Simply Sensational Glass Beading contains 35 really unusual and elegant beadwork projects, including ideas for using beading to create greeting cards. This is an excellent book for both beginners and more experienced beadworkers as there are projects to choose from ranging from easy to complex.
To get you started Dorothy Wood talks about types and beads, the equipment required for beading, and includes a detailed section illustrating the various needle-based stitches, embroidery with beads, and anchor knots. Charts and diagrams and bead code details are included at the end of the book. The projects are grouped into three or four projects to practice each of the different beading techniques. Strangely, Wood chooses to begin the book with the more complex bead loom projects, so beginners may want to turn to the embroidery and needle weaving sections first to get the hang of beading.
The bead loom projects will inspire, though, at any skill level. I’m a huge fan of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s art nouveau designs and the adapted Rennie Mackintosh rose on pages 34-37 captures the style beautifully. The first project caught my eye too. The abstract design reminds me of a sheet of water flowing down glass.
The needle weaving section focuses on elegant beaded jewellery, using Swarovski crystals in some instances, and tiny beaded bags in metallic and pearlescent finishes. The sections on fringing, netting, tassels, and wirework have some lovely ideas for Christmas, wedding, and table decorations, and jewellery. The gorgeous iridescent dragonfly pin on pages 108-111 would make a beautiful small gift and could be used as a hat pin, brooch, or even a tree or table decoration.
This book would make a nice gift for a teenager interested in making her own jewellery, as most of the designs are modern and easily adapted for different tastes.
Simply Sensational Glass Beading by Dorothy Wood is available from Amazon.com
