beginners, the projects are not only beautiful, but expertly illustrated so that each step can be easily followed to provide results of which you can be proud.
Isabella Lam provides the guidance and illustrations that will help you create stunning pieces to compliment any outfit. Like most books on jewelry-making, the author provides a brief section on materials, basics, and the basic toolkit, but it is the “Techniques” section that I found most helpful, with its clear color illustrations showing various stitching techniques. They are easy to follow – as well as fun.
The 25 designs shown in full-color on coated stock are really stunners. I couldn’t wait to get started on the “Trivoli” pendant, using colorful beads I had in inventory that match several items of clothing in my wardrobe. I absolutely love the result! Now I can’t wait to get started on the other necklaces, earrings, bracelets and bangles shown in the book.
Beautiful Beadweaving is a great resource book and source of inspiration. I believe it’s also one that all beaded jewelry makers will want to have in their library. It is definitely a keeper for me, and one that I’ll refer to again and again to new ideas for making jewelry not only for myself, but as gifts for friends and family as well.
Linda Morelli -MyShelf Reviewer
Isabella Lam's Beautiful Beadweaving: Simply Gorgeous Jewelry (9781627003018, $22.99) comes from a designer and teacher who provides over twenty beadweaving projects for necklaces, earrings, bracelets and other pieces. Each piece includes a full-page color photo of the finished product along with smaller step-by-step illustrations of how it's put together.
An at-a-glance supplies list and easy sewing directions cover entries, exiting, and combining beads, leaving nothing to wonder about any stage of the construction process.
Beadweaving is relatively simple and produces some fine, professional-looking results, as Beautiful Beadweaving reveals.
Diane Donovan, California Bookwatch