Book Review: Stylish Jewelry Your Way

The newest book release by Kalmbach Publishing is actually a collection of projects that have already appeared in the pages of Bead Style, Bead & Button, and Art Jewelry magazines. This explains the wide range of styles and techniques presented in this book.

To present an organized, cohesive book, the different projects have been divided into five chapters/categories: Romantic Allure, Tailored Classic, Urban Edge, Bohemian Beauty, and Modern Art.

When I did a quick thumb through of the book when it first arrived, I was kind of disappointed in the content...many of the designs I opened to were not really my taste or used techniques I was interested in doing. However, when I took the time to take a closer look, I began to appreciate it more.

The book contains 32 projects. Many of them provide suggestions on how to alter the design to make it more your style or easier on the bead budget, or to make matching earrings.

One of the things I don't like about buying books online is you don't get to see more than a couple of the designs contained in the book. Because I think you all are pretty wonderful, I took quick photos of a variety of projects so you can see some of what you get.

Beginner bead stitching with sparkly beads. 

Wire work using a lampwork focal bead.

The center flower could easily be replaced with your own fabricated stack of discs or a gorgeous  ceramic shank button.

This project teaches you how to make your own double sided metal clay charms for earrings. 

Gorgeous wire weaving, can be used on lots of different styles of art beads if gemstones aren't your thing. 

Great project for leftover bits of chain. 

The book even has a chainmaille project. 

Gorgeous cuff

You can use some metal working and wire working skills with this project. 

Stunning big hole beaded beads. I REALLY want to try these. 

Another project that instructs the reader on making metal clay charms. 

2 sided resin pendants. 

Some free form bead embroidery. 

Select a favorite focal and make a Russian spiral chain. 

How to make image transfers onto polymer clay and then do a seed bead bezel. 

Gorgeous architectural necklace

Playing with resin to make bangles

Polymer clay brooch. This one almost makes me want to play with PC. But mostly because I adore the texture. 

In addition to instructions and materials lists, each project tells you which skills you might need to review. And by review, I mean watch on the included bonus instructional DVD.

DVD Contents: crimping, crimp cover, opening/closing jump rings, plain loops, wrapped loops, making ear wires, making S hook clasps, ending and adding thread, overhand, square and surgeon knots, ladder stitch, flat herringbone stitch, flat peyote stitch, joining ends of peyote, tubular peyote stitch, flat right angle weave, using liver of sulfur to patina, balling the end of wire with a butane torch, using a disc cutter, conditioning polymer clay, rolling, cutting, texturing, and torch firing metal clay, filling a butane torch, and using resin.

By no means is the DVD comprehensive, but it includes basics that will help you master any of the projects you want to learn.

Have any newly released books you think are pretty fab and want to share? Click the comment button to let us know to tell us what they are.

-Jen Cameron
Glass Addictions