bits and bobbins

bead simple: a new jewelry-making book by susan beal

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.

March 19 2008 | Posted in check this out!, crafty cool., creative dabblings., make it yourself!, this inspires me!

1. March 19 2008 at 4:37 pm

   Jennifer Perkins

   I feel so loved and special that you liked my project! I can’t wait for my copy to get here.

   
   

2. March 20 2008 at 6:20 am

   Globalglamour

   Hey, I’ve been trying to make a bloody ‘thoughtful bracelet’ since forever!! Them pics have given me well good ideas! LOL!!!…I’d love to hear your comments on my blog I’ve just started…
   It’s http://www.globalglamour.wordpress.com
   G.G.
   xoxo

   
   

3. March 21 2008 at 12:35 pm

   links and thank-yous « Bead Simple

   [...] Tricia Royal, who designed the Pop Organic Low and Swingy Earrings, wrote up a fantastic preview on her Bits and Bobbins blog… she picked some of her favorite designs, including Jennifer Perkins‘ Bric-A-Brac Charming Bracelet and Vintage Button Brooches by me and by Laura Stokes. [...]

   
   

4. March 25 2008 at 12:28 am

   LC

   I am TOTALLY getting this book the next time I go to Borders! I’ve been looking for a good bead book. Thanks so much for posting this!

   
   

5. March 28 2008 at 10:28 am

   :: hurrah! its friday! :: « elegant musings

   [...] Alas, I still haven’t attached the ruffle to the dress. It’s turned out to be one of those weeks, where everything is just zooming by far to fast. hehe! Not that I mind, but I am definitely spending some serious time with my machine this weekend… once I finish leftover homework, that is! However, I have gotten some creating done! I checked out Bead Simple from the library yesterday (after Tricia posted a glowing review), and managed to try out a few things with my stash of vintage bits and bobs collecting dust. lol. I made this super-simple, but very pretty, necklace using some odd chain I had and about fifteen minutes of time while making dinner. I’m itching to try out a pair of earrings, or perhaps another necklace! [...]