The Bottom Line
Pros
- Projects for both beginners and more advanced beaders
- Clearly written and illustrated projects
- Fascinating background information about some of Hollywood's most famous actresses
- Projects combine materials for a unique look
Cons
- Binding makes book hard to keep open while working
Description
- Paperback binding
- Projects for beginner and advanced beadweavers
- Projects showcase Swarovski elements - both beads and stones
- Published by Creative Publishing International
Guide Review - "Creating Glamorous Jewelry" by Jean Campbell: A Book Review
Jean Campbell, the founding editor of Beadwork Magazine, looks to old Hollywood for inspiration for her latest book, "Creating Glamorous Jewelry with Swarovski Elements: Classic Hollywood Designs with Crystal Beads and Stones".
Each of the 26 beaded jewelry projects in this book was inspired by a different Hollywood actress, including Zsa Zsa Gabor, Audrey Hepburn, Ann Sheridan, Marlene Dietrich, Dinah Shore and of course, Marilyn Monroe. Each project includes a fascinating bio of each actress that I thoroughly enjoyed. (Do you know which Hollywood actress from the 1940s was also a mathematician who helped to develop a secret communications system in World War II? Read each profile to find out!)
The projects themselves range in skill level from very easy to more advanced, and cover a wide range of techniques. There are earring, necklace and bracelet projects that include techniques like stitching beaded bezels around crystal stones, embroidery on leather, and basic stringing. Each project is carefully written and illustrated with diagrams that show thread paths and stitching techniques.
A "Basics" section at the end of the book covers basic beadweaving and stringing techniques with information about materials and findings used in the projects. Jean has also included some helpful information about stitching with thread and crystals, including specific product recommendations. Lastly, she has also included a brief and informative article about Daniel Swarovski, his revolutionary faceting machine, and his influence on haute couture in Hollywood.
If you were someone, like me, who was getting tired of seeing Swarovski crystals in every single beading project, this book will give you some fresh inspiration for using Swarovski crystals in beadwork. I love the way Jean has mixed glass crystals with crystal pearls, seed beads, chain and even gemstones to faithfully re-create the jewelry worn by these glamorous ladies from Hollywood. Jean has drawn on her technical expertise and artistic mastery to write a beadwork book that perfectly captures the best of Hollywood glamour in beads.