If you're interested in beads and beadwork, Showcase 500 Beaded Jewelry is a book you'll enjoy spending time with. This addition to Lark Jewelry & Beading's Showcase 500 series features 500 big, color photographs of beaded designs by over 300 artistic beaders from around the world. It's a good resource for learning the differences between various beading techniques, and for getting inspired to experiment with your own designs.
After a brief introductory section by author Ray Hemachandra, the book gets right into the gallery pages. The jewelry is not presented with any obvious organizational scheme, and instead encourages you to browse through it slowly, page by page, design by design.
Below every photograph is a caption with the artist's name, the name of the piece, the year the piece was completed (most were made between 2004 and 2011), the size, and a brief list of materials. Along with the materials, many designs also list one or more of the beading techniques used -- a big help when you're trying to figure out just how something came together.
Although there are lots of beadweaving stitches in this book, it also spotlights many other techniques, including stringing, wire wrapping, bead embroidery, and bead crochet. Most designs are elaborate or advanced, but there are some well-done simple pieces along the way as well.
To explore Showcase 500 Beaded Jewelry for yourself, check your local library for a copy or pick one up from your favorite bookseller.
Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.