Jewelry Making and Beading For Dummies

I like Dummies books generally, and I thought this would be a good way to get started. Didn't really find it all that helpful for a beginner. The first project is a necklace with beads spaced along an invisible string. Very nice. However, the instructions weren't particularly helpful. They say to space the beads along the string at a given interval, using crimp beads. Not easy to do with slide-y beads and a slippery string. I finally improvised my own spacer tool. Instructions said to start at one end and work toward the other. Whoops--a crimp bead broke. Would have made much more sense to start in the middle with excess string and work toward both ends, using a temporary stop on the inactive end. I learned a lot, but much of what I learned was figuring out what to do when the book's instructions fell short.There's a lot about setting up a studio, as if a Dummies book reader is planning to go into massive production immediately. This may be useful later, or it may not--I'm interested in several crafts types, and so my studio space is shared among projects of different types. Nor do I have any intention of making jewelry for sale anytime soon.The book may be useful in the long run, but I would have preferred a series of projects to teach techniques, proceeding in steps with skill building.

As a complete rookie in beading and jewelry making, I'd started my first projects without a clue what I was doing. As my results demonstrated! I quickly realized that there were some basic techniques I needed to master. Heather delivers exactly what I needed - she teaches from the ground up, and with a witty and interesting style that is a pleasure to read. For every technique, she provides a sample project, and usually one or two variations for those ready to build on the basics. The book is filled with beautiful, inspiring photography, and gives plenty of practical information beyond the basics of bead stringing. I highly recommend for anyone interested in starting this enjoyable (and addictive) hobby, or more advanced users looking to find inspiration or advice on taking it to the next level.

I got this book out of the library and decided I needed my own copy. The DVD with it makes it feel like I'm in a private class. The chapters are well written. There are little projects scattered through out to get help get started on making your own. I'm really a beginner and I found that her instructions are clear. She covers a lot of different media so you can decide which jewelry design is the way you want to go.

I liked this version of his book more than the others, there is a difference. I have been. Header for several decades now, but wanted some nice overall reference book it also comes with a CD, but I haven't used it yet. I checked this out from our local library first, then bought my own copy

Very good resource for basic projects. Book is in perfect condition!!

Expected to see a bit more detailed instruction based on table of contents in sample download. Illustration are poor for tablet viewing kindle 8.9. I did not experience that in reading. Book did contain some good information. The instruction that was provided was very generic.

Easy to follow and a really good reference book. Always really good value to have on the shelf dummies books.

Love my book, came on time and without a wrinkle or mark! A well rounded book of learning how to make your own jewelry and great for beginners to learn what they need to get a proper start.

Having purchased the second book (which is about designing jewelry) I found the 'quick review of bead stitching' hard to follow. One of the authors referred to this book (which she also wrote) as the place to go for the full explanations so I bought it. I've gone through the book from cover to cover and there is nothing on bead stitching! So there is useful content but it's a let down when bought for a specific section.This one does have a DVD with it, so there may be something on there but until I have time to watch it I won't know as again the book does not list what's on the DVD.

I've been making jewellery for a couple of years and sometimes I have a blank moment and can't remember simple things! This book is very useful for beginners and people who want to try a new technique.From attaching clasps to working with wire to stringing beads.The instructions are step by step and easy to follow. There are pictures showing instructions too.A good buy.

Great book for me, easy to read, to understand (I'm French). a lot of little pictures for visual understanding, easy description of how to do things. I must say it is a good book for all the beginners like me!!.thank you!!

it is a very good reference book to go to sort out the odd problem or to explain a technique,but remember it is an american book so some bits of it do not translate into UK/Europe.

I have only just bought the book,but it looks good.