Creative Beading: Over 60 Original Jewellery Projects and Variations [Paperback]

Juju Vail (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2005

Without expensive tools or special training, anyone can get started right away and quickly begin producing bracelets, necklaces, charms, earrings, brooches and many other exciting jewelry projects. Large, bright diagrams, 150 full color photographs and a wealth of expert tips make following the patterns a breeze. Within minutes, it is possible to begin assembling the Spots and Dots four-strand necklace, the enchanting Fairy Chain bracelet, Silver Seeds leaf and flower charms, or any of the more than 70 projects featured. From choosing beads and strings to designing patterns, the instruction is suitable for all levels of skill, and offers endless hours of relaxing, rewarding fun. 

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Faceted potato, briolette, and memory wire are meaningful terms to both new and experienced beaders. And they represent vocabulary that's integral to the poetry of jewelry as created by Vail. Her book, a definite contribution to the craft, is more than just 20 exquisitely designed projects (with one or two variations per); it's even more than greatly illustrated step-by-step instructions and easy-to-use layout. Vail has captured the true art behind beading, along with some critical tips--some simple, others complex--for seizing the magic, which shines through in the tickled-pink tassel design, a complicated pattern worthy of art deco creations, or in the ease of "going Dotty," a spiraled bracelet of multicolored stones. Allow some time to look, and you will want more time to admire. Barbara Jacobs
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author

A graduate of the renowned Central St Martins fashion college in London, Juju Vail has written a number of craft books and contributed to numerous craft publications. Her jewellery, textiles and paintings have been exhibited widely in the UK and North America, and she regularly runs craft workshops in Canada, the USA and the UK.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Hamlyn (August 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0600611744
• ISBN-13: 978-0600611745
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,269,389 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely designs!, September 23, 2005

By 

Sharilyn Miller (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Creative Beading: Over 60 Original Jewellery Projects and Variations (Paperback)

Looking for a book of easy-to-make beading projects? Creative Beading may be just what you need. Author Juju Vail offers more than 60 jewelry projects and variations, plus chapters on tools and materials, bead selection, techniques, and more.
There are plenty of simple bead-stringing projects made with pearls, crystals, fine buttons, and other treasures, but you'll also find some intriguing woven patterns for rings and bracelets. The author has great color sense, too, making her jewelry pieces very inspiring for the viewer.
Some of my favorite projects are the Bow Tie Band ring and bracelet, the Black Beauty ring, beaded beads, beaded buttons, and the Beaded Flower Charm featuring flower petals made of beads. Makes a great pendant!
Recommended for beginner through intermediate bead artists.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Inspiration, June 2, 2006

By 

Heather Powers "Humblebeads" (San Antonio, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Creative Beading: Over 60 Original Jewellery Projects and Variations (Paperback)

I've had this book for a few months now and find myself turning back to it for inspiration often. It's geared more towards beginning beaders, but there are enough of the more complicated projects to get my brain thinking of new ways to use the elements presented in the book. If you've never picked up a needle and thread to bead, you'll find this book very helpful. The instructions and diagrams are easy to follow along. I especially love the flowers and leaf projects. It's a great recipe book of quick and easy beading projects.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars EASY AND ELEGANT STARTING POINTS, February 26, 2007

By 

Good Luck Charm (NYC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Creative Beading: Over 60 Original Jewellery Projects and Variations (Paperback)

An excellent choice for those looking for a range of quick designs with easy-to-follow directions,
handsome photos and clear illustrations of how to construct each project. The illustrations alone are worth the price of the book.
I highly recommend this book for the beginning and intermediate beader. There are designs for sophisticated adults, casual looks, and a few that would appeal to young girls too.
I have read and own similar books but always go back to this one because it works as a springboard for developing my own ideas.

The opening chapters show and explain the purpose of all the major tools, stringing materials, seed beads and bead finishes, bead shapes and materials,
with just enough detail. Basic knots are clearly shown, along with clear diagrams of the easier weaves.

Good directions for using buttons as toggle clasps, something which is hard to find as thoroughly explained in other books.
The projects are tasteful, and include double- and single-strand bracelets and necklaces, 2 interesting ways to string lariats, stylish drop earrings, wearable rings, a necklace using large-hole, bone beads and memory wire bracelets.
Not a ton of projects, but you can make your own variations and not feel pressed to slavishly copy the designs, especially if you don't have the beads on hand.
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I do!