The Bead Spot

I got a pleasant surprise while I was looking for books to inspire me recently on Amazon. I found a free e-book that contains 11 patterns. I immediately downloaded it to my Kindle Fire. It's called "Making Beaded Jewelry: 11 Free Seed Bead Patterns and Projects." I haven't had a chance to try to make any of them yet, but in scrolling through it, I can say with certainty that I'll give each a try. As a bonus, at the front page of the e-book are links to free downloads to other craft e-books, including ones with patterns for jewelry making, crocheting, knitting, quilt making and children's crafts, just to name a few. I had no idea there were totally free craft e-books. This little find has made my week. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

"Pendant Necklaces" by Jerilynn Clements, Nancy Javier and Barbara Finwell While I mostly work in seed beads, I'm looking forward to giving the projects inside "Pendant Necklaces" a try. The book, a Leisure Arts Publication by Jerilyn Clements, Nancy Javier and Barbara Finwall, was another birthday gift from my in-laws. I love the look of every necklace it features and the fact that the book includes some instructions on using polymer clay. I've never tried polymer clay, but it's a medium I've long considered adding to my craft stash. Maybe the Dragonfly project will be what will give me the courage to finally give polymer a try. For now, I'm going to put the book aside while I try out a project from " Elegant Beaded Bags ," but this one is next on my list. Some of the projects look so simple, but they still have a lot of "wow." I'm hoping the book will help jump-start my own creativity, which I feel has been a ...

My in-laws sent me a few new beading books for my birthday last month, and I cannot wait to try them out. The first one I want to try out is "Elegant Beaded Bags" by Sonja Hood because features crochet beading, which I've toyed with a time or two, and bags, which I love. (Seriously, I've signed up for magazines I didn't really want just to get a free bag with it.) "Elegant Beaded Bags" by Sonja Hood Each project in the book falls into the "easy" category, which makes it perfect for a bead-crochet novice like myself. I can crochet, but the only crochet projects I've ever completed were blankets. From the first time I saw a bead-crochet bracelet, I've wanted to make one, but for some reason, I find it intimidating. Hopefully, this will be the book that gets me past the skittish stage. I'll update with a craft book review once I have a chance to try it out.

Here are some books on beading and other crafts that I enjoy. I welcome any information on titles you enjoy as well, so feel free to comment, either on books within the list or your own favorites. Beading "Contemporary Loom Beading: A New Look at a Traditional Stitch," by Sharon Bateman. "Art of Seed Beading," by Elizabeth Gourley, Jane Davis and Ellen Talbott. "Beading in the Native American Tradition," by David Dean. "Little Bead Boxes: 12 Miniature Containers Built With Beads," by Julia S. Pretl. "The Beader's Guide to Color," by Margie Deeb. "Beadwork Creates Beaded Rings," edited by Jean Campbell. "The Beader's Bible," by Claire Crouchley. "Beadwork Creates Bracelets," edited by Jean Campbell. "Designer Beadwork: Beaded Crochet Designs," by Ann Benson. "Beaded Cords, Chains, Straps & Fringe,"  by Beadwork Magazine Other Crafts Basketmakin...