Beading doesn’t get more elegant than this, with such gleaming gems as amethyst, quartz, and lapis lazuli. Val�rie MacCarthy--whose work graces the pages of high fashion magazines around the world--has created a magnificent collection of sophisticated, unique jewelry. The 30 projects include bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings, and they tend to the playful and colorful. In addition, an entire section is dedicated to the different stones and their properties, including their spiritual and healing aspects. But what will really entice intermediate jewelers, beaders, and other general crafters are the pieces themselves: a balloon ring, festooned with seed pearls; chandelier earrings with sparkling, dangling stones; and a fireworks necklace of citrine, peridot, and apatite. Introductory chapters present all the gems, tools, and techniques used in the pieces. A Selection of the Crafter's Choice Book Club.

With this gloriously photographed and illustrated manual at hand, beaders can create awe-inspiring jewelry. It's the only current, comprehensive guide to working with cabochons--a flat piece of rock or mineral--and it covers all the basics, along with a range of new creative techniques and hot trends. Find out which tools and materials to use, which beads work best, and how to wrap them round the stones. Craft turned, pointed, twisted, brick stitch, ruffled, or scalloped edges, or add decorative fringe. For something dramatic, combine more than one cabochon in a single piece. Or, instead of natural stone, use dichroic glass or other found objects. Make a glittering brooch, funky bracelets, a wearable art necklace, and other showstoppers.

Beginner projects: fairy garden, never too many, waterfall, vintage, bold and beautiful, Paris, southwest, trinkets, faces, rocker chic, outrageous, flower power, pennies from heaven, Intermediate projects: mementos, eclectic, springtime, fiesta, grammy's baubles, olde world, divine, sunset, whirlpool, talisman, droplets, waves, flight of fancy, heart to heart, yee haw, forever yours, true love, city nights, woodland, northern lights, talking leaves, orient express.

Delicate, luminous, beautiful: no wonder metal filigree components are a jeweler’s treasure. From antique brass and copper to shimmering silver and gold, they pair perfectly with a variety of beads. This latest entry in the bestselling Beading with series features 33 sophisticated and utterly stylish projects. The techniques are simple; the variety is stunning; and the designs are contemporary and accessible. Learn how to shape filigree components and alter their finish. Discover special techniques for combining the beads with the filigree. Release your creativity on projects packed with high-end style. The Dinner at Eight Necklace weds diamond-shaped filigree connectors with sparkly crystal beads. Whimsical Whirlwind Earrings feature painted filigree and silk ribbon that provide a surprising pop of color. Every piece is gorgeous!

Bead Jewelry 101, now in paperback, is a complete entry-level course for creating beaded jewelry taught through 30 step-by-step projects that demonstrate fundamental methods for stringing and wirework. Have you always wanted to try jewelry making but aren’t sure where to begin? Bead Jewelry 101 teaches you everything you need to know to create beautiful jewelry with beads. The Basics walks you through all the tools, materials, and basic construction techniques you’ll use for the projects. The Projects are organized by various findings, or jewelry elements, so you’ll learn new techniques and build new skills with every piece you make. Beautiful variations will inspire you to create your own designs. Beginners will also find the accompanying online videos that capture the techniques in action an invaluable resource. Written specifically for beginners, the books in the 101 series are complete illustrated guides to the basics of a craft that use projects presented with full-color, step-by-step instructions and photos to teach essential techniques.

Bicones, buttons, drops, rhinestones. Glittering and colorful, these and other multi-faceted glass crystal beads have become the jewelry maker’s material of choice. They’re the star of the show in this sparkling entry in the Beading with series, which features a fabulous combination of both simple and more complex projects. Crafters start their creative journey by learning basic techniques, including stringing and simple wirework (looping, wrapping, coiling). Then they’re ready to start making pieces that range from a necklace of matte metal beads and shimmering crystals to a captivating pair of chandelier earrings. Sophisticated jewelry findings accent the finished pieces, and detailed illustrations make the process easy and successful for beginners. A Selection of the Crafter's Choice Book Club.