Making Beautiful Beads: Glass * Metal * Polymer Clay * Fiber [Paperback]

Suzanne J.E. Tourtillott (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 28, 2003

Work wool magic by rolling it into hard balls, or adding metallic fiber. Coil polymer clay for a real impact. You’ll find that the simplest techniques yield incredibly lovely, one of a kind “jewels.” “Public libraries...will find this potpourri of projects a distinctive addition to crafts collections.”—Library Journal.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Five bead artists have collaborated on this guide to making contemporary-style beads. The most unusual are the rolled and shaped felt beads made from merino wool by Jorie Johnson. Ann Marie Kennedy has several projects for paper beads, Irene Semanchuk Dean shows how to make polymer clay beads, Joanna Goldberg has projects for lovely silver beads, and Kimberly Adams demonstrates lamp-worked glass beads. Public libraries needing more beading material will find this potpourri of projects a distinctive addition to crafts collections.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

Bring a wealth of creativity to making your own dazzling, colorful, and wonderfully textured beads. Felt and paper designs are so lovely, you'll be surprised at how simple the techniques are to accomplish. Polymer clay versions can imitate the qualities of various types of precious stone. Even the stunning metal and glass beads you've always admired can be made at home! Then once you've crafted your own beads, find out how to make the most of your unique treasures by using them in new jewelry designs that you'll be proud to wear or give as gifts..

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Lark Books (March 28, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1579904335
• ISBN-13: 978-1579904333
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,793,507 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of different stuff!, November 12, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Making Beautiful Beads: Glass * Metal * Polymer Clay * Fiber (Hardcover)

I don't know if the previous reviewer is looking at the same book I am, but my copy of "Making Beautiful Beads" has a lot more than torches and glass in it. About a quarter of the book covers how to make glass beads with a torch. Another quarter gives you an intro to metal-smithing. Another covers polymer clay. The remaining section has some very unusual felted beads and cast paper beads.

This books covers a lot of ground, so if you are already experienced in several of these disciplines, then you may not need it. On the other hand, if you're curious about what it takes to get into torching your own glass beads or how to get started making beads with polymer clay, this is a great reference.

Each section gives you a good feel for what you'll need in the way of supplies and how to start with each medium. Lots of step-by-step photos and clear instructions.

The book is worth the price for the gallery sections, alone. I don't much care for fiber jewelry as a rule, but some of these hand-felted ornaments are beautiful! The polymer clay, glass and metal galleries are even more inspiring - gorgeous work from a variety of artists and crafters.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book Showing Varied Methods of Making Beads, November 15, 2002

By 

Jan Scarborough (Gastonia, NC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Making Beautiful Beads: Glass * Metal * Polymer Clay * Fiber (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful book for "how to's" on various methods of making beads including polymer clay, fiber, metal and glass. For any beadmaker or aspiring beadmaker, this book will provide inspiration and instructions for making beads. It gives a great overview of the various methods to wet your appetite! A must have book.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book for the beginner or experienced., November 13, 2002

By 

C. Picanzo ""book-a-holic"" (South Dartmouth, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Making Beautiful Beads: Glass * Metal * Polymer Clay * Fiber (Hardcover)

I found this to be a great book. The photos were beautiful and the instructions were detailed. I enjoyed the section on polymer clay. The book has chapters on making beads of out felt, paper, metal, glass, & polymer clay. If you enjoy making beads or thinking of starting beadmaking, this book is for you.