Book Review: Bead Jewelry 101 by Karen Mitchell and Ann Mitchell

Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received this ebook, free of charge,from Quatro Publishing, via netgalley, for review purposes on this blog. No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about it, all opinions are my own


With Summer on the wane, some of you may be looking for  creative projects for you, or for the kids to make for Christmas presents (125 and counting! Yes, I know, you can scream, we'll wait......Better?), and this book is perfect for both!

And best yet?
It's NOT your grandma's book of beading!


Bead Jewelry 101 cover

Synopsis:

Bead Jewelry 101, now in paperback, is a complete entry-level course for creating beaded jewelry taught through 30 step-by-step projects that demonstrate fundamental methods for stringing and wirework.

Have you always wanted to try jewelry making but aren’t sure where to begin? Bead Jewelry 101 teaches you everything you need to know to create beautiful jewelry with beads. The Basics walks you through all the tools, materials, and basic construction techniques you’ll use for the projects.The Projects are organized by various findings, or jewelry elements, so you’ll learn new techniques and build new skills with every piece you make. Beautiful variations will inspire you to create your own designs.Beginners will also find the accompanying online videos that capture the techniques in action an invaluable resource.

Written specifically for beginners, the books in the 101 series are complete illustrated guides to the basics of a craft that use projects presented with full-color, step-by-step instructions and photos to teach essential techniques.


Bead Jewelry 101 sample collage 1



Review:

As you can see, from the sample projects above, you do get a wide varied amount of techniques to learn! Personally, looking at the book, there were just 3 that I have not made before (really 2, because chain mail and I are not friendly AT ALL-jump rings be my mortal enemy, just sayin...), and the instructions are SO easy, and direct with the included photos, that I know I could make one of those projects quite easily with the book! NO video needed! 


For the beginner to beaded jewelry, Ann does a great job in walking you through the different materials and tools that are available (see collage below for samples), and giving you the basics first, like adding a jump ring, or tying a bead knot, before she gets you into the project pages. There are at least 3 projects per technique, so by the end of the book, you will have quite a few pieces made (Christmas IS coming...) and be well on your way to being an novice beader! Both my daughter and I really appreciated the re-purpose/recycle projects, that teach you to see old pieces for the good  'bones' (aka beads) they have and to use them in a new way, for a great looking piece! What a great way to rescue broken pieces that mean so much to you! 


I DEFINITELY recommend this book to anyone interested in making jewelry. It would be a great birthday present for a teen or tween, along with a gift card or small basket of supplies!




Bead Jewelry 101 sample collage 2


About the Authors:


Sisters Ann Mitchell and Karen Mitchell started their mixed media jewelry business, AnKara Designs, in 1991, based in Altadena, California. In addition to authoring jewelry making books, the Mitchell sisters are teachers, columnists, and craft product designers. The duo has also made numerous guest appearances on various crafting shows, including DIY Jewelry Making (YouTube) and Craft Lab (HGTV). The delicate, feminine style of their jewelry designs and their innovative ideas have appeared in feature films, television, theater, museum exhibitions, advertisements, websites, books, and magazines. 


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