"An exciting collection of beautiful, off-loom woven necklaces. The photographs alone are worth the price...a source of instruction and inspiration... easy to read and wonderful for the beginner." --"Shuttle, Spindle & Dyepot." "Very original...Banes draws on her lifelong interest in found objects and ethnic ornaments...[there are] photos of many of her...necklaces, with diagrammed patterns... unique approach to jewelry design."--"Library Journa"l. "The results are spectacular... the necklaces become true works of art, not just macrame look-alikes."--"Booklist."

This book opens with an illustrated gallery of work made by Helen Banes. Fitzgerald then explains how the neckpieces are made and presents readers with 19 projects they can make themselves. Information about ethnic origins and symbolic meanings are given as well as a color photo of each piece.

“Very original...Banes draws on her lifelong interest in found objects and ethnic ornaments... [There are] photos of many of her...necklaces, with diagrammed patterns...unique approach to jewelry design.”—Library Journal. “The results are spectacular...the necklaces become true works of art, not just macram� look-alikes.”—Booklist.

These 30 projects show what's possible when a time-tested technique gets a fashionable update with contemporary materials and a modern aesthetic. The knots are also simple and familiar to most crafters: basic overhand, square and hitches.

With a mix of convenient materials and an imaginative approach, this creative compendium will appeal to jewelry makers of all levels. Highlighting 25 modern wire, bead, and fiber jewelry designs, the projects include numerous knitting, crocheting, and felting techniques. Materials and tools are also outlined, encouraging the use of basic methods. From knitting copper wire and mixing it with contrasting beads to crocheting linen into fiber hoop earrings or an elegant scarf necklace, this collection will never fail to inspire. Felting techniques are also explored in detail for creating wire-caged beads, wide-cuff bracelets, and rope necklaces. Special sidebars and tip boxes throughout ensure success with every project.

Kumihimo Basics & Beyond presents techniques for creating all-cord braids and beaded braids, then teaches beaders how to transform them into finished jewelry. Short demonstrations of the key techniques needed for each project are presented in easy-to-grasp portions, allowing beaders to learn and practice as they go. Rebecca Combs demystifies tricky “kumihimo math” by providing detailed supply lists for each project in the book, plus teaches beaders how to calculate the amount of fiber and how many beads they’ll need for their future kumihimo projects.

Work bead magic by rolling wool into hard balls, or adding metallic fiber. Coil polymer clay for a real impact. You'll find that the simplest techniques yield incredibly lovely, one-of-a-kind jewels. "Public libraries...will find this potpourri of projects a distinctive addition to crafts collections."--"Library Journal."