Small Beads Big Jewelry: 30 Unique Pieces to Make

I eagerly pre-ordered this book some time back, and was so excited when it arrived on my doorstep today. Although I have yet to make any of the projects in this book, I've already bookmarked a few that I'd like to make.Jean Powers is known for her unique geometric designs, and this new book of hers excels in showcasing her fascinating style. Not all of the projects are hers, however; ten other bead designers have contributed pieces to the book, too. I wasn't expecting this, and wish it had been more clearly designated somewhere in the book description or on the cover itself. At the very beginning of the book, there is a section called "Beaders' World" that introduces each of the guest instructors.After an overview section on tools for the beader, the book is then divided into six main chapters:* Peyote Stitch Projects* Ladder Stitch Projects* Brick Stitch Projects* Spiral Rope Techniques* Herringbone Stitch Techniques* Right-Angle Weave Techniques* Combining Stitch TechniquesEach chapter begins with detailed instructions for how to do that stitch, complete with excellent diagrams. After that, each chapter includes five different projects, for a total (as the sub-title of the book suggests) of thirty projects. They range in scope from simple earrings and rings, to more complicated necklaces and bracelets.Each piece also has a label letting you know if it's easy, intermediate, or advanced. Each chapter also progresses from simpler projects to more challenging ones; for instance, the peyote chapter starts by just having you stitch a small strip of peyote, which then gets wrapped around a key pendant. The triangle piece that is located on the far right of the book cover is rated as intermediate. I'd say that most of the projects fall into the easy or intermediate categories, and so even though I had been hoping for more advanced projects, I think that there is still enough in this book to appeal to more advanced beaders, too, who are looking for some easier projects.Right now, Amazon doesn't have the "Look Inside" feature available, but if it does become available or if you live close to a beading store that carries this book, I would definitely check out the projects to make sure that they appeal to you.This is the first book that I have in my beading library from Barron's Press, and I'm pleased with the quality of it. Although I prefer to bead from hardback books so that the binding lays flat, this paperback still lays flat if you press the pages down gently.There is also at least one full-color photo of each project, and the instructions and diagrams are very detailed and clear.Overall, it's a lovely book -- but I just wish that it had more challenging projects in it.Happy beading!

I was super confused about some of these reviews. One specific review (which apparently affected other potential purchasers) mentioned bead embroidery. This is NOT a bead embroidery book! What it is however, is a fantastic, creative, and unique book filled with cute projects-for both beginner and advanced beaders. As a 17-year beader, I was very pleased with Jean Power's book. Kudos Jane, and the other beaders whose contributions made this book an awesome staple to my beading books shelf!

Great Book filled with several beading projects I can’t wait to try! It has very detailed instructions and information on many beading artists!

Ok for beginners. Nothing original. All patterns found in Luther books and mags.

Jean Power is justly recognized in the beading world for innovation and craftsmanship. In this book she gathers patterns from a number of leading designers. I've already made two pieces based on these designs. Best of all, the ideas inspire independent designing. I would warn that this book is probably too advanced for the beginning beader, who may find it frustrating, but I think eventually anyone who perseveres will be glad to have this book in her (or his) beading library.

Projects are great.

I have a pretty big library of beading books and this one, by far, is the best. Usually I have interest in maybe 25% of the projects in a book -- this one is more like 80%. Great variety in project difficulty, stitch and style, with numerous variations suggested as well. Great instructions and graphic. I'll be working through these designs for some time!

A lot of the designs failed to appeal to many of my friends, family and customers. This would be okay if more than a couple designs appealed to but I've seen better on many blogs I've checked and beading daily .com. This may be a matter of personal taste but it is up to each to decide what they like. Too flamboyant.

This is a fantastic book it has great projects and I am a big fan of Jean Power, this was the lady who taught me how to do peyote triangle and a 3D star.

Zunächst mal eine Warnung...dieses Buch ist identisch mit dem anderen das Ihnen hier von Jean Power mit empfohlen wird. Zum Glück habe ich nicht beide bestellt, ich hätte mich noch mehr geärgert! Jetzt zu dem Buch an sich: Für erfahrene Fädlerinnen wird hier nichts neues geboten...alles schon da gewesen und auch schon oft im Netz als kostenlose Anleitung erhältlich. Für Anfängerinnen eher geeignet. Jean Power gibt hier ihren Namen her um verschiedene Kolleginnen der Fädelzunft mit ihren Werken vorzustellen, die Anleitungen an sich sind sehr sehr einfach gehalten und umschliessen die Bandbreite von Peyote, Heringbone bis zum Brick-Stitch...man sieht es ganz gut in der Vorschau des anderen Buches...das ist ja wie erwähnt identisch! Ich hatte mir da mehr erhofft an Inspiration...es ist eher langweilig.