The Book of Beads: A Practical and Inspirational Guide to Beads and Jewelry Making

Explores how beads are made, looks at the areas from which beads originate, and examines how they are used, not only in adornment but as forms of money and as a show of wealth and power

This stunning volume utilizes glorious color photos to catalog all types of beads (glass, wood, metal, ceramic, natural, semiprecious, plastic, novelty, and collectible), offer design guidelines on planning jewelry (considerations of bead shape, texture, size, weight, and color), and document various practical considerations (findings, equipment, basic how-tos of creating earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and brooches). The section on themes and special occasions, complete with directions for each project, features designs for evening wear, summer styles, holiday looks, weddings, children's items, and African- and Indian-inspired pieces. Even the purely informational and visual spreads (those without actual how-to instructions) offer endless inspiration and ideas for beaded creations.