Bead Embroidery Jewelry Projects: Design and Construction, Ideas and Inspiration Paperback – October 1, 2013

I had pre-ordered this book quite a few months ago, and had been eagerly looking forward to getting it since Jamie Cloud Eakin's previous book _Dimensional Bead Embroidery_ is such a fantastic book. As I mention in my review title, it is strong on technique and project design, and both beginner and advanced beader should be able to glean new information from it.As Cloud Eakin mentions in the introduction to the book, the "purpose of this collection of projects is to advance your knowledge of design and construction for bead-embroidered jewelry." In this regard, the book is very valuable, and doesn't repeat information from _DBE_. This book begins with some useful techniques about project design, including some exercises that have you look at what you do and don't like about existing jewelry pieces, create simple line drawings of designs, and try your hand at re-arranging pieces/shapes. From there, the book covers some good principles of construction, and includes things like how to use neck circles and forms to shape your pieces. This is all very helpful, as is Cloud Eakin's suggestion to read through all of the instructions for each project, even if you don't make them, so you can learn valuable techniques.That being said, I would strongly encourage you to look through this book either in person or via Amazon's "Look Inside" feature to see if the projects fit your design aesthetic. Bead design is based on personal tastes, which I know vary widely amongst individuals. My plan is to take the *ideas* and *techniques* from each project and *use* them to create my own designs.One suggestion I have for the editors is that the explanation of the stitches isn't given until the very end of the book, and it is only mentioned once early on (which I actually missed the first time I read it)that you need to look in the back of the book to figure out what everything means. This is a minor detail, but I expect more from Lark since their jewelry books are usually so clear.I always feel like a beading book is worth it to me if I find at least four or five projects in it that I love, and I definitely found a few in here that I will make. The author does a great job of explaining the techniques of bead embroidery, and I picked up quite a few pointers, even though I consider myself an advanced bead embroiderer.Overall, it's a solid book to add to your beading library!

I cannot understand the reviewers that dislike this book. I have her other two books and recommend them highly, but this is a masterpiece. This is a book for beaders with imagination. It is not the kind of "flip through" book that some are accustomed to where you: find a project you like, get the supplies listed, then copy the project. This is for beaders who will actually know when they have struck gold in a technique she describes. I appreciate the time that Jamie took to share her discoveries in her journey of creation. The instructions on how to create a one piece bib necklace that will actually sit nicely is, in my opinion, worth the price of the book. There are so many tips and techniques that I have not seen in other books described here. And I have most of the beading books out there. Great job Jamie! And thank you for sharing great techniques so our creations can soar on our own imaginations, not simply copy someone else's.

This book is amazing if you are getting into bead embroidery. As a beginner i wad leery of such large intricate pieces but the dorections are so easy AND easy to apply the learned skilles to new projects not in the book.Teaches you all the stitches needed and goes over supplies and materialsin great detail.Woyld give it 6/5 stars if i could.The authors other books are also of great quality.If you are one the fence just buy it used for cheaper.

I own many beading books...however there is no series of books that can touch Jamie Cloud Eakins' series on bead embroidery techniques to rival her books. This latest book in the series is worth the cost if for no other reason than it contains new techniques and materials here to fore not used in the beading books. Jamie is the consummate teacher and her books are a source of inspiration and techniques clearly explained and modeled. Jamie is the most down to earth and clear source I know for great books that both teach and inspire bead embroiderers to take solid techniques and apply them to your personal projects. My recommendation for those thinking about buying this book is BUY IT..... If, by chance you do not have her other books... go ahead and make the investment now!!!! She is a great resource via her books and she is also someone approachable online and otherwise. She KNOWS what she teaches and she is a true beading instructor as well as an artist!!! Her work is always a MUST HAVE for your library.

I received my book yesterday and am more than pleased with it. I consider myself an intermediate-level beader, and this book is going to give me added value to my own designs and help propel me to a higher level of beading.I love the contents page with pictures of the projects and the page number where they can be found in the book. Such a simple thing that is so very handy!I've been wanting to make a collar necklace, and didn't have enough understanding of how to create the background to get started, but this book lays it out and helps me understand how it all fits together.One thing that I think makes bead embroidery jewelry stand out is special edges. Simple bead edges can be attractive, but the edging I found in this book can really add a "wow" factor. I'm looking forward to trying them!I also LOVE the tips. I tend to find a wonderful cabochon to work with, then think, "now what?" Jamie's tips help me develop a plan that will produce a piece to be proud of.I'm thrilled with the book and can't wait to put what I've learned into good use.

I am a fan of Jamie and have a couple of her other books. This one did not disappoint, lovely projects with precise instructions and so much general advice which is invaluable to a bead embroidery beginner. The pictures are superb too. The only problem you will have with this book is choosing which project to start with. Whichever it is Jamie is the perfect guide to bead embroidery.

This is a beautiful book brimming with inspirational, but easy to follow, projects. The photo's are very clear and the instructions make them so easy to follow anyone could produce the most amazing jewellery with very little experience.

This book is good. It is possible to adapt the projects for beads and cabochons already in one's stash.It's not easy to obtain some of the suggested things to make the jewellery with.

Very useful book for those who are learning bead embroidery. It's accomplishing previous books from the same author Dimensional Bead Embroidery and Beading with Cabochons. I have all three and use them all.

The projects are gorgeous and the instructions for their making up are easy. The text is well written and informative and the pictures clear and well done. I have already attempted a couple of these projects and will be trying more. Jamie Cloud Eakin is to be commended for this excellent book! Recommended!