Customer Reviews

The Art & Elegance of Beadweaving: New Jewelry Designs with Classic Stitches

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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I loaned Carol Wilcox Wells first book,Creative Bead Weaving, to at least five people who were peyote stitch novices and they all were able to follow her directions and diagrams. Her new book continues in the same direction. These beautiful and creative projects are designed by Mrs. Wells and other bead artists. The directions are clear and well written. But the aspect of Mrs. Wells' books that set her apart from the rest are her diagrams. I have not seen better in any other craft book and few that come close. One is lulled into believing that the most complicated project can be compleated by the least experienced beader. And the truth? With a bit of patience and practice, they can. The bracelet on the back cover is going to be my first project. It looks complicated; looks in this case are deceiving. If you are looking for a beading book, this is a combination of eye candy and utility. If you are looking for a book gift for a beader, I recommend this one.

In this book, Carol Wicox Wells uses standard bead weaving stitches (peyote, herringbone, crochet, spiral rope, etc.) to create a wide variety of stunning and elegant jewelry and vessels. She starts the book with a large chapter on beaded beads, both seed beads covering a supporting wooden bead (she also teaches you how to paint the wooden bead properly) and beaded beads made entirely of seed beads. None of the projects here are cute and cuddly, but all carry impact. I am relatively new to beadweaving and I found her instructions very clear. Her illustrations, as other reviewers have rightly mentioned, are the best in the business. I tend to learn audibly better than visually, so I need clear illustrations, and hers are the easiest to follow that I have seen. She also gives several possible vaiations in pattern and bead sizes that will change the look and texture of a technique she has demonstrated. These variations are very clear, especially as she explains why changing a bead size will increase or decrease a twist for example, and they also then engender a lot of creative thinking. The inspirational gallery pictures are actually quite inspirational. I have found this along with her other book, the two best books on beadweaving I have seen.

Over 30 beaded projects are presented by Ms. Well's and her colleagues. After a general introduction to materials and tools, the book is divided into color-coded sections. Each section begins by giving the reader an overview of a particular technique. These instructions are followed by a combination of projects and gallery designs. The diagrams are large and clear and the step-by-step instructions are easy to follow. The projects are bold and inspiring. Theoretically, a reader could complete some of the projects with only thread, beading needles, and seed beads. Ms. Wells encourages the reader to try substitutions for materials and explore design options, but if you follow the instructions as written, you will need some specialized tools, beads, and findings.

Beginning beaders may find the instructions too cursory and the projects overwhelming. Also, although the full title of the book is "The Art & Elegance of Beadweaving - New Jewelry Designs with Classic Stitches", many of the projects focus on making beads or vessels and not actual jewelry. Overall, I consider this book to be an excellent addition to a beader's library, but probably not an ideal choice for a novice beader.

This book is an excellent addition, and a must have, for every beaders reference and inspiration library. Wonderfully clear instructions, combined with the best diagrams available(created by a beader for the beader - not someone without a clue about beading, makes a huge difference.) Beautiful pieces call out to you from almost every page, begging you to start on them now. With this book the novice beader can create lovely pieces, but it still speaks to the advanced beader with projects that can be taken to greater depths.

This was the first bead book that I checked out from the library and I looked at it and had to get some beads. Her instructions and illustrations are clear and easy to follow and the projects are beatiful. She shows you different variations of stiches so you can make variations and create your own designs. I have completed at least four of the projects and I am happy with the results. I had to buy my own copy because I found it so useful. I checked out her other book called cteative bead weaving and it is good but I like this one better.

I think that this book is great for beginning bead weavers. I would not recommend it for your very first project, but I bought this book after I took one weaving class and found it easy to follow.

This book covers a wide variety of basic stitches in detail. I also appreciate the many variations included, and the information on how and why changing one bead here or there will change the finished piece. Understanding how and why these changes happen has given me the confidence to branch out and try my own designs.

The techniques are all encompassing, directions backed up with good illustrations. Easy to follow, and should I find the time to experience all that is in this book, I'll be a great beader!

I have many Beading Books, and consider this one my finest at the present time. 2006

I've purchased a lot of beading books only to return them due to poor instructions or uninspiring designs/patterns. This one definitely stands out from the rest! Lots of stunning gorgeous projects with clear instructions.

This book is absolutely inspiring! It is wonderful what sophisticated designs can be created with these techniques and simple beads. The author is a woman after my own heart (she asks, "Can any one person own too many beads?"), and her knowledge and passion show in her writing. I think this book may overwhelm someone who is an absolute beginner, someone who has never done any beadwork before. To get the most from this book, I think you need a little experience. But her illustrations are the best I have ever seen, and her instructions are very clear. This book is worth the price just for the gorgeous color photos of projects. Another thing I like about the book is the fact that she gives many pointers for variations in the techniques, and encourages you to take off on your own. If you like seed beads and want to get beyond stringing, this book is essential.

There is only 1 other book at this level and that is the author's Creative Bead Weaving. Buy either one or even better both. Not only are the instructions excellent but the pictures and the projects are creative and inspiring. Please - when is your next book coming out.