This book, French Inspired Jewelry - Creating with Vintage Beads, Buttons and Baubles by Kaari Meng, with its utterly gorgeous art direction, amazing photographs of the projects depicted in fantastic layouts including a variety of French bits and bobs, makes it a marvelous source for beading inspiration even without beading projects. However, there are dozens of divine beading designs that can be created using vintage or vintage reproduction beads and beading elements, seed beads, two-hole beads, sequins, chain and brass blanks and filigree. Without a doubt one of the best looking and most fun books in a long time.
French-Inspired Beading, Filled with Glamour, Charm and Cheer
I see a lot of beading books each month, and I have to say, this is my favorite beading book to come along so far this year.Not to insult any of the other wonderful, delightful, and informative books on the market, but there is just something about the projects, the writing, and, most especially the art direction, photography and layout of this book that keeps me interested for hours.
The beading designs are full of French inspiration, created with delightful vintage beads and vintage reproduction, along with bits and bobs, presumably from the author's personal collection of all things French.
Kaari Meng is also the author of The French-Inspired Home, a book about using French textiles and decorating ideas for your own home; another fabulous, recommended book.
The designs are fantastic, bracelets using beautiful old flower beads, raw brass charms, tiny cameos, necklaces made with delicious-looking wine-colored drop beads, feather beads and glass leaves, flowers and fruit.
I was, I'll admit, prepared to have my hopes dashed about the availability of any of the beads for these projects, but Kaari includes a list of places, including my beloved Splendor in the Glass and Kaari's own shop French General both of which supply many of the vintage beads used throughout the book. And, links to reproduction material are provided as well.
Even if you're not into mixed media or vintage-inspired jewelry yet, I recommend that you pick up a copy of this book. It is filled with vintage charm, new ideas, splendid jewelry and lovely pictures. It is my choice as Beading Book of the Year.
