Bead Tapestry
Learn how to make wonderful bead tapestry pieces on a loom, with this beautiful new book. And yes, the book is called ‘Bead Tapestry’. The author is Jacqueline McCloy Pell, and she brings you...
Beading books is your place to discover new books that will brighten your beading world.
In each case, I have reviewed the book, outlining the content that it offers and my opinions of the publication. Every book included in this section is one that I have personally owned or used. I do not include ‘second-hand’ reviews. If you do have a book that you would like to see reviewed, please contact me directly.
My own library of beading books has been an invaluable resource to me over the years since I first started beading in 2003. The first beading books that I bought were titles from which I taught myself the various beading techniques. In actual fact, it was a beading book that started my beading journey, Arlene Baker’s ‘Beads In Bloom’. Seeing the French beaded rose on the front cover inspired me to find out how such a beautiful object could be made from beads.
Today more and more beading books are available as ebooks, or in some cases, published exclusively in ebook format. Today’s publishing market is forever changing as publishers and readers alike try to work out what they want from books.
I constantly meet people with strongly polarised opinions about beading books. There are those who will always go for print books. They would argue that nothing can compare with the feeling of turning pages and smelling that wonderful ‘book’ smell.
Then there are those for whom practicality is more of a concern. There are only so many ‘real’ books you can accommodate in your home. So, ebooks have a lot to offer in terms of saving storage. It is also the case that print books are often more expensive than ebooks, so budgetary concerns come into play.
Then, as a lady I was teaching recently pointed out, we want instant gratification. ‘I don’t want to wait for Amazon to delivery my beading book, I want it while the ideas are fresh in my mind’. So, who can argue with an instant download?
Whichever variety of beading books you prefer, I hope that these reviews will give you some useful insight as you take the decision of whether or not to buy.
Learn how to make wonderful bead tapestry pieces on a loom, with this beautiful new book. And yes, the book is called ‘Bead Tapestry’. The author is Jacqueline McCloy Pell, and she brings you...
‘Love Your Creative Space’ is the new book by Lilo Bowman. Subtitled, ‘A visual guide to creating an inspiring and organized studio without breaking the bank.’ Well, need I say more? Whether you’re just...
I’m sure a lot of you will be familiar with Kumihimo. I’ve featured another brilliant book on here not so long ago. But how much do you know about Japanese braiding? If you’re not...
Now, if you know me, you’ll know I love miniature cakes… Specifically beaded cakes! So, I can’t even begin to tell you how much I LOVE this book of Miniature Cake Creations in Polymer...
I get a lot of people on here asking about how to get started in jewelry making. So, when GMC press announced publication of this book, I thought how perfect it would be for...
If you are a collector of beading books, then Melissa Shippee’s new title, ‘Beautiful Beadwork from Nature’ is definitely one you’ll want! This is a lovely hardback collection of stunning jewellery designs. And, as...
This is both a basic jewelry making book, and a fabulous idea. Aromatherapy Jewelry with Lava Beads teaches you how to make fragranced jewelry. So, for me, this is perfect. I have a few...
You might be wondering what on earth a review of Keikos Ikebana is doing on a website about beading… Is it an attempt to cover all Japanese crafts (reference my recent review of this...
This wonderful Kumihimo beginners guide (or, to give the book it’s proper title:’ A Beginner’s Guide to Kumihimo’) is by Donna McKean Smith. Published by Search press, it will come as no surprise for...
Are you looking for some new Christmas ornament ideas? Then really, consider trying beaded Christmas ornament pattern books. For just one payment, you’re going to get lots of projects. What could be better than...
This new book by Fiona Pullen is a must-have if you are thinking of selling your beadwork and jewellery. Or, if you already have your own craft business. That may sound like a rather...
Modern Bead Loom Weaving, by Caroline French, is a must-have book if you are interested in learning how to use a loom for beading. That’s a pretty bold statement. So, how can I justify...
The Big Book of Jewelry Making (GMC Press, September 2017) is fantastic if you are one of these people… Someone who enjoys making jewelry Someone who is always on the lookout for great new...
If you have come across Rachel Norris’ stunning jewellery, then you are in for a treat with this book. ‘Mastering Wirework Jewelry’ teaches you so many wirework techniques and shows you how to make...
It might seem a little strange to publish a book of Christmas decorations in the summer. However, if you are a crafter, you know how much time it takes to make your festive creations....
I can’t remember when I first saw Soutache used with beads, but the idea has always fascinated me. I think it has taken too long for this technique to appear in books. For a...
‘Keepsake Cards’ was published in June 2016 and is a book full of projects and inspiration for making miniature beaded cards to celebrate special occasions. Keepsake Cards Contents Katie takes you through the process...
‘Flower Forever’ by Ragnar Levi gives a wonderful view of the history of the craft of French Beading. It was written to accompany a fabulous exhibition at the Thielska Gallery in Stockholm, Sweden. The...
Diamond Weave, by Cath Thomas and Gerlinde Lenz introduces a new beading stitch. Diamond Weave at first glance resembles Right Angle Weave, but persevere and follow the instructions and you will soon find that...
Sian Nolan is a well-known beader from the UK. ‘Sian’s Beaded Needle Cases‘ is her first published book, but I hope it won’t be her last. This first edition has been published by the...
Julia Pretl’s book, ‘Little Bead Boxes’ was one of my early beading book purchases and it still remains a book that I love. As you can see from the cover, the little beaded boxes...
I have known Melanie de Miguel for a few years and known her beautiful beadwork for even longer, so it seemed surprising to me that ‘Let’s Hubble’ is her first beading book. Melanie is...
Bead Metamorphosis by Lisa Kan offers a whole new take on beaded jewelry. In this book you will find Lisa’s usual gorgeously romantic style, but with a new twist. If, like me, you are...
Margie Deeb’s latest book, the Beader’s Guide to Jewelry Design is fabulous. I read it from cover to cover and was fascinated. Although I have been designing my own beaded jewelry for many years,...
The Art of Bead Weaving by Jane Lock is a beautiful book. It covers all the major bead weaving techniques. The book opens with a handy guide to getting started, talking about how to choose beads and...
The Knotting and Braiding Bible, by Dorothy Wood, is a great comprehensive guide to making jewellery using various knotting and braiding techniques. The Knotting and Braiding Bible focuses first and foremost on techniques. It...
Beaded Clasps was my third print book. The idea for the book came from a friend who said she had been searching for a pattern to just make a beaded clasp to finish off...
Bead and Wire Fashion Jewellery is written by Jessica Rose, the founder of the London Jewellery School. This book starts with an introduction talking about fashion and looking at how to develop a design...
The Ultimate Beading Bible is a wonderful collection of beading techniques that will make a great addition to any beading library. I should say at the start of this review that you may think...
Setting Up A Successful Jewellery Business, by Angie Boothroyd, is an excellent guide if you are just starting up your own beading business. Although aimed at jewellery makers trained in techniques like silver smithing,...
‘Sweet Treats: a Collection of Designs for Beaded Jewellery and Gifts to Make your Mouth Water’, features 15 designs for making projects based on Twinkies, Donuts, Battenburg Cake, Chocolate Gateau, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate...