Bead Simple is out! It was written by Susan Beal, who I originally knew as Susan Stars back in (if you go by internet time) the olden days.
I was particularly excited to see this book because I know absolutely nothing about making jewelry. The book starts with the basics – types of wires, clasps, findings, beads and tools. It takes you through the techniques for securing beads, making jump rings and hooks and bead stitching.
Then it jumps right in with chapters for basic to elaborate projects for earrings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches and fun embellishments like handbag charms, card decorations, sunglass cords, a beaded belt and holiday ornaments.
The projects come from a bunch of outrageously talented crafty people like Natalie Zee Drieu of the fantastic Craftzine and Craft Magazine, Diane Gilleland who does the podcast Craftypod, Leah Kramer the creator of Craftster, Faythe Levine of Handmade Nation, Kathy Cano Murilla, whom you might know as Crafty Chica, Torie Nguyen of Totinette, Shannon Okey of Knitgrrl, and Jenny Ryan of Sew Darn Cute.
In addition to Susan Stars Ms. Beal also has the site West Coast Crafty. She co-wrote the book Super Crafty with of the PDX Super Craft group and she contributes projects and writes columns for a whole lot of magazines. You can keep up with the book events at beadsimple.com. Congratulations Susan!
![[Trick or Treat cookies]](/images/sidebar/2010oct/trickortreatcookies_sidebar.jpg)
![[ALTEXT]](/images/sidebar/2010oct/zombieheadcheese_sidebar.jpg)
![[creepy hand made of meatloaf]](/images/sidebar/2010oct/meathand.jpg)
![[human skull shaped cake]](/images/sidebar/2010oct/skullcake.jpg)
![[crawly spider cakes]](/images/sidebar/2010oct/crawly.jpg)
![[knitted wig for Halloween]](/images/sidebar/2010oct/hallowig.jpg)
![[orange pancakes decorated with dark syrup]](/images/sidebar/2010oct/pancakes.jpg)
![[pot pies with extra dough tentacles]](/images/sidebar/2010oct/tentaclepotpie.jpg)
9 responses so far ↓
1 Jocelyn // Apr 10, 2008 at 8:30 am
I picked this book up last weekend – it really is a wonderful resource. Even if you don’t want to make jewellry and only have an affinity to shiny things, it’s eye candy.
2 Tess // Apr 10, 2008 at 9:31 am
I am overwhelming compelled to buy this book. I have never made any jewelry either….oh wait, making rosaries for the nun’s gift shop…does that count?
3 KD Lady // Apr 10, 2008 at 10:33 am
There is a gift shop for nuns? Like the nuns are on display and I want a souvenir of the experience?
4 Pixie // Apr 10, 2008 at 11:58 am
I just got this one in the mail & am superexcited! I’ve been beading for ages but I got this for new ideas & to help my friends & kids get started.
5 Tess // Apr 10, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Yep, there is a nun’s gift shop — but you would have to settle for a salt and pepper shaker…
6 Sara // Apr 10, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Awesome! I’ve been wanting something like this for awhile now. It’s like all the fleeting ideas I have get tucked away and then you do the research for me. Thanks for the recommendation!
7 Karan // Apr 10, 2008 at 6:27 pm
You must go to Shipwreck Beads here in Olympia. It is awe inspiring!
8 Kimberly // Apr 11, 2008 at 3:56 am
I’ll have to track this one down – I’m always looking for something to give me more beading ideas! Last year I humored my mom by going to a beading class with her. Now I’m hooked on it and I’m getting quite a stash of beads.
9 steffy // Apr 11, 2008 at 4:14 am
very, very cool. i’m an avid beader but my skills are just kinda there, a book like this would be fun.
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