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Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Book Review and Giveaway: Contemporary Cube Bead Designs


Contemporary Cube Bead Designs is Virginia Jensen's second book on creating with cube beads. Because she had so many ideas while writing her first book, she had enough material for this new book. 

The layout is organized by the stitch type, which includes ladder, herringbone, step stitch (which Jensen  developed and explains the process by which she developed it). The last section is an "other" stitch chapter, which includes stitches that sometimes work and why they sometimes work, including peyote, brick, and square stitch. 

As a person who does not do beadweaving, I made sure to look at the photos, the diagrams, and the instructions to see if a beginner could be successful creating any of these designs. The answer is yes. The diagrams are easy to read, photos large and clear. I think I could do most of the ladder stitch designs for sure. 

What about the aesthetics of the designs? Awesome. While I think beadweavers are a pretty incredible, talented, and PATIENT lot who make amazing things. The type of designs I would actually be willing to wear is pretty narrow. Jensen has created several designs I would wear in a heartbeat. My absolute favorites are the cuffs using Tila beads in various checkerboard type patterns. I also love the use of the cube beads in the herringbone, and her use of texture throughout. 

An important aspect of the book is her explanation of differences in cube bead manufacturers, the idiosyncrasies of the beads, the size, the shape, etc. 

Even as a non-beadweaver kind of person, I really enjoyed this book and am glad Kalmbach Publishing gave me the opportunity to review it. I considered keeping it for myself, but my library overflows. That means one of you lucky people gets to win it! 

How to enter:

1) leave a comment telling us why you would like this book for your library. Make sure you leave an email address to contact you
2) follow our blog OR like us on facebook

I will draw a random name the evening of Friday July 13th. 




21 comments:

  1. Oh, I'd love to win this book! I do some bead weaving and I do use cube beads in many of my macrame pieces, so I have a good stash on hand to play with:)

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  2. Since I'm up early and can't sleep may as well catch up on some blogs. Would love to win this book since I just started bead weaving. I like cubes and am intrigued by the tila two hole beads. Have a pattern that I should make. Just liked you on FB and have followed this blog for a while now. Thanks.
    Katherine

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  3. I would love to win this book. I struggle with bead stitches and would like to learn to perfect stitches such as peyote.

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  4. I totally agree with this review. As a beadweaver I noticed that she really covered all the bases. This is so important for any self taught artist. I especially loved her coverage of bead types and idiosyncrasies because most artists do not cover that. This is also a great stepping stone book.

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  5. I love any and all shaped beads. So, this book would be a great addition to my collection. I would love to have this book.

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  6. I think my comment disappeared...

    I love all types of shaped beads. This would be a great addition to my collection of books and beads. I would love to have this book.

    karen@schoolaids.com

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  7. I have done beadweaving but have mostly used seed beads. It would be interesting to have a book about using cube beads.

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  8. I have not done bead weaving, but would love to learn how to do it. I love each of the bracelets on the cover! Oh, how I would love to win this book and increase my knowledge! I can do micromacrame so this could be a stepping stone for me!

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  9. nancy.pedersen49@gmail.com (I forgot to leave it and I did like the FB page!)

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  10. I always enjoy seeing seedbeading done with other shapes than just seeds and cylinders. This particular book is on my wishlist: saw a preview that looked very interesting and it's a book I'd love to have in my bookshelf.

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  11. This book looks pretty cool. I love beady eye candy!! :) kassie -- (at) -- beadingbutterfly.com

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  12. This book looks pretty cool. I love beady eye candy!! :) kassie -- (at) -- beadingbutterfly.com

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  13. I would love this book as I have cube beads that I don't know what to do with and these look unique.

    tpatterson1961@gmail.com

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  14. I would love this book as I love beadweaving, have cube beads I do not know what to do with, and these designs look unique.

    tpatterson1961@gmail.com

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  15. I would love this book as I have cube beads that I don't know what to do with and these look unique.

    tpatterson1961@gmail.com

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  16. I absolutely covet this book! There are so many gorgeous cubes, in several sizes, and I'd love to do more with them. I have been using them in herringbone for years, but the thought of new stitches is making me drool. You can reach me through Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/sweetfreedom

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  17. I have never bead-woven, but I would like to try. From your words it seems to be a good start also for a beginner, so I would love to have this book.
    I'm a follower; e-mail: pepita.handmade@yahoo.com

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  18. I would LOVE to have this book in my library!!
    Being more of a beginner, everything helps :)
    Thank you for the awesome chance!!
    tumblestone.handmakery@gmail.com

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  19. I would LOVE to win this book because I'm always looking to add more texture and dimension to my beading. It's my belief that no matter what skill level each of us is in a particular medium, we can always learn something new from any source as long as we're open to learning it! Love the giveaway!
    Dawn
    designsbydawnmd AT gmail DOT com

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  20. I have Virginia's first book, Cube Bead Stitching, and it is awesome! I would love to have her second book to expand on my skills. She explains everything really well, so it's easy for beginners to pick up on.

    Thanks for doing this giveaway! jenrenblog@gmail.com

    jenrenjewelry.blogspot.com

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  21. Comments are closed and the winner is Sweet Freedom! Congrats! And thanks to everyone for reading and commenting.

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