Creating Lampwork Beads for Jewelry (Paperback)

~ Karen Leonardo (Author)
Key Phrases: silver strike, simple wrap loop, mini mashers, Finished Size, Level of Expertise, Lampwork Artist (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Beaded jewelry is big news with Hollywood starlets and fashionistas including Jennifer Lopez and Mick Jagger's daughter, Jade, who both endorse a line of beaded jewelry.

This book easily explains and demonstrates the techniques behind the ancient and exquisite craft of lampwork beading, using step-by-step instructions for making 16 different lampwork beads, which are incorporated into 16 jewelry designs. From creating beads, to shaping glass and mixing colors, this book outlines basic techniques through more than 200 color photos and illustrations. You'll quickly excel from beginner to advanced beader, with the potential for developing an exciting hobby or profitable side business.

About the Author

Karen J. Leonardo is a contributor to three Krause Publication books on beading, The Art & Soul of Glass Beads, Easy Beaded Jewelry and Organic Beaded Jewelry. She’s also written three beading study guides, and is the creator of a successful online beading business.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Krause Publications (November 28, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0896895491
• ISBN-13: 978-0896895492
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #59,573 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #22 in	Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Glass & Glassware
  #68 in	Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Beadwork

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting and creative lampworking and jewelry design book!, November 28, 2007

By	Jean Yates "jean, jewelry designer, book and... (United States) - See all my reviews

I have enjoyed Karen Leonardo's beads when viewing them online. She is very experienced and well known. She creates lovely work! However, I had no idea she was multitalented and could write books!
Creating Lampwork Beads for Jewelry is a major and fascinating undertaking, and a great addition to anyone's lampwork and jewelry design library.There is so much packed into this book it is wonderful! Techniques, tips,all sorts of things, from basics to the most sophisticated.
After explaining the tools required to set up your own bead making studio, the author gathers together a collection of talented bead artists. They demonstrate, in individual projects, the techniques of creating beads with either soft or borosilicate glass. These projects by the bead artists progress from beginning ones, to more complicated, to most complicated. I would consider this "section one". It is a book in itself!
However, as if this weren't enough, there is a second, fabulous section to this book!
This section begins with a description of a studio for a jewelry designer and what is required, tool-wise, for working with beads and making your own jewelry. After that comes a full section where talented jewelry designers create art pieces with the beads shown in the first part of the book. This was particularly fascinating to me, as I am a jewelry designer and love to see what other people are making with cool beads (which these beads are!). They make some fantastic necklaces, bracelets, pins and wireworked items. Precious metal clay is used, and there is even a chain maille piece.
My favorite piece is the "Where's the Party necklace", designed by Cary K.Martin, using Cathy Lybarger's beads. I wish I owned it! I love it! It conveys exactly what the title says! Totally fun and colorful!

I also loved the chic piece using the author's own beads. This is a sultry number in black and silver designed by Karen herself.

As you can see, there is something for everyone.

The jewelry designers had different styles and so did the bead artists. How super and also educational to see what everyone came up with!

I found this book extremely inspirational. I do not make lampwork beads, but I do know a lot about them and I enjoyed reading the first part.

I collect lampwork to keep or to use in my designs, and she has some of the best bead artists in her book. Who isn't familiar with Cathy Lybarger, Kristen Child, Karen and her husband Bob of course, Lezlie Belanger, and more? It is delightful to see the process from initial glass to finished bead, and then the process from beginning of the jewelry design to finished beautiful jewlery piece! I totally recommend this book!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful instructions for a very reasonable price!!, November 25, 2007

By	SEA MYST (New England) - See all my reviews

A book that is packed full of how-to information on soft glass bead making, step-by-step instructions and wonderful pictures! In addition to the step by step instructions for many different techniques in bead making there is a wealth of information covering many different jewelery making techniques, making it possible to create beautiful and unique jewelry designs.
Great information and inspiration for anyone interested in jewelry making, even if you never plan to create your own lampwork beads. and a valuable resource for the lampwork bead maker ...all for a very reasonable price!!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Add this to your collection, November 24, 2007

By	Jill Huelskamp "Just Jill" (Troy, Ohio) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I preordered this book and have enjoyed looking through it. I love the lily pad bead and made a beautiful one on my 4th try. The book takes you step by step through each bead process and provides tips along the way. I haven't begun to explore all the ideas, but know already that it was a very smart purchase.