A great second book by Carolyn Schultz, a top designer and author in the Jewelry School series.
The book is basically written for the beginner about simple bead stringing, but is well set out and should inspire the beginner into wanting to get started.
The photographs are lovely, bright, full page, colourful and of good quality. The illustrations of 'How To' give easy to follow steps, in clear and understandable text. The Tips which are included are genuinely useful, even to the more experienced jewellery maker.
A useful Jargon Buster chapter at the back gives a glossary of terms used throughout the book.
This book is a must for all beginners and the more experienced jewellery maker giving lots of creative inspiration to all.
* Bead Society of Great Britain, Journal 129 (Autumn/Winter 2019) *
In the second book in the Jewelry School series, Schulz continues her exploration of bead stringing, this time focusing on specific types of stringing material. The first section illustrates methods that use Tiger Tail (a type of beading wire), the next features Wildfire (a type of beading thread), and the final section offers additional ideas using the techniques outlined in the previous sections. The projects include 11 necklaces and a bracelet, ranging from fairly simple strings to necklaces featuring floating and dangling beads. Each project demonstrates basic construction techniques and includes detailed color photographs illustrating the steps required for each fundamental skill. As in the first book, each project includes a list of learning outcomes, and Schulz's background as a teacher is also evident in the detailed, step-by-step instructions. A photo-illustrated materials glossary and list of tools explain the uses and contexts for each. Tips are interspersed throughout, offering finishing touches and best practices to achieve a polished finished project.
-- Anne Heidemann * Booklist *
Wednesday 21st March
Bead Stringing is the second book in the series by the author, the fiorst being Let's Start Beading and it makes the craft appear near simple enough to try it. Nevertheless there are specialist pieces and equipment one needs and these are clearly shown and explained with projects demonstrating the basic techniques. The photographs are superb in showing clearly how to use different tools and methods and would give the beader confidence in trying the various projects. With useful tips and a section on the jargon used the jewellery designer and author has created an excellent and inspirational book.
* Yorkshire Gazette & Herald *
This is the second book in this author's Jewelry School series following on from Let's Start Beading. It covers most aspects of basic bead stringing for beginners from working with different threads to fasteners, crimps and using pliers. Illustrated with plenty of clear photographs it is easy for anybody to create twelve attractive pieces.
Having taught beginners basic stringing techniques I applaud this book for its direct, hands on approach. Anybody can learn how to combine beads and findings quickly as you learn as you work through the pieces instead of learning how to do everything first and then applying your skills to the projects. The book tackles tiger tail first and progresses to thread and finishes with a section on more complex techniques. Each project has a list of what you learn, and earlier projects are laid out in a way so each new technique has its own heading. Learn how to use a stop bead, attach crimps, open and close a jump ring and identify the different types of pliers. Various different styles of necklace and bracelet are covered as are different types of beads from basic glass to pearls, crystals and diamante balls and spacers. Each piece is also shown made up in different colors and materials to show what else can be done, a nice touch. At the back is an index and a jargon buster showing all the items used in the book and a bit about them, plus a section on tools. The jewelry has a modern but timeless look and ranges from sophisticated to fun missing out the quirky so is likely to have a wide appeal. If you want to learn how to string beads I can recommend this book.
-- Rachel Hyde * myshelf.com *
Stringing beads is one of the first skills a child learns and beaded jewellery remains popular with crafters of all ages. It's highly creative, easy to master and requires very little tools or materials. The 12 step-by-step projects show us how easy it is to make intricate necklaces, bracelets and earrings.
-- Machine Knitting Monthly * Machine Knitting Monthly *
