Beadwork Basics [Hardcover]

Ann Benson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1994

A collection of projects for making jewellery and accessories using all sizes, shapes and colours of beads. The basic tools and components of the craft, plus techniques for weaving, surface beading and stringing, are covered. Projects include earrings, necklaces and other accessories.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Maybe the word basics sets up certain expectations, but Benson manages to discuss in the space of a few pages--in the introduction and in concluding paragraphs--bead fundamentals, including necessary tools and different techniques (peyote stitch, brick stitch, and bead weaving, among others). Twenty-nine projects constitute the meat of the book, each with color photographs, materials list, directions, and, if necessary, charts, diagrams, and a key to the various sizes of beads. Among the projects are cobalt-and-gold cabochon earrings, a beaded bouquet clutch bag, stickpins and barrettes, and a pin with the visage of Marilyn Monroe. Unfortunately, beginners will find the projects a bit frustrating, since the basics of beadwork are not only separate from the patterns but abbreviated in description as well. Barbara Jacobs

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Sterling Pub Co Inc (November 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806908777
• ISBN-13: 978-0806908779
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,599,002 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Large variety of different beading techniques and projects, May 24, 2000

By 

Dari B. Wayne (Lawrenceville, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beadwork Basics (Beadwork Books) (Paperback)

The title, Beadwork Basics, is a bit of stretch, although the new beader should consider adding this terrific volume to their beading archives. Once you have the basic skills under your belt, this is a book you will return to for inspiration again and again. Lots of beautiful color photos, instructions and diagrams. The Marilyn Monroe project is worth the price of the book alone.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars terrible lack of technique, out of order instructions, April 11, 2002

By 

K. AHearn "AHearn" (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Beadwork Basics (Beadwork Books) (Paperback)

I am a beading beginner who has done some simple stringing on my own and wishes to find books to show me some fun projects with which I can learn some pattern stitches and most importantly, techniques for working with findings and finishing strings in a clean & professional manner. I had hoped the Ann Benson books would help but I find she is a second rate author and although she may be able to teach in person, these books are terrible for a beginner: they contain patterns but do not teach, instructions for projects are out of order, materials required are not sufficiently explained, techniques are not explained. They claim to be written for beginners {in both titles, for crying out loud} but are instead incredibly frustrating as you need to look elsewhere for HOW to do the things you will be asked to do. How do you "create a loop in the headpin using round nosed pliers"? How do you "close crimp neither too flatly nor loosely with needle nosed pliers"?

In addition, I'm really annoyed with the poor quality of work shown in the book. Frankly the project photos reveal cheesy taste; lots of thread showing and not {in my estimation} very wearable or attractive end results, little of the jewelry is aesthetically pleasing being clunky, chunky stuff that I don't want to learn to make. Exceptions being a fringy pair of earrings and a fringed bag, the pattern for both can be gotten everywhere.

I'm really disappointed, I've purchased and returned "Beadwork Basics" and "Beading for the First Time" immediately. I have requested other "beginner" style beading books and will post reviews of all that I find.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classy beadwork designs, April 22, 2000

By 

[e-mail] (Provo, Ut) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beadwork Basics (Beadwork Books) (Paperback)

This book is written in detail and in a manner that you can follow easily. Each design gives explicit details of what materials are needed and how to complete the item. Most items are not difficult to accomplish or find the necessary materials for them. You can make assorted Native American style or antique looking earrings, necklaces and bracelets. There are also beaded watches, beaded brooches, and other styled necklaces.