[.ca] Antique Style Bead Accessories (ISBN 4889960899)

Beadwork "Ikebana":
When I travel abroad, I keep my eyes open for book shops and, when I find one, I look for craft books. If the instructional pictures are good enough, it doesn't really matter in what language the script is. Beadwork that I've found overseas reflects the local culture, being very different in style than beadwork in the US. Japanese style is evident in Matsuko's book. Like Ikebana, the Japanese art of arranging flowers, beadwork in Japan reflects simplicity in its use of line, size, shape, and space. Starting with the book's cover, you will see the influence of these sparse design elements in Matsuko's beadwork jewelry. Owner of Hiroo Bead Bazaar in Tokyo, Matsuko gives us almost fifty projects, including rings, lariats, chokers, brooches, earrings and hair ornaments. The beautiful finished projects are in the front of the book and the easy-to-follow instructions are in the back.

Beautiful jewelry from beads and wire or fishing line:
Matsuko Sawanobori designs jewelry, owns a bead shop in Tokyo, and teaches beadcraft. In this book, she presents instructions for making rings, lariats, necklaces, brooches, earrings, hair ornaments, and a beaded pouch. The front of the book displays rich color photographs of the designs, accompanied by instructions regarding the primary techniques used in each project. The back portion of the book includes tips on techniques, materials lists, and diagrams for the projects. Instructions for altering some of the designs are given, so there are even more designs in the instructions than there are in the photographs. The jewelry is created using crystals, seed beads, pearls, and designer beads, together with wire or fishing line. Bead sizes, quantities, and suggested colors are listed, but you won't find a detailed supply list (i.e., no Delica or Toho numbers). The photography is striking and clear, the diagrams are large and well-labeled, and the written instructions are clear (but succinct). However, you should expect to see an instruction like 'make a beaded ball', without reference to the page on which these instructions are given (in this case, later in the book). Basic beadwork and wirework experience is assumed. Ms. Sawanobori provides a cursory overview of tools and techniques, but this is not a book for a beginner. I highly recommend this book for an intermediate to advanced beadworker. The designs are delicate and beautiful and the instructions are open-ended enough to lead you to expand upon the designs.