BOOK REVIEW: Making Fabric Jewelry

Book Review:  Making Fabric Jewelry, 20+ Projects to Stitch, Fold, and Wear
by:  Marthe Le Van
from: Lark Publishing

Paperback, 144 pages, $15.95

Upon receiving this book, I quickly recognized the earring project on the cover.  Reading a little further, I've learned that this upcoming publication is was formerly published in hardcover format.  Yes - I know!  Because I couldn't resist it then and its in my library of jewelry design books!!  It was previously released as "Stitched Jewels."

This book is a truly refreshing approach to jewelry design.
None of the projects are out of reach in terms of cost, materials, or skills required.
If you enjoy any kind of needle work, or beadwork, THIS is something worth your time and attention.

The introduction is chock full of great information.  I learned a lot about what should be in a basic sewing kit, quality threads, sewing machines, and even basic hand stitches that I previously had not been taught.

The first project eases you into the comfort zone of working with fabrics by making a fabric covered button bracelet.  Three magic words - FABRIC - BUTTONS - BRACELET.  I should say, "You had me at Hello !"

The remaining 22 projects are all absolutely doable, not beyond anyone's reach, budget, or skill level.  Each one is interesting, pushes the way in which I viewed fabrics, and gives you an opportunity to even recycle scraps !!  You will fray, sew, stuff, add beads, glue, and gather to create truly unique pieces.

Careful, though - if you're a beader like me, you may have inherited a suppressed hoarding gene.
Fabric scraps could be next on your list   !!   *wink*

Enjoy !

WINNER !!

Congratulations to Janet !!

She is the lucky winner of the Diane Fitzgerald Book Giveaway !!


I hope you enjoy Diane's book as much as I did, Janet !!

-Amy

Nicole's Blog Giveaway !!

Nicole from Beadwright is giving away samples of her Bead Backing.

I've worked with the material once, and it was on a small project (from a kit).
It was a nice product to work with, and I'm hoping to try it out on a larger scale embroidery project soon!

Read - Enter - WIN !!

Nicole's Blog

Book Review & Giveaway: Diane Fitzgerald's Favorite Beading Projects

Diane Fitzgerald is one of the world's most well known and highly regarded bead artists.  For over twenty years, she has shared her love and knowledge of beads without hesitation.  She's travelled the world and generously tells all about her experiences.

The thing I truly enjoyed most about this book was the in-depth "getting to know" Diane.
I've never had the pleasure of meeting her in person, although in the same room on a couple of occasions, just didn't have the opportunity of introducing myself.  Jean Campbell wrote a fabulous Foreward all about Diane's beading career.  In those three pages, I learned so much about Diane that I now feel I could call her a friend.  Jean wrote a great intro !!

The projects in this book are inspirational !!
For the most advanced bead weaver, these projects can draw you back to the days when you were first learning about knotting, or stringing and crimping.  As creative souls, sometimes we need to drift ourselves back to those days.
For those just getting started, its an amazing reference and visual guidebook.

Diane's knowledge of almost everything beady sure shines through in this book.
She uses colors that make statement pieces sing.
Many of the projects have variations illustrated after the main set of instructions.  I found these to be not only visually inspirational but thought provoking on how you can use your newly acquired skill set for the next project!

Diane is a master of her art.  I believe even the most experienced beaders will find something in this book that they didn't know and can prompt them to try something new !!

Lark Publishing is to be applauded as they have given us THREE sample projects from Diane's book:

Diamond Chain Bracelet

Fortune Teller Beads Necklace

Midnight Snowflakes Necklace


Bead and Glass Boutique is currently sold out of this book!  (they went fast!)
We will gladly order and ship to you if you would like to order.
Please call us at 856-827-0000 !!


Here's the GIVEAWAY Info - its easy & you get lots of chances to enter.
Please leave a separate comment for each entry you complete.

#1 - Follow this Blog  (earns you two entries!)
 
#2 - Like the Bead & Glass Boutique page on Facebook (earns you two entries!)

#3 - Leave a comment here on this post, tell me about your favorite Diane Fitzgerald project or pattern (earns you one entry!)

#4 - Share this post on your own Facebook page  (earns you two entries!)  Please post a copy of your Facebook page address here.


I'll draw a random winning number next week, so please have your entries posted here by 11:59pm on Sunday, July 15th.


Ok - now... GO !

Book Review: Japanese Beadwork with Sonoko Nozue

I have had a copy of this little treasure since sometime in March 2012.
As you know, I own a bead store. Up until last week, we could NOT keep a copy in the store. This publication has been very popular.

This week, I took the opportunity to really sit down an pour through the beautiful projects presented within its pages.

Sonoko Nozue authored the original Japanese publication in 2008, as "Mode de Beads," which included nine projects. Lark furthered the book by translating 16 additional designs by Sonoko. There are a total of 25.......yes, 25 projects !!!
This English language version was only made available this year (2012) from Lark.

Sonoko is a proud bead artist that seems to truly enjoy teaching her students both at home and here in the US (since 2005) at the Bead & Button Show. She is known for not only her beadwork, but also developed the SoNo thread, with her namesake.

Do we owe Lark a round of applause or what?
This is an absolutely stunning publication !
I don't know what beader could ask for more of.
Sonoko's amazing beaded projects are presented in an artful way, where the jewelry is the focus. There are photographs of a beautiful model in a matte black and white, with the jewelry in full color shiny finish!
In addition, the graphics make it easy to follow the pattern, with minimal written verbiage that can often confuse a novice beader. These instructions get straight to the point, either by translation or well-drafted default - its really this easy !!

My favorite presented project is Sonoko's "Sweet Breeze" netted shawl.
While time consuming, the finish project looks stunning in print - can you only imagine what it looks like in person ??

Congrats to Lark for yet another phenomenal Beadweaving Master Class presentation,

If you would like to preview two sample projects, I encourage you to visit Lark's website pages (links below).

Sonoko Wave

Crystal Rose Project


We want you to own this publication!! It's a MUST for every seed beader's library.
Call us at 856-827-0000 - order yours today and we'll ship one right out!!