Review: Beaded Jewelry – Create your own style

DK Publishing recently asked if I would be interested in reviewing a new bead book, and of course I said yes! (I mean… who would say no?) I love books, second only to beads, and I will say right from the start that DK books are among my favorites.

That said, I will do my best to provide a comprehensive and objective review of this new jewelry technique book by Maya Brenner.

Title: Beaded Jewelry – Create your own style
Author: Maya Brenner
ISBN Number: 0-7566-2062-7

Book layout and overview
The first section of the book introduces the author (who has her own jewelry design business and quite a list of celebrity patrons), and some very basic “how and why” one should consider working with beads and making jewelry.

The next section, titled “Preparation”, is a brief but good overview of types of beads, tools and findings with a little bead history thrown in. The descriptions are short, similar to a caption corresponding to each photo. I felt that the coverage of beads, tools, stringing materials and findings was comprehensive and good exposure for someone new to beading. The section closes with a short mention about workplace set up (lighting and work area set up) and storage.

In the “Basic Techniques” section, readers will learn step-by-step how to crimp, knot, wire wrap and more, with nicely laid out photos and descriptions of each technique broken down into several easy steps. This section is only half the size as the next section, “Designer projects”.

The projects are broken down into smaller sections on earrings, bracelets and necklaces. These projects are organized by difficulty level and each one is an entire project; from start to finish.

I am not entirely clear on how the next section, “Quick and easy designs” differs from the “Designer projects” section, but it appears that this section is aimed more for new beginners who would to be able to learn a technique and finish a project in just a few steps.

The following section on choosing and working with color is very helpful and well laid out, including some color/design “themes” to inspire new and advanced jewelry designers alike.
The book closes with tips on basic care, cleaning and maintenance of jewelry and a nice index of jewelry resources, picked by the author. I especially liked the comments about each supplier, and why the author shops there.

Conclusion
This book, like all of the DK books, has beautiful and eye catching photography. I would say that even people not interested in beads or making jewelry will find themselves thumbing through it. The layout is eye catching, and I love the “quick tips” that offer quick facts and tips with little arrows on the project pages. It is a great book for people new to jewelry making and for those who wish to brush up their skills and learn some new tips.

Now, I have to mention a little about lampwork beads. (Hey I am a lampworker!) I did not expect any specific coverage of lampwork technique or spotlighting of lampwork beads because this is a jewelry technique book. No problem. What I did notice though, were lampwork beads in some photos that were still filled with bead release, had distracting chill marks, and uneven bead holes. But… I will admit that the vast majority of readers will not see any of this and it is just my bias. The bead release in the bead holes does bug me a bit, but I will let it go.

Overall, a great book for those wanting to learn technique and a great gift for those interested in knowing more about jewelry creation.

Thank you, DK Publishing!