Dare to Bead - Softcover

Feb/Mar 07 I was really impressed with [this book]. It focuses on various off-loom weaving techniques to create eye-catching pieces of jewellery and other items. I liked the way that this book is divided into sections, beginning with the introduction that includes the history of beads, the different shapes, sizes, colours and finishes of beads available and how to choose the right bead for your project. There is also a glossary of the various materials and tools used in beading. The remaining sections introduce the four techniques used for the projects in this book which are tassels, spiral rope, brick stitch and peyote stitch. The different techniques are introduced gradually, starting off with the simplest of projects and getting progressively harder, so that even a beginner could undertake a project. Throughout the book practical hints and tips can be found and before each projects the materials required are listed. Also, alternative colour schemes are given for the various projects. This book is beautifully illustrated with specially commissioned colour photographs and all the projects included are accompanied by detailed easy to follow step by step diagrams and line drawings. I think that there is something for almost everyone amongst the 17 projects in this book as they include bookmarks, key rings, wineglass markers, tablemats and several beautiful necklaces. I would highly recommend this book for the novice as well as the more experienced beader. Liz Goulty * Bead * Oct 06 Bead up a storm using some off-loom techniques and make some wonderful wardrobe-extending pieces, as well as bookmarks, keyrings, wineglass markers, napkin rings and tablemats. There is even a very brief history of beads and their impressive antiquity, and a short guide to different types of bead used in the book. But mainly it is filled with glorious patterns, which is the most important part for keen beaders! There is a list of what you need too, but if you don't own surgical memostats or a spring-clip opticaid I shouldn't worry as I don't and I have been beading happily for years. I liked the way the book started out simple, and introduced different techniques gradually, as this made it possible for even a beginner to have a go and make something. This makes it just the sort of book I would buy for somebody who wants to start beadwork, and there is a gap in the market for a book that can start with the basics but give patterns for some pretty fancy-looking work. The diagrams are some of the clearest I have yet to see, tackling topics such as spiral rope, flat and tubular brick stitch and various forms of peyote stitch wonderfully simply and with none of the usual plethora of fuss that accompanies things such as increasing and decreasing. Better yet, there are none of those items that UK beaders find impossible to source that bedeck US books so just about anybody in a large range of countries can obtain everything in here. I would highly recommend this book to beginners and intermediate beaders everywhere. * Myshelf.com *

"Dare to Bead" shows you how to create stunning jewellery and other items from the vast range of beads available. The focus is on off-loom weaving - joining beads by means of various techniques and turning them into something beautiful: from tassel fob to table mat, from bracelet to bookmark. The techniques include basic ropes, tassels and lariats, brick stitch and peyote in various applications and combinations. Lavishly illustrated with specially commissioned colour photographs of all finished main projects, as well as alternative styles and colour schemes, "Dare to Bead" also offers loads of suggestions for variations. It will give you both the inspiration and the know-how to get started with skill and confidence. But beware: beading is addictive...It features dazzling designs, all original, created specifically for the book; general information on beads, their history, colours, how to choose them and use them; basic techniques with a wide range of applications and combinations; and a host of practical hints and tips to ensure your beading experience remains an absolute pleasure.