Staff Pick
Susan Beal might just be the friendliest crafter in Portland, so it's no surprise that the projects in Bead Simple are as sparkly and charming as the author herself. Bead Simple features 50 handcrafted jewelry projects, each accompanied by two variations, for a grand total of 150 unique creations. Dazzling photos and easy-to-follow instructions make this an invaluable reference for beginners, while more experienced or courageous crafters will delight in the versatility of Beal's designs, which can be customized with the beads and stringing materials of your choice. Recommended By Tove H., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
Most beading books include a mix of patterns but call for very specific beads and materials. So if crafters don't like the beads used in the projects, or don't have them in hand, they won't enjoy the projects, no matter how beautiful they are. But Susan Beal has untangled this knotty problem. "Bead Simple "is the first work of its kind that offers stunning jewelry patterns that can be completely customized with a variety of beads and stringing materials. Based on simple, yet effective beading techniques, this strikingly illustrated pattern guide includes 50 glittering designs, each featuring two bold variations for a total of 150 projects that can easily be achieved with different materials or tweaks. With hot guest designers, including DIY Network's Jennifer Perkins and Megan Nicolay, author of the bestselling "Generation T," here is the one book that finally offers jewelers the versatility to let their unique personalities shine through.
Review
"Bead Simple" is simply fantastic, proving that with a few tools, a couple of easy to learn techniques, and the guidance of Susan Beal's wonderful eye for color and texture, anyone can make beautiful handcrafted jewelry. The projects are absolutely inspiring, and I can't wait to get started myself! -- Debbie Stoller, bestselling author of "Stitch 'N Bitch
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"Bead Simple: 150 Designs for Necklaces, Earrings, Bracelets, Embellishments and More, "by Susan Beal (Taunton Press, 220 pages, $19.95 paperback): Innovative (and easy) beaded designs that range from classy to campy. Includes projects from dozens of national designers, including a multimedia charm collage by yours truly! --"Crafty Chica" Kathy Cano-Murillo, "The Arizona Republic"
Synopsis
This work offers stunning jewelry patterns that can be completely customized with a variety of beads and stringing materials. Based on simple, yet effective beading techniques, this strikingly illustrated pattern guide includes 50 glittering designs.
About the Author
Susan Beal is the author of five best-selling craft books: Sewing for All Seasons (Chronicle, 2013), Modern Log Cabin Quilting (Potter Craft, 2011), World of Geekcraft (Chronicle, 2011), Button It Up (Taunton, 2009), and Bead Simple (Taunton, 2008). Susan also co-wrote Super Crafty (Sasquatch, 2005) with Cathy Pitters, Torie Nguyen and Rachel O'Rourke, and has contributed to many other books (including Applique Your Way, The Pillow Book, Handmade Nation, Offbeat Bride, Sweater Surgery, Knitting for Good, and Making Stuff).
Susan has a large and loyal following in the craft community. She was featured in the documentary Handmade Nation and regularly teaches at Maker Faire, Pacific Northwest College of Art, MAKE Workshop, the Northwest Quilting Expo, the Pendleton Woolen Mill Store, and several other venues across the country.