The Basics of Bead Stringing: A Complete Illustrated Approach for Beginner and Advanced Designers

by Kanan and Debbie Kanan

The Basics of Bead Stringing, a long time best selling book on the art of creating professional-looking jewelry, has just undergone a complete revision. The new edition includes the latest tips and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0961535318
• ISBN13: 9780961535315
• Release Date: June 2001
• Publisher: Borjay
• Length: 82 Pages
• Weight: 0.28 lbs.

Customer Reviews

The Basics - but that's what I wanted

Could use a tad more detail - often I was left with a question, like what size wire to buy, etc. . . . Other than that, a nice book.

Great Little Book

I thought this was a great little book! I couldn't believe they could pack so much information in such a small book. True it doesn't have all of the fancy pictures the bead and button books have in them but they are giving you the basics. I feel as though rather then try to mimmick a bunch of projects from pictures, they are giving you the basics and from there they want you to let your creativity run wild. So many of the Bead and button books Have great photos, great projects etc... but alot of that variety of book doesn't list the vendors in the back of the book to get the supplies. If they do lists the vendors you have to search and search until you find out which of the vendors carries exactly the bead called for in the project. They are great for project ideas but I would much rather know the basics and create from there.

The Basics & Beyond

After I took a 2 hour jewelry workshop at a bead show, I was hooked, and looking for a little more information for reference at home. That's when I picked up Kanan's book. "The Basics of Bead Stringing" now sits permanently on my work desk, easily in reach. The book's pictures and descriptions of design and technique are clear and instructional. After reading the "Beading Basics" section, you can easily shop for materials, and with no previous experience, create a necklace and bracelet. Kanan goes on and covers wire techniques, using leather or satin cord, and finally stitches & patterns for seed beads. The book is highlighted by color jewelry photos that utilize inspiring close-ups. "The Basics" includes a *very* useful section on tools and materials with pictures and explanations of each. The books ends with two appendixes, one on necklace lengths, and one on bead sizes; I use the size scale constantly when I'm shopping for beads online. The Basics of Bead Stringing packs good information in its 82 pages and is well worth the $9.00.

Great Things Come In Small Packages

Short, sweet and to the point, this little book does not overwhelm or intimidate the beginner. Tools, materials and findings and their applications are explained as well as types of beads and design fundamentals. Technique is explained and illustrated clearly. The author explains which materials to use and more importantly, why each is appropriate. Wire wrapping is also covered, and I was surprised to find that Debbie's instructional technique and end result are better than Mark Lareau's ("All Wired Up"). Lareau's book is what inspired me to work with wire and in every other area, it's been my "bible." Debbie's technique is much simpler and more practical, and she offers one tip that to me, creates the difference between a nice piece and an exquisite one. As a hands-on learner, I particularly like the way that Debbie starts the reader off on a project in the first few pages. After you've mastered the techniques, the beautiful photography of a multitude of completed pieces will continue to inspire you.

Great Beginner's Book!

This is a wonderful Beginners book! It is also a good one to keep in your beading book library! It's step by step instructions will help you will all sorts of basic stringing projects. Also has a lot of tips on what type of clasps and findings to use! Overall is really Good!