Beading From Nature: Creating Jewelry with Stones from the Earth [Spiral-bound]

Crystal McDougald (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2007

For creative crafters, Beading from Nature is like two books in one! First, it offers a comprehensive guide to the essential tools and techniques for designing and making jewelry. That alone would make this a must-have volume. But it also provides 25 sophisticated designs, all featuring natural stones and fascinating found objects. There’s a full inventory of beads on the market today, and in-depth advice on designing a personalized piece—how to choose the materials and what elements (like texture, color, weight, and balance) to consider. Wires, chains, knotting, attaching pendants, and creating hanging items all receive close attention. The unique projects include an Amber Chip Bracelet, Onyx Graduated Shell and Ethnic Silver Amulet Pendant, and a Driftwood Necklace.

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 128 pages
• Publisher: Sixth&Spring Books (November 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1933027215
• ISBN-13: 978-1933027210
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 9.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #622,439 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Bead jewelry from nature and the world, March 10, 2008

By 

Jean Leslie "Jbyrd" (Delaware, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beading From Nature: Creating Jewelry with Stones from the Earth (Spiral-bound)

The title doesn't tell half the story, hence the 4-star rating.

Does your taste in beads include the following: bone and wood, brass and copper, Peruvian ceramics, Ghanian powder glass, Tibetan and Nepalese silver capped gemstones, Ethiopian crosses, resin beads, Kazuri beads, Taureg and Hill Tribe silver as well as rough cut gemstones and chips, amber and mother of pearl? And if it doesn't, you still get the idea.

"Beading from Nature" does have natural materials and more. As such, most of the projects have an earthy look but some are quite elegant. There's a peridot neckace that's really lovely.

The spiral bound book starts with line drawings of the essential skills. Many of the projects use memory wire and various types of leather and fiber cord. Each project has its own full-sized photograph on the facing page opposite clear step-by-step instructions. Most projects are in the beginner to intermediate range. This can serve as inspiration to explore the world of beads and origins instead of just making projects. It's a keeper.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pure Inspiration!, January 16, 2008

By 

Ana Malone "Lunada" (Fairfax, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beading From Nature: Creating Jewelry with Stones from the Earth (Spiral-bound)

This book is a indispensable guide to designing and fabricating your own necklaces and bracelets using everything from fine turquoise and lapis stones to recycled glass and brass beads - even shells and drift wood. Full color pictures and step by step instructions show you how to master every technique, some I had never seen before. A glossary of terms and a guide to the bead market provide useful tips on how to make your projects come to life. I have been making my own necklaces and earrings for the last five years and I'm always looking for new ideas. This book has helped breathe a fresh organic vibe into my creations and I will definitely make sure to keep it handy in my workshop for years to come.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun and User Friendly, January 27, 2008

By 

M. Barrall (Ruidoiso, New Mexico) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beading From Nature: Creating Jewelry with Stones from the Earth (Spiral-bound)

Crystal McDougald offers a real winner with this edition and I hope more are to come. It has appeal for the raw beginner to jewelry making and for the more experienced artist. The project selections are interesting and varied. The illustrations are eye-catching and provide beautiful examples of 'finished' products. I found the 'Tools and Materials' and 'Techniques' chapters very helpful and enjoyed the 'fun fact' and 'tips' inserts throughout the book. This is a user friendly manual which is a great addition for one's own library. And - it made terrific gifts at the holiday season.