Cathy Jakicic captures the untapped market of beginner stitchers. No one has made a book this simple yet creative. The book contains 20 basic stitching projects that result in pretty, fashion-forward jewelry. She very cleverly adds project variations, with instructions that expand the number of projects to 40+. Each variation is very different from the core design. Each design has a stitching element, some flat designs, and some 3D. This book has something for everyone and is a great value.

Designer Josie Fabre has developed a new technique that allows for much quicker creation of the Peyote stitch. This is often the first stitch learned by beginning stitchers and is extremely time-consuming. By using a technique she developed, combined with her own, original, multi-drop, even-count, flat peyote patterns she has simplified the process. Keeping beginners in mind the book has 25+ beautiful projects designed with a minimum of colors in each pattern to making the patterns easier to follow and faster to create. Her inspired bracelet patterns range from the traditional wide to slim width, some include clean edging, some are finished with a stitched toggle clasp, and others use a double clasp. While bracelets are the main jewelry piece created in peyote stitch, Josie has also added necklaces and earrings to her mix in this book.

Presents 25 projects incorporating cloth, textiles and other materials. This title shows how to construct an ornate leaf neckpiece from bright mesh swatches.

Anna Elizabeth Draeger’s book Crystal Play is a treat for beaders who are captivated by the versatility of crystals in jewelry. Stitchers will explore even more combinations of crystals, new crystal shapes, seed beads, and even some new bead shapes like Tila and peanut beads. Anna showcases these crystals using techniques that include plenty of favorite stitches such as peyote, St. Petersburg chain, herringbone, and right-angle weave. But Anna also includes a few surprise alternatives, like crossweave, fringe technique, and easy wireworking. The projects include many bracelets (which readers love as they are quick and satisfying), a few necklaces, and many bonus design variations (earrings, rings, pendants). Anna’s playful, imaginative look is what truly sets this book apart!

"60 necklace projects by 47 top jewelers in 30 minutes flat"--p. [4] of cover.

Making jewelry with cube beads requires no special training or classes. This book explains it all. With clear instructions and hundreds of color photographs, expert Virginia Jensen shows how to make stunning jewelry using many of the most popular off-loom stitches. Chapters are divided by project type, including bracelets, earrings, necklaces, rings, and decorative items. Beginners learn the fundamentals of many popular stitches as they create the projects, while more experienced crafters enjoy the challenge of weaving an uncommon shape into a knockout piece.

Bead stitchers looking for information and instructions for the major bead stitches will find it all in Bead Stitching Handbook. This complete reference to bead stitching techniques — the only one of its kind just for stitching — includes clear, step-by-step illustrations and instructions for 15 different bead stitches, plus variations and lots of tips. Ideal for advanced beginners and experienced bead stitchers looking for accurate, in-depth information, this all-in-one resource also covers other stitching-related techniques like bead embroidery, soutache, and loomwork. Finally, the book includes information on beading materials, beads, thread, tools, weaves, knots, and much more. Each stitch is demonstrated with easy-to-follow instructions and illustrations, then demonstrated in a sample project so bead stitchers can see and understand how each stitch is applied. All instructions and projects are written by the contributors and editors of Bead&Button magazine, the original and most comprehensive beading magazine available today. This well-organized, 128-page, 7.25" x 9.4" reference manual is the perfect size for beaders to keep in their workspaces. They'll turn to it again and again!