Beading Arts

There are over 225 iron-on transfers in Heirloom Embroidery from Brian Haggard , specifically from his book Embroidered Memories .  The designs are classic for crazy quilts, and come in a variety of sizes.  There is only one page of embroidery stitch instruction in the very back, but surely you've got plenty of other books that cover the stitches!  This book is about pure iron-and-go!!  By C + T Publishing. This post contains affiliate links: Amazon

If you like working with shaped beads, then you are probably already a fan of Virginia Jensen's work and her books!   Stitching with Two-Hole Shaped Beads  and  Contemporary Cube Bead Designs  are Kalmbach Media titles you might already be familiar with, and here is her latest:  Two-Hole Bead Stitching .  Just like the others, this book has the fabulous photos and illustrations that Kalmbach is known for.  And it is full of the fabulous and fun designs that Virginia is known for! Each chapter starts with a fairly simple piece and progresses through more intricate and challenging pieces.  I particularly liked some of the variations that could be made using the basic S-braid pattern.  The easy basic version is included in this book, along with lots of fabulous alternatives, using other shapes and mixtures.  I have to be honest that I've not been very interested in shaped beads.  I love my regular seed beads, and for the...

You know those super-clear instructions that you get from Bead & Button magazine (or from any Kalmbach publication, for that matter)?  Well, here is the handbook that you've been waiting for, that puts all the instructions for all of the stitches in one spot: Bead Stitching Handbook by the editors of B&B!  Here's a list of the stitch instructions that are included: Peyote, netting, ladder, brick, square, herringbone, right-angle weave, crossweave, fringe, bead embroidery, spirals & helixes, chenille, chevron, St Petersburg chain, loomwork, and bead crochet.  Wow!  All the fundamentals in one handy book. The book also includes the variations of each stitch, so for example, you'll get instructions for flat, circular, and tubular, plus how to increase and decrease.  AND it also covers special tasks the stitch is really useful for, like creating bezels with peyote stitch, stitching two-drop, diagonal, Dutch and Cellini spirals, etc.  Th...

Do you like crystals?  Do you like shaped beads?  Do you like stitching components that you can use to make matching earrings or bracelets?  Isabella Lam's latest book, Beadwoven Glamour , may be just what you're looking for!  You may remember Isabella's work from a few years ago when Kalmbach published Beautiful Beadweaving .  Everyone was talking about it.  Everyone wanted a copy.  And it was soooo worthwhile! The instructions and illustrations make it a snap to follow along with the projects, and there is a complete and specific materials list for those who want it.  The Empera Necklace , shown above on the cover, is one of the more complicated pieces.  There are also several that are much simpler to stitch, although even those look luxe and expensive.  There are some simple pendants that are similar to the ones shown below.  They might be a great way to get your feet wet!  The projects are challenging, but beca...

I can't wait to have a few moments peace to read through this book!  Yes, you heard that right...this is not so much a review as a preview.  It's the only book on my pile right now, but with all the busyness of the season, I just haven't been able to get to it. So here's what's in store for anyone who wants to take the chance on The Visual Guide to Art Quilting , compiled by Lindsay Conner! Chapter 1 covers design theory and inspiration.  Where do you get your ideas?  How do you work with a theme?  Design ideas like grids, slice and rearrange, realism, and abstraction.  Color.  Working in a series. Chapter 2 is about materials and supplies, including how to create a design wall. Chapter 3 covers working with fabric, including organizing your fabric stash, different ways to applique, and improvisational patchwork. Chapter 4 includes many surface design techniques, like dyeing, adding texture, freehand painting, stamping and printing. Chap...

Learn to Stitch Beaded Jewelry: 50+ projects you'll love to make by Marla Salezze Fabulous Chain Mail Jewelry: Creating with components by Marilyn Gardiner Hand Stamped Jewelry: How To Make Your Own Hand Stamped Jewelry For Beginners by Shanice Questro Metal Jewelry Workshop: Essential Tools, Easy-to-Learn Techniques, and 12 Projects for the Beginning Jewelry Artist (Fox Chapel Publishing) Step-by-Step Photos for Designs using 12 Simple Hand Tools by Helen Driggs Enameling: For Beginners! Techniques & Tips To Create Amazing Metalwork Enameled Jewelry Projects by Maureen Alaska Beginner's Guide to Kumihimo by Donna McKean-Smith Epoxy clay jewelry projects: A beginner's guide to using epoxy clay by Katherine Swift Wire-Wrapped Jewelry Techniques: Tools and Inspiration for Creating Your Own Fashionable Jewelry (Fox Chapel Publishing) 30 Expert Wire-Wrapping Techniques Step-by-Step, plus 8 Stylish Projects by Lora S. Irish Paper Bead Jewelry: Step...

Christina Larsen has come up with the next logical crossover skill in jewelry making: kumihimo performed with wire instead of cords!  In Kumihimo Wirework Made Easy , Christina teaches three fairly simple kuihimo braid structures that she then goes on to turn into fabulous pieces of jewelry, both with and without beads. Even if you have never done kumihimo with cords before, fear not.  The instructions are very complete, and Christina has lots of tips to help you speed through the learning curve.  You do not need expensive equipment or tools to do this...just a few basic wire tools that you probably already have, and one of the inexpensive foam disks.  Since wire doesn't slip out of holes once you've moved it there, you don't need to worry about the disks "wearing out" quickly.  You do have to worry about tension, though, and Christina shows you all her best practices for choosing, straightening, and moving wires, and for maintaining tension as you work...

Did you read Sarah Thompson's first wire book, Fine Art Wire Weaving ?  If so, then you'll be completely thrilled to see that she has a second, more advanced book out: Woven in Wire .  May I just say...Oh. My. Gosh!  Sarah is a master, and she is a true artist.  These are challenging projects that are not designed for beginners, but even if you are a beginner, you're going to at least want to see this book for examples of what to strive for!  I was totally blown away by the beauty, complexity, and power of Sarah's art work. Ok, so let's just get this out there again so no one will be misled: to master projects like these will take a LOT of practice.  This is not a book of easy afternoon or weekend projects.  The two main focus points of Woven In Wire  is dimension and symmetry: adding depth through sculpting and careful precision in design.  But more about that later. Sarah starts off with a discussion of tools, and though you won't ...

Jewelry Making: 15 Fast and Easy Amazing Beadwork Projects for Beginners by Lisa Franklyn The Art & Tradition of Beadwork by Museum Of International Folk Art Exquisite Stitching with Multi-Hole Beads by Renee Kovnesky Wire Jewelry for Beginners: Best Guide on Creating Extraordinary Jewelry With Your Own Hands by Erica Miller Jewelry School: Bead Stringing by Caroline Schulz The Art of Leather Braiding: Beginner's Guide to Making Jewelry, Pendants, Bracelets, Belts, Straps, and Key Fobs by Roy Luo and Kelly Tong 350+ Beading Tips, Techniques, and Trade Secrets: Updated Edition - More Tips! More Skills! by Jean Power Wire Jewelry Making: Simple Jewelry Making for Beginners by Maya Kenna Designing and Making Rings and Bangles by Miranda Falkner and Evangelos Pourgouris Inspired Bead Embroidery: New jewelry designs by Sherry Serafini by Sherry Serafini ( my review ) Jewelry Making: Learn To Create Fabulous Wire and Beaded Jewelry Yourself by Erica ...

And along comes the highly anticipated third offering from Sherry Serafini: Inspired Bead Embroidery .  Do we like it?  Drum roll please...well, duh.  Of course! If you happen to have Sherry's other two solo books (listed below), please don't think that this is just more of the same.  Some of it is repeated...the basics are pretty much the same...but there is a greatly expanded section on creativity where Sherry spends more time than ever before explaining the different pathways into designing that you can choose.  For example, sometimes you feel like planning and sometimes you don't.  But if you always want your work to turn out fabulous, you need to take certain things into consideration, and Sherry shares all of them with you. The projects are wonderful.  Sherry tells you right up front exactly what bead styles, color, and sizes she has used, but she also encourages you to take off in your own direction.  The focals that are used are ori...

One of the queens of bead embroidery, Sherry Serafini has been tapped to write one of the Beadweaving Master Class series for Lark publications.  Sensational Bead Embroidery joins the series with 25 beautiful projects that she leads you through step by step. Sherry covers all the fundamentals of tools and materials that you'll need to know to start stitching.  Many of her elaborately textured and beaded neckpieces are featured in this volume, and there is a gallery filled with a virtual who's who of bead embroidery masters: Diane Hyde, Heidi Kummli, Yoli Pastuszak, NanC Meinhardt, and more. As with all the books in the Master Class series, a serious beginner will find the book enthralling.  Intermediates and advanced practitioners will find much to challenge and inspire.  Altogether, I recommend this book as much for its inspirational value as for its clear teaching.

A Passion for Flowers in 3-D Peyote Stitch by Sheila Root Not Just for Show: The Archaeology of Beads, Beadwork, and Personal Ornaments by Daniella Bar-Yosef Mayer and Clive Bonsall Chain Mail Plus: Jewelry Projects Using Crystals, Charms & More by Sandy Haugen Creative Wax Carving: A Modern Approach to an Ancient Craft with 15 Jewelry Projects by Emilie Shapiro Joyful Daily Stitching, Seam by Seam by Valerie Bothell This post contains affiliate links: Amazon

Each year, I like to share a list of books with you that I think are really the top picks from all the books published in this past year.  I still think that many of the books from prior years' lists are good too, and if you'd like to see them, they are linked at the bottom of this post.  Also, I keep running lists of all the books that pertain to specific topics and media , like wirework, bead embroidery, etc, all linked up at the Books tab at the top of every page.  And finally, if you are looking for all of the bead and jewelry books published this past year , just scroll down to the bottom of the linked page and you'll find them all listed by month. My Top Pick for Everyone This Year: Jewelry Making with Resin For Beginners: Jewelry Made with Wire and Fiber by Nealay Patel   Jewelry Making with Resin by Theresa Abelew   One Jump Ring: Endless Possibilities for Chain Mail Jewelry by Lauren Andersen   Beginner's Guide to Beadweavin...

I have several books on stitching seams for crazy quilts, and each time a new one comes out, I hesitate.  Do I really need another one?  But fortunately, I usually come to my senses and realize that I always learn something new and delightful in each new book!  So I joyfully (no pun intended) bring this book to your attention: Joyful Daily Stitching, Seam by Seam by Valerie Bothell.   Not only is it visually beautiful, but it is also possibly the best organized of all the CQ books I own.  The emphasis is on the seam stitching, although there are basic instructions for CQ piecing as well. The photos of the stitches are beautiful and easy to follow, and many many stitches are shown in beaded varieties as well!  This section is followed by 500 different stitch combinations, using thread embroidery, silk ribbon embroidery, and beads.  You will want to start immediately! This post contains affiliate links: Amazon

  Katelyn is the winner of a copy of The Art of Quilling Paper Jewelry that Beading Arts was giving away.  Congratulations, Katelyn!

  Abstract Explorations in Acrylic Painting I know that a lot of you enjoy more than one form of art making, so I thought I would get caught up here and share with you some wonderful books on collage, painting, and quilting that you might have missed on Mixed Media Artist blog. Art Quilts International: Abstract and Geometric Abstract Explorations in Acrylic Painting Fire + Light: a method of painting for artists who love color   Abstracts in Acrylic + Ink   Digital Fiber Artist   Artful Log Cabin Quilts New York Beauties + Flying Geese   Create Perfect Paintings   The T-Shirt Quilt Book Intuitive Color + Design   Art Journey: Abstract Painting   Storytelling Art Studio    

Last week, I shared my review of Ann Martin's new book, The Art of Quilling Paper Jewelry .  Well, today I am delighted to be able to offer up a copy for giveaway! Let me tantalize you with some images from the book that Ann shared with me...can you even believe they are made from paper??   GIVEAWAY ALERT!!!  Would you like a great book full of new projects?  Here's what you need to do... please read this carefully . Leave me a comment here and include your email address. If I don't see your email address, I will not contact you. No contact, no win, and I simply have to go on to the next person. You are welcome to spell it out if you'd prefer, for example, beadingarts at gmail dot com. If you tweet or post on Facebook or other social spots about the contest, you can leave a second comment and be entered twice!  Deadline: September 21, 2016  

The Absolute Beginners Guide: Jewelry Making with Resin by Theresa D. Abelew Wire Jewelry: Beaded and Beautiful: 24 captivating jewelry designs by Irina Miech Peyote Stitch Companion by Melinda Barta Jewelry Designs with CzechMates Beads by Anna Elizabeth Draeger Mastering Wirework Jewelry: 15 Intricate Designs To Create by Rachel Norris Elegant Beadwork: 25 beaded jewels with right-angle weave by Evelina Palmontova Seed Bead Revolution by Sara Oehler and Kristen Fagan Making Metal Clay Jewellery by Julia Rai The Big Book of Jewelry Making: 73 Projects to Make by GMC Editors Colored Pencil on Copper Jewelry: Enhance Your Metalwork the Easy Way by Roxan O'Brien Crazy Quilting Volume III: Fancy Seam Designs by Kathy Shaw This post contains affiliate links

Ann Martin has written a new book, published by Interweave , on the beautiful art of quilling.  Her twist is to apply this ancient art form to wearables!   The Art of Quilling Paper Jewelry is a marvelous introduction to quilling techniques, and it might just become your next obsession!  I'm going to be doing a giveaway with this book very soon, so stay tuned!! Ann starts with the history of quilling, and introduces us to the wide variety of pre-cut strips with metallic edging.  She also shows you how to make your own, if you want to try it out before buying supplies, or if you're a purist about materials!  Besides the quilling strips, a few very basic tools are needed, most of which you probably already own.  The needle tool or slotted tool may be the only things you don't have, but you can substitute plain wire to try it out before buying a tool.  Otherwise, you will need some dowels, tweezers, scissors, a ruler, pins, glue, and basic jewelry...

One of my very favorite series to recommend to beginners in any media is Kalmbach's Absolute Beginners Guide .  And the latest by Theresa Abelew is no exception.   Jewelry Making with Resin is an inexpensive book which thoroughly covers the materials, tool, procedures and techniques of working with resin, plus it throws in jewelry making basics and 22 really great projects. The projects take you step-by-step through making pendants, necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings.  But instead of just the same old poured projects that you've probably done dozens of times, Theresa shows you how to use resin as paint, make "stained glass" papers and fabrics, use it with silicone molds, embed images and object, add color, and (of course) pour into bezels both with and without backs. Theresa wants you to ultimately be able to take a technique from one project and combine it with ideas from other projects in order to create your own personalized pieces.  One of my pers...