New beading booksA trio of books for summer beading fun
by Naomi Fujimoto
Published: August 3, 2010
Making Mixed-Media Art Charms & Jewelry
Authors Peggy Krzyzewski and Christine Hansen explain how to make tiny handmade works of art with Scrabble tiles, dice, bottle caps, coins, and rulers — as well as with unexpected elements like flashlight bulbs and bullet casings. No matter what your style, you'll find something to charm you; chapters include projects in polymer clay, plastic, wood, fiber, resin, metal, and glass. The book also shows how to make jewelry with chain and memory wire.
Want to know what sealers to use or how to cut glass? These authors know their stuff and share the specifics. They make safety a priority, too, and provide plenty of helpful tips throughout the book.
Visit Kalmbach Books for more information.
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30-Minute Earrings
Each earring in this collection by Marthe Le Van is an inventive miniature sculpture: 45 designers have fashioned jewels from VHS videotapes, license plates, pages of books, and CD cases. You'll also learn to make layered metal clay flowers, coiled wire spirals, and geometric folded earrings.
If you already know how to saw, solder, polish, drill, and rivet, then you could whip up a pair of these earrings in under 30 minutes, but I wouldn't say this is a book for beginners. There are no step-by-step photos or source listings. That said, the level of artistry is phenomenal — there's not a weak design in the bunch.
Visit Lark Books for more information.
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A String of Expression
If you like how-to's and stories of the inspiration behind them, this book is a can't-miss. Its subtitle is Techniques for Transforming Art and Life Into Jewelry — and author June Roman delivers on the promise.
Beginning with "The Roots of Authentic Design," the book covers art journaling and translating poetry into jewelry. Roman offers both inspiration and instruction.
The projects have materials lists and step-by-step photos, and some also have visual maps to help you tap into words, emotions, and thoughts that you can translate into jewelry. As you get to know Roman through her designs (she's partial to organic beads and asymmetrical necklaces), you'll discover how to create jewelry that truly reflects who you are.
Visit North Light Books for more information.
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