Customer Reviews

Seed Bead Fusion

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am a long term beader, I am quite skilled in peyote and have a reasonable experience with wire wrapping. Based on my experience teaching, this books has some omissions that may have made it exceptional. There were basics missing for the wire wrapping projects, such as the use of an awl and how to wrap such that the wire does not kink. I was somewhat disappointed with the instructions and step by step shots of the wire wrapped bead, that could cause a significant amount of frustration, as it did with me. I would have hoped the editing would have picked this up, or testing projects on beaders of all levels of experience, and the gaps are obvious in some of the very complex projects in the book. Although there are basic instructions in the book, this is not a book for beginners and this is not made sufficiently clear. There are assumptions and jumps in some of the instructions that make it quite difficult if one does not have several years experience with peyote stitch or right angle weave. A friend with some weaving experience could not finish any of the projects I gave her without me showing her every step. Having said that, the constructions are very clever and intelligently engineered and that is a breath of fresh air. I do like this book, but have some reservations with the clarity of the instructions.

I recently received my copy of Seed Bead Fusion and it's a wonderful, colorful, beautiful, kaleidoscope of colour, technique and inspiration. Rachel's book has more step by step photos than I thought possible. It's so well lain out with easy to see diagrams and written instructions. The summary of each project is a brilliant addition - it really makes me believe that I can make all the wonderful pieces in this book.

Prior to this year, I hadn't bought many beading books. But Seed Bead Fusion is another must have for any well-stocked beaders' library.

Everything I had hope it would be. Rachel's instructions are very clear. She had included directions for projects she had sold the patterns for at $75. This book is certainly a bargain. Warning, her techniques are addictive.

I've been beading for about five years and have a fairly decent collection of beading books, but this is the first I've seen that includes small close-up shots that show most (if not all) of the steps for most projects, in addition to the written directions and larger photos. This is such a nice feature to have in case any questions come up while working on a project.

Most of all, though, I really love this book since it features some of the projects by Nelson-Smith that I have seen, but have never been able to take a class for: her Ootheca Cuff, O. Berston Component, and Bhangra Fusion Bangle, in addition to fifteen other projects. She also provides several different samples in various colorways so you can easily see the possible variations for each project. There is a lot of lovely eye candy in her designs!

Many of the projects combine the use of wirework and beading, and Nelson-Smith provides excellent instructions for the wire-phobic amongst us beadweavers. In fact, the first project that I want to make from the book is one that combines wires and beads, and normally I shy away from wirework in favor of bead-only projects since I feel so clumsy (despite numerous classes) working with wire. (Beading is more of my element.)

This book is a great addition to your beading library -- and don't let the wirework scare you off since Nelson-Smith explains her wire techniques so well!

This is an amazing and delightful book of intricate details. The author is shown to be an enthusiastic designer of rare talent who has a mastery of not only jewelry design but of the articulation of clear directions, instructions, and descriptions. I'm particularly impressed by the fact that non-beaders LOVE the stories "behind" the designs.

I rate this book 5 star because of the variety of projects and the detail of the how to's. The step by step pictures mean that you can't go wrong. I can't wait to order some kits. Rachel has all the projects available as a kit so you won't have to wait months trying to find the components.

Rachel's work brings such a fresh wonderful perspective to beadwork. Both her use of color, form and structure are truly innovative and the projects show off her very accomplished skills. Her combination of wire and beads is unique and will add a new dimension to your beadwork. The book is beautifully laid out and the 'What's the story' feature with each project provides a fun insight into Rachel's design process. Each project is not only illustrated, but contains step by step close up photos to help you understand exactly what is going on in each step. I personally have been wanting to bead up a Lincoln Street ever since I first saw it. The design is brilliantly reversible. This is a book you should definitely own to both advance your own personal skills and to produce fun, fresh, exquisite jewelry.

Hi,

this is a collection addition. Very different, with new and advance stitching.
It will take me awhile to get down to the "nitty gritty" of the illustrated patterns, but it will be worth it in the long run.

I want to point out that the pictures truly help. Seeing the details is very important. They have done a wonderful job in pointing this out.

I would like to thank the "designers" (I don't have the book in front of me now so I'm not sure who they are )but all who were involved for putting this book out. Sharing their talents with the world, all I can say is thank you, thank you, and thank you. It's awesome! I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. And thank you for putting it with :Look Inside a great feature on Amazon.com.

Look forward to seeing more extrodinary designs.

mona lisa

I love this book. The techniques, colours and photos are great. It has lots of terrific projects to complete and shows you how to use the same technique in different ways. Definitely worth buying.

Excellent Book - Great design, instructions are easy to follow and the visual instructions are super.