With this gloriously photographed and illustrated manual at hand, beaders can create awe-inspiring jewelry. It's the only current, comprehensive guide to working with cabochons--a flat piece of rock or mineral--and it covers all the basics, along with a range of new creative techniques and hot trends. Find out which tools and materials to use, which beads work best, and how to wrap them round the stones. Craft turned, pointed, twisted, brick stitch, ruffled, or scalloped edges, or add decorative fringe. For something dramatic, combine more than one cabochon in a single piece. Or, instead of natural stone, use dichroic glass or other found objects. Make a glittering brooch, funky bracelets, a wearable art necklace, and other showstoppers.

The sight of a show-stopping flame-worked or finely detailed metal bead will enchant any jewelry lover--and any of these 24 stunning designs would make the perfect setting to display that unique and beautiful bead. Select from five simple stringing and nineteen bead weaving projects, all using popular techniques such as the free-peyote stitch and Dutch spiral. A thorough basics section provides enough hand-holding for even the most intimidated beginner, and every project features an illustration of the entire piece plus an additional detail shot. For something easy, just attach a lovely flower-shaped bead to a leather cord for a chic necklace--or make shimmering faux lariats with oversized glass beads and elaborate multiwoven strands with lapis and a big silver slider. A Selection of the Crafter’s Choice Book Club.

Explains the techniques involved in making bead and wire jewelry, discusses tools and materials, and features illustrated instructions for seventy-five projects, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and pins.

"[T]eaches basic techniques and design so that you can tailor any of the versatile and style-packed patterns to fit your ever-expanding stash [of beads]"--Page 2 of cover.

Beginner projects: fairy garden, never too many, waterfall, vintage, bold and beautiful, Paris, southwest, trinkets, faces, rocker chic, outrageous, flower power, pennies from heaven, Intermediate projects: mementos, eclectic, springtime, fiesta, grammy's baubles, olde world, divine, sunset, whirlpool, talisman, droplets, waves, flight of fancy, heart to heart, yee haw, forever yours, true love, city nights, woodland, northern lights, talking leaves, orient express.

Everybody's beading! It's easy, it's fun, it doesn't cost much, and in one evening you can make something gorgeous to wear or give, just by learning a few simple techniques. Complete Beading for Beginners shows you how to make your own pins, rings, necklaces, dream catchers, embroidered clothes - even your own beads. Just choose a project, check out the basic directions, and you're on your way. There are lots of diagrams to make it even easier, also trouble shooting guides, information on basic tools and materials, and inspirational tips to get you going on your own designs. There are chapters on Stringing, Earrings, Off-Loom Weaving, Loom Weaving, Beaded Rings, Barrettes, Brooches and Wall Hangings, Bead Embroidery, Making Your Own Beads, Planning and Design, Solutions to Common Beading Problems, Basic Knots, Tools & Materials. Beading is one of the world's oldest arts, and it's one of the newest. So go for it! All you need is this book, your imagination and a handful of beads.