The Complete Book of Glass Beadmaking [Hardcover]

Kimberley Adams (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2005

Every eye-catching photo in this superb guide to a popular craft will inspire, instruct, and attract bead- and glass-makers. It's beautiful, easy to follow, and one-of-a-kind.

Glass beadmaking has become a crafting phenomenon, and this colorful reference features a rich repertoire of creative ideas. Splashed across the splendid pages in eye-catching photos are all the most popular types of beads, accompanied by the newest, most innovative techniques. The instructions begin with the basics: how to light the torch, wind and cool the bead, and shape the glass into barrels, cones, and discs. As beadmakers' skills develop, they can expand their horizons by experimenting with enamel; using mica dust to form an iridescent sheen; and applying silver, gold, and copper leaf to layers of glass. The most advanced projects are truly remarkable, from floral and sculptural beads to beads that encase images of stars, rainbows, and faces. A Selection of the Crafters Choice Book Club.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“The Complete Book of Glass Beadmaking is the most detailed instruction you will receive without sitting in a classroom. The directions are thought-out, clear, and have corresponding photos for almost every step. The methods learned are applicable to any bead you desire to create, and you will find limitless inspiration from the gallery — filled with eye-catching and colorful images from the finest glass beading artists. This book is great for those new to beadmaking, but it also contains intermediate and advanced technique sections. After working your way from front to back, you will have mastered (or refreshed your memory in) everything from shaping beads, adding color and decoration, altering surfaces, making gravity and floral beads, fuming, and creating sculptural beads such as a winged heart and a spiral seashell.” — Belle Armoire Jewelry, Spring 2011 issue

 

“Eye-opening. The photography throughout is excellent. A beautiful book.” — Library Journal

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Kimberley Adams has had her own business selling glass bead jewellery for 15 years. She teaches bead-making workshops at well-respected schools, including John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Lark Books (July 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1579905722
• ISBN-13: 978-1579905729
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #648,311 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The real nature of making Glass Beads, July 3, 2006

By 

PTSideshow "GRP" (Macomb County Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Book of Glass Beadmaking (Hardcover)

I can say a lot of things about this book. It is a complete book for the beginner in lamp working soft glass(soda lime glass). It starts at safety, tools, equipment and studio set up. This book filled in a number of blanks from some other glass working and bead books left that I own. A lot of craft hobby books assume you know more than you do. From the first bead you wind, to the advanced techniques. You are guided with well lit nice sized pictures of what is being described. With boxed notes of important info that needs to be reinforced.

Again Lark has used bold print when introducing new words or operations with a clear explanation and numbers to the photos. The trouble shooting tips help the newbe. The glossary and the instructions on making an exhaust hood are bonuses for everybody.

The gallery's are filled with the best photos of work by the top level of glass artists not so much or so many as to defeat the purpose of the book but to give a broad avenue of ideas to follow.

This book along with Cindy Jenkins Making Glass Beads will keep you winding for a long while. I own it and use it.

60 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book for beginners, August 26, 2005

By 

Michelle "Mitchie" (bronx,ny, new york United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Complete Book of Glass Beadmaking (Hardcover)

This book filled in the blanks for me. I have a beadmaking kit that's been collecting dust since Christmas because I didn't have much instruction to work with. This book inspired me to pick it up and try again. The instructions are clear and it's the next best thing to taking a class. Techniques I never thought I could accomplish now seem do-able. This is a great book for beginners.

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just what I needed!, September 19, 2005

By 

T. Matthews "newbie lampworker" (Western NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Complete Book of Glass Beadmaking (Hardcover)

As an absolute beginner, this book, my 3rd on lampworking, is a very valuable tool. Although some of the techniques are advanced, I will be able to use them as I improve. Clear instructions, and gorgeous eye candy! There are many more books that I simply must have, but am pleased to have this as my "bible".....eveything that I need, or think I will need, is covered. Worth EVERY penny!