Create Jewelry: Pearls (Create Jewelry series) [Paperback]

Marlene Blessing (Author)

Book Description

Series: Create Jewelry series | Publication Date: September 1, 2007

The editors of Beadwork magazine reveal the elegance of pearls with projects, photography, and history in this tribute to nature’s iconic gemstone. Step-by-step instructions for 20 stunning projects involving natural, freshwater, and imitation pearls are accompanied by photos to guide jewelry makers of all ability levels through the wide range of materials, colors, and shapes used in these elegant and wearable designs. Broken into three sections, "The Classics" covers traditional pearl stringing and simple earrings, "Special Occasions" includes a striking copper-colored choker and a lariat suitable for a bride, and "Fashion Forward" contains a bangle with fiery-colored pearls and a dramatic bracelet using handmade beads and dyed pearls. Chapters on the science and culture of pearls include tips on selecting, working with, and caring for these treasures, while engaging anecdotes and vibrant images of pearls throughout history round out this informative and entertaining book.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Close-up photography and clear instructions make creating your own pearl jewelry a snap."  —Monsters and Critics.com

"As a pearl-o-holic myself, I really liked this book."  —About.com Guide to Jewelry Making

"You're sure to be inspired, though that may lead to yet more bead-buying."  —Fiber Arts News

"Stunning full-color photos accompany each project, and each features extremely detailed instructions."  —KLIATT

"Beautiful photography, step-by-step instructions, and interesting background . . . [this book] is fun to look at and get inspired by."  —South Jersey Bead Society

About the Author

Marlene Blessing was a former contributing editor to SPA magazine and a senior features editor for The Seattle Weekly. She is currently the editorial director for Beadwork, Step by Step Beads and Stringing magazines. She lives in Longmont, Colorado. Jamie Hogsett is the editor of Stringing magazine, the special projects editor of Beadwork magazine and the author of Stringing Style. She lives in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Product Details

• Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press (September 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596680237
• ISBN-13: 978-1596680234
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #155,538 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous Pearl Projects, Beautiful Book!, June 15, 2007

By 

Jean Yates "jean, jewelry designer, book and... (United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Create Jewelry: Pearls (Create Jewelry series) (Paperback)

The pearl, in all its lustrous beauty, stands apart from other gems in capturing our fascination. Why is this? Perhaps you will understand more after enjoying this knockout of a jewelry design book by Marlene Blessing and Jamie Hogsett, Create Jewelry: Pearls: Luxurious Designs to Make and Wear.
As depicted in the beloved portrait by Vermeer, "Girl with a Pearl Earring", there is a unique quality belonging to pearls. They always attract us. Perhaps it is because they express purity, beauty, innocence and yet, at the same time, a wonderful, sensuous mystery. This book, in all aspects, succeeds in expressing the loveliness of its subject, the pearl.

The projects are uniformly stunning and brilliantly executed. Some are classic and/or easy to make, like the long strand of Burgundy Swarovski pearls with Swarovski crystals, which is shown on the model, simply worn free and long, or "opera length", with a formal dress. The color of the pearls in that project was particularly appealing to me! The lengths are all explained, by the way. Types of pearls are, as well.
Some projects are pure high fashion: picture a model wearing glorious baroque black pearls in a fantastic Y shaped tassel design, with a white T-shirt and a cool black leather jacket! That one knocked my socks off!
These projects, and many more, entranced me as I read and enjoyed the history of pearls which is also a part of this luxurious book.

There is a mood to this design book which is uniformly elegant. The photography is very high fashion and fun to look at, and the research photos and writing consistently enhance the appeal of the book's projects. It is as if the research and history inspired the projects, in many cases. For example, in a "did you know..." segment, Elizabeth I, The Pearl Queen, is written about. Opposite is pictured a necklace which is called "Ocean Wonders". The lovely necklace looks as if it were definitely inspired by The portrait of Elizabeth I and the research concerning her. Very cool!
As for the projects themselves, I had so many favorites! "The Sacred Vows Lariat" is like nothing I have ever seen before! What a beauty! The creamy whites in that, and the shapes of the pearls were perfectly gorgeous! "Pearl Fusion" totally rocked me, both with use of color and innovative design, as did "The Midas Touch", a new take on the classic dog collar necklace.

There wasn't a single project I didn't like,in fact, and I loved every snippet of information under the heading of "did you know..."
Of course I wanted to know! I love pearls, and if YOU love pearls, have I got a book for you! Go no further! This fantastic collaboration, Create Jewelry:Pearls: Luxurious Designs to Make and Wear, is a wonder of a book. You will love it.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ordered, read and then on to Amazon to buy!, December 11, 2007

By 

Linda Lee (Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Create Jewelry: Pearls (Create Jewelry series) (Paperback)

I first saw this book in my local library and thought it was a book about pearls. I had to order it because it was a new accession at the time. When I finally received the book it was a real revelation to find out that I could make these designs if I wanted to! I was very impressed with the wide range of modern jewelry shown and the details about how the designs were made up. There is not much information on the beading tools needed etc but this is easily found in other well priced books that Amazon sells on pearl jewelry making. The real strengths of this book are illustrating the wide range of pearls available today for jewelry making and the beautiful pieces that can be made. I live in Australia and the fact that I searched Amazon to find this book and was happy to pay the high shipping fees gives you some idea of the degree to which I enjoyed this book and wanted to own it.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy-to-read instructions, September 21, 2007

By 

Linda Keto (Fairview, Texas United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Create Jewelry: Pearls (Create Jewelry series) (Paperback)

I have several how-to jewelry books and this one is in the top 5 as far as having pieces that I will actually make. I consider my skills intermediate and will be making at least 4 of the projects as Christmas gifts. So many of these type books have what I consider to be outlandish designs and this one has really lovely, more traditional pieces. The instructions are clear, the supply lists complete (including sources to find components), and the pictures terrific. Enjoy!