BOOK REVIEW

It's a brand new year - 2013!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can you believe it? I'm starting off the new year with book reviews. I have three to do for Kalmbach.

Easy Crystal Stitching Sophisticated Jewelry by Nikia Angel

Published by Kalmbach Books

This book I found rather interesting since bead stitching is something I've never done in jewelry. I was unfamiliar with the author so I "googled" her. Nikia Angel has been beading obsessively since 1988 and teaching since 1990. She instructs at many major bead and jewelry shows across the country. One of her passions is to inspire her students and beading enthusiasts to share her love of jewelry making.

The book flows very well. Nikia starts with explanations of Materials and Tools. Since, I have never read much about crystals and seed beads, her explanations about them were very interesting and informative. The only problem I had here was when I went to purchase needles and thread, the store in my area didn't have the name brands she described. So I had to ask for help. Thankfully there was a comparable product. For me, as a beginner, it would have been helpful to have a little more information on the comparable products and a little more definition of terms.

She then describes Jewelery Techniques which was helpful to refer back to during my adventure into production. The next section is seven "Building Blocks" of the basic bead components of stitching in this book: circle, triangle, square, bezel, bail, spiral rope, and toggle clasp. Each lesson has illustrations or diagrams to help you through the instructions.  As a beginner, the component breakdown was very useful. The more experienced beader could use their imagination and creativity with this section.

Next comes the variety of projects. The diagrams on each are very helpful (although I wish there were more, especially on how to connect the components together). At the top of each project there are references to the components within each. I also found this useful during my beading project.

My Project - Page 51 - Arabesque Bracelet

After many tries, I was finally able to interpret and understand the directions to complete the bracelet. There seemed to be a few gaps in the instructions for a beginner. Also I really needed more instructions on how to connect each component. A diagram would be very useful at this point. But I am extremely pleased with the final outcome and am offering it as a giveaway.

I used Gold and Aurora Borealis (AB) large seed beads instead of the bicones that were called for since I couldn't find any in my stash that matched like I wanted.  I also used small pearlized (aka luster or ceylon) seed beads. Six components make up this bracelet. Two are shown in this picture. It is a variation on the square. After the first two components, I got the hang of it and the rest were easy.

Here are the six components. It would have been helpful in the directions to know that the first and last components needed to have the toggle attached to one and the clasp attached to the other one BEFORE  I cut the thread! However, I was able to "sew in" the thread and attach each after making them separately. Technically I think they are suppose to be sewn attached. The really nice thing about this type of stitching is, I don't think there's a totally "wrong" way to do it. Also, if you "goof" like I did you can FIX it!!! Woohoo!!

The finished project turned out pretty good if I do say so myself! Earrings to match will go with this bracelet!  Since "practice makes perfect", I will try another project, perhaps a necklace; such as the Winter Skies Faux Lariat on page 46.

This book is a great resource for any beading enthusiast. I am really enjoying it!

I'm offering this bracelet as a giveaway to one fortunate commenter on my blog. The more you share and let me know, the more chances to win. Winner will be picked randomly on January 20th. Happy reading and sharing!