Bead Simple: Essential Techniques for Making Jewelry Just the Way You Want It

by Susan Beal

Most beading books include a mix of patterns but call for very specific beads and materials. So if crafters don't like the beads used in the projects, or don't have them in hand, they won't enjoy the projects, no matter how beautiful they are. But Susan Beal has untangled this knotty problem. "Bead Simple "is the first work of its kind that offers stunning jewelry patterns that can be completely customized with a variety of beads and stringing materials. Based on simple, yet effective beading techniques, this strikingly illustrated pattern guide includes 50 glittering designs, each featuring two bold variations for a total of 150 projects that can easily be achieved with different materials or tweaks. With hot guest designers, including DIY Network's Jennifer Perkins and Megan Nicolay, author of the bestselling "Generation T," here is the one book that finally offers jewelers the versatility to let their unique personalities shine through.

Genres: Crafts, Jewellery Making, Jewellery, Beading, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2008

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I saw this book the other day at the library, it rang a bell and I knew I had already used it before. Turns out it was one of the first jewellery-making books I had consulted many years ago, and one which had greatly helped me and given me a ton of ideas. As I flipped through the pages, I recognized so many different designs I had inspired myself from to make my own projects (often a slight variation of the suggested design). It was awesome going through it and exclaiming "done that", "did this", "and this one too", "Oh, I remember that one!", etc... ;)

Bead Simple is a really great jewellery-making book if you're a beginner; the projects are simple and accessible yet inspiring, and it doesn't require buying a ton of materials you don't already have (if you already own basic jewellery supplies). The designs are ones who will probably find yourself using over and over again, because they are simple, useful, and provide a good basis for any more complicated or intricate projects you might want to try. I don't regret have checked out that one again!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally a book with SIMPLE and ELEGANT jewelry design, that doesn't require endless hours of stringing tiny beads and weaving. This is just EXACTLY what I was looking for...basic techniques for chic, quick designs, that not only give you projects, they are a springboard for my own imagination, which is currently in overdrive...I think I need to move into the jewelry aisle of Hobby Lobby for a week or so...anyone have a camp cot I can borrow?

Okay...so I'm NEVER going to finish "reading" this book...it's going to always be on my work table...I love it!

[Jennifer Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a bracelet project in this book. You can read my review on my blog.
http://naughtysecretaryclub.blogspot....

[Marian · Rating 3 out of 5]

some clever earring designs in here--

[Vannessa Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great instruction manual on how to make all types of jewelry. Though the instructions were clear and précised, one would have to have some experience in beading to understand the language.

[Ligaya · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good book to get you started with beading. Lots of great projects but the technique section is pretty thin so you need to consult other references to really learn the finer points to achieve quality work. There's a huge variety of materials and styles shown here. I did make sure to read all the tips sprinkled throughout. As an experienced crafter, I did learn something new: iron your 100% polyester sewing thread after running it through beeswax for a stronger thread.

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this as a gift last year and am just now fully perusing the pages to try to get some holiday gift ideas.

Beal does put forth some great jewelry pieces, but sometimes I felt like the directions were a bit vague. I do appreciate the photos to follow along.

Some of the projects seemed a bit too craft-fair like for me.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

As was noted, here are simpler and less heavy-weight pieces with techniques of their making. Some quite original, but they are in minority.

The main value of this book, in my opinion, is as a showcase of photographing jewelry on color complimenting backgrounds. Although there are simpler ways...

[Lizzy K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very user friendly, especially someone like me who is virtually self-taught. Gets more advanced as you go on. Gives excellent, pactical, stylish but timeless ideas! I recommend this book to people who are of all levels of abilities.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned that I never have to buy jewelry from a store now! Am free from mass-production accessories! (Disclaimer: I also contributed a pattern to this book.)

[Mzfitz]

TCLIB 745.5942 BEAL

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you have no knowledge of Jewelry Making and want to give it a try, this is the starter book for. Tells you everything you need to know to get started (tools, materials, color charting), glossary of terms, sizing of beads, basic starter projects, weaving, knotting, and so much more.