my online pal, writer and crafter/designer susan beal (of west coast crafty fame) just came out with a gorgeous new jewelry-making tome called bead simple, which is jam-packed with information, instructions, and a huge selection of projects that promise to make the making of jewelry with beads and baubles super-easy, and the results of such making stunning.
the thing that really sets bead simple apart from the pack, i think, is the clean, modern feel of the art direction of the book as a whole. well-lit, thoughtfully-arranged photos and simple illustrations abound, and are coupled with easy-to-understand instructions. as a complete work, the book is a superb, approachable launch pad for any reader/crafter's creativity and idiosyncratic personal style.
another facet of the book that i feel takes it to another level is the inclusion of reams of projects created by a cabal of crafters whose names are well-known to those in the know: jennifer perkins, leah kramer, and many, MANY more. this gathering of creative folks gives the book a diverse feel...ensuring that there's something for everyone as far as projects and inspiration are concerned.

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some of my favorite projects from the book include...
this riotously colorful bracelet formed from deliciously disparate beads (by jennifer perkins):

i'm a vintage button fangirl, so why this one caught my eye is obvious:

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and...full disclosure: i have a project in the book as well! it's these low and swingy 'pop organic' earrings, that can be found on page 55 (should you possibly be interested).

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thanks, susan, for allowing me to participate and create a project for your book! i'm so proud of you.