Texas Pepper Jams: beading

Project Necklaces

by Kalmbach Publishers

This book has a wonderful variety of projects - 30 in all - using wirework, stringing, and stitching techniques. It is designed for beginners as well as the more experienced designer.

Beginners can benefit from pages 10 & 11 with Necklace Fitting 101. These two pages are designed to help you find the perfect length for your designs; choker & collar length, princess length, matinee length, opera length, and lariats & ropes. Learning how to custom tailor your necklaces to fit each individual you design for is a must!

I liked the way this book was divided; Stringing, Single Stitches, Combined Techniques, & Wirework. Each section has projects that a beginner would find simple enough and at the same time could spark the imagination of the more experienced.

The first section is simple stringing projects. Totally designed for the beginner.

But the second Section of Single Stitches has a little versatility in it. For example, the Peacock Fan on pages 22-24 is a fairly simple beading project.

and the Get to the Point necklace on pages 31-33 is a little more advanced single beading stitch.

I totally fell in love with the Autumn Garland necklace on pages 39-41 in the third section under Combined Techniques and .......

the Elementary Engineering project on pages 54-57. This project is actually two necklaces with the same techniques but allowing for creativity in design & imagination for the more advanced beader.

My love is actually in the last section under Wirework. The project on pages 66-67, Raining Petals, gave me inspiration for my latest project with ZnetShows' Pearl Challenge.

This is the necklace I made for the Pearl Challenge.

One of my next projects will be inspired by Sew Wired on pages 73-75. This is a combination of buttons, wire, and chain. I can totally see incorporating beads & copper into this project to personalize it.

I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. Kalmbach did a wonderful job with the pictures, instructions & art work.

Multistrand Jewelry Secrets for Success

Published by Kalmbach Books

Kalmbach sent me this book at the end of March to review. Unfortunately, my mother developed Macular Degeneration at the same time but we didn't know what it was. After weeks of doctor visits and tons of tests, we got the bad news. At the same time, I was working on the "Diamonds in the Rough" Znet Design Team project. This book couldn't have come at a better time AND it is fabulous! So many ideas & creations! My muse had taken a nose dive due to LIFE and this was just what the Doctor ordered! My muse got going! Woohoo! :)))

It is 87 pages packed full of Design Alternatives, Techniques, Supply Lists, and "Secrets for Success" for each of the 31 projects. The step-by-step instructions have wonderful photographs and pictures that can walk you through each project. Also, the extra tips and design alternatives are wonderful for getting the creative thinking moving!

The book begins with information on How To Use This Book, Basic Techniques, Tools & Materials, and Multistrand Secrets for Success. This is all very helpful especially for the beginner or less experienced enthusiast.

Each of us who design, create, and develop jewelry know how important it is to keep everything we do fresh and unique. This book is designed to help with "ideas" and "imaginative creating". I feel it does that very well! The possibilities for multistrand jewelry are endless.

To wet your appetite: