Exotic Beads : 45 Distinctive Beaded Jewelry Designs [Paperback]

Sara Withers (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1996

Now readers can learn how to make sophisticated, professional-looking jewelry with readily-available materials. Intricate and distinctive designs are presented in beautiful color photographs accompanied by complete, step-by-step instructions. Includes complete materials lists.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Beautifully designed and photographed, Exotic Beads presents 45 projects utilizing beads from around the world. From the Americas come Native American, Pre-Columbian, and Peruvian designs, among others. Europe brings us elegant Edwardian styles, Austrian cut glass, Greek ceramics, and German wood beads. Designs from the Middle East include Afghani lapis lazuli, Egyptian faience, Indian amethyst, and Nepalese silver. The Far East yields Chinese cinnabar and enamel, Soo Chow jade, Indonesian glass, and more. And Africa offers Moroccan clay, Kenyan ceramics, and patterned-glass trading beads. Each project (mostly necklaces, plus some bracelets and earrings) merits a double-page spread, complete with a materials list and full directions. Because many of the beads may be expensive or not widely available, the photographs serve as inspiration so that you can substitute other beads and still achieve similar designs. The introductory section briefly outlines all the basic techniques. Although beginners should be able to handle many of the projects, Exotic Beads is not an introductory book, and some projects require more advanced skills.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Krause Publications (March 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801987482
• ISBN-13: 978-0801987489
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #625,044 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

71 of 72 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent, innovative, July 4, 1998

By 

Patricia O'Tuama "rissa" (Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Exotic Beads : 45 Distinctive Beaded Jewelry Designs (Paperback)

I've been collecting beads, making jewelery and reading bead books since 1970 and Sara Withers' "Exotic Beads" is far and away the best bead book for the design of necklaces, bracelets and earrings I have ever seen. The designs range from simple to complex, the photographs are large and clear and the instructions are detailed and easy to follow. The book begins with an introduction to the history of beads and beading followed by sections on tools, equipment and findings, followed by a long section on "techniques" including finishing, weaving, using wire, beadwork, loomwork and making cords and braids. The 45 designs are presented next each with a list of supplies and step-by-step instructions. Many different artists contributed work to this book which is one of the best things about it -- you get to see a wide variety of materials and designs all exquisitely photographed. An excellent book for all persons interested in beading, from beginners to experts.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exquisite ethnic designs, September 28, 2002

By 

S. Brand "sandra807" (United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Exotic Beads : 45 Distinctive Beaded Jewelry Designs (Paperback)

Oh my gosh, what beautiful jewelry pieces! This is the best jewelry book by Sara Withers that I have yet seen. The title lives up to its name because the beads used and the designs all have an exotic, ethnic look. Each chapter focuses on designs representing a particular culture, i.e., Native American, Europe, Middle East, Far East, and Africa, the pieces having an updated, sophisticated look.

There is a good beginning section with explanations and illustrations for basic jewelry-making techniques such as wirework, threading, finishing, and a beginner may be able to get started with these, although I always think it's extremely helpful to see it done in person first. In addition to the basic techniques, each piece is shown in full color double-page photography so you can see the details, and each piece has its own instructions. The layout of instructions is done differently than most bead books: each step of the instructions has an arrow connecting it to the part of the jewelry piece it is referring to, and this is helpful, but being scattered about the page, your eyes have to roam around to find step 1, step 2, etc.

The designs are on the complex side; most of them require multiple strands of thread and therefore are more time-consuming than simple one-stranded necklaces. However, the results are attention-getting. Be prepared for requests from people who see them to buy your creations!

22 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing ... Not what I expected from the reviews, June 25, 2001

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Exotic Beads : 45 Distinctive Beaded Jewelry Designs (Paperback)

I have to take exception to the reader reviews of this book. I ordered the book based on these reviews, but now that I have it in my hand, I find that I'm very disappointed. While the book design and layout are fine, and many of the beads are interesting, I found the projects to be disappointing. For the beginning beader, this book may provide some inspiration, although I think the instructions are very sketchy, at best. I'm still searching for a good design book on beading. In the meantime, I do like "All Wired Up" by Mark Lareau -- the gallery of jewelry designs at the end of his book are great!!