All About Beads: A Guide to Beads and Bead Jewellery Making

Takes a colourful and practical look at the types of beads available, showing the techniques and methods required to make a wide selection of accessories. The projects are presented with drawings and photographs of the finished items. The book also includes the history and folklore of beads. The author features many different types of beads: shell, bone, horn, wood, stone resins, ceramic, handpainted, porcelain, metal, antique, glass and opaque. She is the designer of bead necklace kits and has been concerned with the craft of beadwork for many years.

A British expert introduces beadwork by dividing beads into five groups: those made of natural materials; clay, ceramic, or lac (produced by the resins of an insect); metal; glass; and plastic. The rudiments of beadwork are thoroughly explained; specific materials to use and how to thread and to wire are explained and illustrated. The 15 beadwork projects are all necklace and earring combinations. Barbara Jacobs