The various worldwide uses of glass beads, from antiquity to the modern time, are presented in this new book, along with the fascinating evolution of the beadmaking industry. From roots in Asian and African glassmaking, the European beadmaking industry is shown to have developed in response to political and economic factors of international trade and keen businessmen who saw potential profits, 475 color photographs, illustrate the different styles uses, and patterns of glass beads that originated from or influenced the European industry. Phoenician, Celtic, Viking, Venetian, African, Bavarian, Bohemian, Dutch, French, and Russian styles that were made for symbolic, fashion, magic, and controversial uses are shown. Even today's foiled, flower, mosaic, pearl, bronze, and fancy beads are discussed and shown. As beads play an important role in ornamentation today, this book will be of interest to a wide circle of creative people.

Making cords is fun, easy and fast. In fact, a technique that looks this great shouldn't be this easy! Kumihimo (pronounced koo-mee-HEE-mo) is the ancient art of Japanese board braiding. While there are many braid structures that can be worked within the universe of board braiding, this booklet will concentrate on one easy-to-master braid. This braid can be made by children as young as 7; 'tweens are huge fans of it; teenagers tend to be "speed braiders"; and adults find it to be "Zen-like", relaxing and engaging without requiring concentration. The projects in this booklet progress from easy to more advanced. Hangable softcover, 24 pages, measures 5-1/" x 8-1/2

Delicate, luminous, beautiful: no wonder metal filigree components are a jeweler’s treasure. From antique brass and copper to shimmering silver and gold, they pair perfectly with a variety of beads. This latest entry in the bestselling Beading with series features 33 sophisticated and utterly stylish projects. The techniques are simple; the variety is stunning; and the designs are contemporary and accessible. Learn how to shape filigree components and alter their finish. Discover special techniques for combining the beads with the filigree. Release your creativity on projects packed with high-end style. The Dinner at Eight Necklace weds diamond-shaped filigree connectors with sparkly crystal beads. Whimsical Whirlwind Earrings feature painted filigree and silk ribbon that provide a surprising pop of color. Every piece is gorgeous!

Knot one, bead two and what have you got? Bold jewelry made from an eclectic collection of beads - one-of-a-kind lampwork beads, silver ethnic beads, exotic stones - and a selection of luscious fibers. These 30 beautiful projects show what's possible when a time-tested technique gets a fashionable update with contemporary materials and a modern aesthetic. The knots are simple and familiar to most crafters: basic overhand, square and hitches. Once that's mastered the rest is easy. Create a spiraled necklace out of linen cord and a single stunning enamel and gold-leaf focus bead. Work silky ribbon yarn in an open net to make an elegant lariat beaded scarf. How-to illustrations, beauty shots and numerous construction tips help illuminate the process.

Using beads and other materials to make unique jewelry Boutiques and department stores are filled with jewelry featuring charms, photos, fibers, shells, recycled materials, and other exciting embellishments. This book teaches home crafters new tricks and techniques to expand the styles of fashion jewelry they create with beads and other materials. Compiled by Tammy Powley, the book includes the work of many exciting jewelry artists who are breaking new ground using mixed media materials and techniques in their work, along with step-by-step instructions.

Explore the personal power of beads. Deborah Cannarella invites beaders to discover the deeper meanings in their work through these 26 inspirational projects from an eclectic group of designers. Each piece has a distinct and important purpose including Handheld Prayer Beads, a Milagros Bracelet, a Pearl Peace Dove Pendant, a Pinto Bear Necklace, a Wedding Shawl, a Peruvian Cat Totem Bag and much more. Personal writings from the artists--such as Eleanor Wiley, Helen Banes Julia Pretl, Stephanie Sersich, David Dean, Laura Jean McCabe and Victoria Hughes--offer intimate windows into their creative processes and spiritual journeys. Plentiful step-by-step instructions and illustrations encourage you to adapt, borrow and combine techniques and design elements to create sacred objects meaningful to your soul.

Softcover, full color, 160 pages
26 projects
Book size: 9x8-1/2 inches
Level: Beginning to advanced

Ever see a stylish piece of jewelry in a boutique or department store and think, "I wonder if I could make that?" With Simply Modern Jewelry: Designs from the Editor of Stringing Magazine, you'll be armed with all the instruction and inspiration you need to create accessories for your entire wardrobe!
•Danielle Fox, editor of Stringing magazine, shares her expertise with this primer on how to create simple yet unforgettable accessories for the modern DIY crowd. Simply Modern Jewelry is the quick and easy guide to making fashionable necklaces, bracelets and earrings that express personal style.
•Geared to the novice beader, Simply Modern Jewelry begins with "Bead Shopping 101," a section that describes basic beads and shows how to make the most of shopping time and money. Danielle takes the reader through selecting beads, colors and findings to achieve project success from start to finish. Basic techniques covered in the book include stringing, crimping, use of jumprings, wireworking and knotting, and each project lists materials, tools, finished size of project, level of difficulty, technique and complete step-by-step instructions and photos. Throughout the book, Danielle provides insight into her own design process showing how easy it can be to add personal twists to the projects in the book. She also includes a step-by-step techniques section written in an easy, conversational style.
•The thirty projects are divided into five chapters that highlight a design concept in jewelry-making: "Easy Does It," features projects that can be made in under an hour; "Experiment with Sizing," showcases projects that play with length; "Find Your Inspiration," illustrates how to use inspiration and translate that into projects; "Mix It Up," inspires you to experiment with new beading materials; and "Play with Symmetry," shakes up designs for an entirely new look. All the designs reflect a modern design sensibility for creating fashionable, boutique-quality jewelry.

Softcover, full color, 120 pages
28 projects
Book size: 10-1/4 x 8-1/2 inches
Level: Beginning
Books are shrink-wrapped and are returnable if unopened.

Dozens of clever, classy favors to help make your event unique and memorable. Favors for all your special occasions: wedding, shower, anniversary, baby show, bar mitzvah, confirmation, graduation, milestone birthday, theme party, fundraiser, holiday party.
Favors with originality and style: Heart Magnet Tin, Pearl-Wrapped CD Envelope, Message in a Bottle, Mini Shopping Tote, Bee Mine Honey Jar, Etched Mirror in Suede Pouch, Soy Candles on the Half Shell, Antiqued Mini Frame, Grosgrain Ribbon Bookmark, Bath Fizzy Bonbons, Card Party Coaster, BBQ Spice Rub Crate, Glow Stick Necklace, Quinceañera Ribbon, Smartie Lightbulb, Patriotic Sparklers, Jingle Bell Bucket and 58 more.
Easy to put together: Close-up color photographs of every project; step-by-step instructions with no crafting experience necessary; personalize with your own colors, materials or message.

Softcover, full color, 111 pages
75 projects
Book size: 10-3/4x8-1/2 inches
Level: All skill levels

Add new style, color and significance to your jewelry collection by crafting beaded creations with global style. Bead Journey combines more than 20 projects from the pages of the BeadStyle special issue Around the World with eight brand-new pieces. From the elegance of warmwater pearls from the South Seas, to the artisanship of brass beads from Ghana, to the eye-catching hues of Mexican fire opals, these stunning designs showcase gorgeous materials and beads from all over the globe.

Inside you'll find:
• Projects from Asia and the Pacific Rim, Africa, Europe and the Americas.
• All-new projects representing five countries not included in BeadStyle Around the World
• Clear photos, complete materials lists, step-by-step instructions and a comprehensive Basics section to guide beaders of all skill levels
• Necklaces, bracelets, earrings and one very hip belt!

Softcover, full color, 95 pages
32 projects
Book size: 10-3/4 x 8-1/4 inches
Level: Beginner