Customer Reviews

Making Glass Beads

5 star:		(45)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a great book for learning all about how to make glass beads. It is packed with beautiful color photos. Each technique is both demonstrated and explained in clear step by step instructions.

The author first covers a brief history, then talks about materials, tools and safety. Next, she explains the basics of making beads. Many variations are then explained, including making different shapes, raking colors & adding stripes.

More advanced techniques including mixing colors, adding metal, furrowing & adding surface treatments. She also explains how to make millefiori canes, cased beads, filigranas, latticinos, hollow beads, buttons & marbles.

There are 3 wonderful appendices in the back covering jewelry-making basics, the nature of glass and trouble shooting tips. My only wish for this book was that a list of suppliers was included.

Cindy Jenkins has done a wonderful job with this book. It teaches you step by step from the very beginning. This book will show you what you need and where you need to get it. It will then show you how to make great beads. Numerous techniques are very well illustrated. I started out with no knoweledge of glass whatsoever, but now with the help of Cindy's book, I can make beautiful glass beads. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to get their foot in the door to the world of glass.

An excellent book, extremely well illustrated. For each section she provides not only clear instructions, but also photographs of the procedure being done, as well as simple photos of the finished product. The book covers beginning and advanced lampworking techniques, from creating simple beads to advanced embellishment, with brief sections on container vessels, buttons, and marbles. Throughout the book there are wonderful pictures of different kinds and styles of lampworked beads by many different bead artists; clear captions allow you to understand what went in to the making of each bead. Even if you never light a torch, this is a great book just to leaf through! I've noticed that it is offered with beginning lampwork kits by a number of glass supply stores. Don't miss it if you are at all interested in beads, either as a collector or as a craftsperson.

Other glass bead making how-to authors, beware! The best book on the subject has already been written. Ms. Jenkins has included beautiful photographs of beads which are sufficient inspiration to recommend her work. However, it is the detail, and detailed photos, of how to proceed with bead making that make this book an invaluable asset. For several years I have resisted the idea of making my own beads - this book has severely dented my unwillingness to embark on that aspect of my obsession with beads. Ms. Jenkins is to be congratulated for authoring such a thorough and beautiful work.

If you are a visual learner....this book is for you. Great step by step pictures and text that builds your knowledge as you go. I cannot imagine anything better short of a hands-on class. As a beginner it has given me great confidence and I know I will continually refer to it! Thanks Cindy!

I probably have hundreds of craft and art books, but very few measure up to "Making Glass Beads", as far as clarity of instruction, useful and appropriate photographs and style. Excellent advise on safety, buying appropriate tools, and setting up studios for both soft and borosilicate glass. Ms. Jenkins expertly guides you through making your first basic bead to many advanced techniques such as making millefiori, buttons, marbles and animal and flower beads, all with hundreds of photographic examples of many different bead artists to awe and inspire.

So many beadmakers cite this book as the one that got them into the art of lampworking. I'm there with them. A friend loaned me this book about three years ago and we've been learning and having fun with glass and fire ever since. This is an *excellent* book to begin with. Clearly written and nicely photographed with plenty of variety in beadmakers' styles, this is a wonderful entry-level book. I've added other lampworking books to my shelves, but I would never give this one up. If my friend wants it back I'll just have to buy another.

This is one of two books that you should own if you are serious about learning to make glass beads. The step by steps are easy to follow. The hot tip boxes are a nice way to point out important info. The pictures are clear and to the point, and follow the descriptions of the action. The gallery pictures are spread though out each section of the type of bead work being explained.

A touch that I liked was when a new word is introduced it is in bold print and a clear description of what it is. Giving notice that this is something to be filed for future use.
They have included a whole load of other artists work for a wide idea of what can be done. the appendix's on the nature of glass and trouble shooting will save a lot of time for the newbe. Also the jewelry basics is a nice touch for the right of the street person. I own it and use it.

The other book you should own is the Kimberley Adams The complete book of glass bead making

After reading Cindy's book, my stained glass studio got a total makeover and is now a glass bead making studio. Cindy's easy read, good basic step by step instruction and choice of beautiful and inspiring photographs had me hooked. I carried this book under my right arm for about 3 months and still keep it within arms reach if for no other reason to get inspired by one of the many talented artists featured in Cindy's book. I would recommend this to anyone the least bit interested in glass beads, whether wanting to make them, collect them or just look at them. Thank you Cindy, I'm having a blast!

Red alert to all bead lovers - you must have this book! Soon, we'll all have little lampwork set-ups in our own garages. Cindy Jenkins gives wonderfully detailed instructions. She shows you how to set up a workshop, how to make a simple bead, and then more and more detailed beads. I never intended to do lamp-work, and just bought this book on a whim becuase the pictures were so beautiful, but after reading it, I believe I could easily get started, without any additional hands on instruction