Customer Reviews

Complete Beading for Beginners

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I bought this book because I was interested in learning more about beading. For this purpose it was great. The description above says that there are 40 color images; be aware that all fourty of these images are on the first 6 or so pages and the rest of the book contains line drawings in black and white.

Each technique is introduced with a new project and the projects were very simple. They were just the type to start a beginner out. I was very glad to see an introduction to off-loom netting, because I wanted to make some of those collars of beads that sometimes are seen.

Each chapter is short and concise with one or two projects included. I especially liked the glossory of terms, the photocopiable project designer's sheet and the check list for a beginning beader's tool box.

Happy Beading!

This is just about the hardest-to-use 'beginner' book I've ever bought. ...:::

First, the organization of info about materials & tools is primarily keyed to & part of each project. So if one *doesn't want* to do those exact projects, one must flip around through the book for much of the necessary basic info. ... ...

Second, some info appears to be either lacking or misplaced (I couldn't find it, anyway). Some of the lacks are merely curious but some are downright irritating.

Just 2 off the top of my head ...
In the fasteners section, there's no mention -- let alone picture -- of toggle clasps, hmmm only the most popular, easy-to-use, most-varied-design fasteners around at the moment ...
and in the bead embroidery section, for a couple of stitches, until the *actual instructions* there's no mention of the *second threaded needle* which one was SPOZED to have at hand. ... ...

...If you've already mastered several basic embroidery stitches, this book probably won't offer you any bead embroidery techniques you haven't already figured out on your own.

For more helpful instructions & drawings, at least in the area of beginning bead embroidery, I'd recommend instead The Beader's Companion by Judith Durant & Jean Campbell -- also available here at Amazon.

Complete Beading for Beginners is, first and foremost, a well-written text for the novice beader. It is a well thought-out manual that provides clear instructions on the basics and the technically complicated. You can begin immediately on a simple project, such as the Lace and Bead Choker, or you can go directly to a more technically advanced project, like the Bead Embroidery Sampler. Every beader can be assured of a beautiful looking piece of beading jewellery.

Instructions are clear and concise. As well, diagrams and callouts are scattered throughout the manual, giving the reader a sense of confidence that beading can be so easy. If you do encounter a problem, there's a trouble-shooting section to help you out (something many instructional manuals do not provide). I find this section more helpful in that I can learn and prepare for the potential pitfalls.

As well, the text is a fairly comprehensive authority on the art of beading. While other texts may elaborate more fully on specific aspects of beading, the Complete Beading for Beginners brings it all together. You don't need to go to a library to research beading; it's all at your fingertips. Also, the author has finally provided written instructions on beading techniques that had previously existed only by word of mouth.

I've got a copy for my family and I've just purchased another copy for my niece. Should any other family members show an interest in beading, they will receive a copy of Complete Beading for Beginners. Without a doubt, I bead you not.

I bought this book hoping that I could learn how to bead. But what I found is that book is far from complete and confusing in its instructions. A major disappointment.

For the beginner this book has good layouts and starter projects. For me as a real beginner, I wanted some guidance on selecting materials like wire and thread - this book lacks any guidance on material selection. It does have a very helpful index of terms.

I bought this for my 11 yr old granddaughter who is just getting into this hobby. The book was easy to read with easy directions and a lot of pictures.