Diane Fitzgerald

Genre: Nonfiction

This book teaches the lovely art of netted beadwork. The basic instruction is easy to follow and the instructions for each project are clear and complete. It's no surprise that this is an Interweave Press book. Every project has at least one attractive and detailed photograph, showing the whole piece. You can see exactly what you'll be making, and compare the instructions to the photo(s) as you go along. Each step is illustrated with line drawings; the reader/beader can follow the text, the illustrations, or both. There are examples of historical pieces and professional modern pieces for inspiration. After reading and working with this book even the beginner can make jewelry to be proud of, and possibly even design personalized pieces as well.

Not only is this a great book for learning netted beadwork, it's a great resource for making good jewelry without having to spend a lot of money. The majority of the beads are seed beads, with a handful of other types - the interest comes from the netted quality, instead of the beautiful-yet-expensive beads so much bead jewelry requires. I look forward to making a lot of netted beadwork pieces from this book, and inspired by this book.… (meer)

As the title says, this book is all about the projects. After a brief introduction by [a:Diane Fitzgerald|127256|Diane Fitzgerald|http://www.goodreads.com/images/nophoto/nophoto-U-50x66.jpg] and a multi-page foreword (AKA lovefest) by Jean Campbell describing Ms. Fitzgerald's career and many talents, the book starts right in on the projects. There is no 'Basics' section, but tips and techniques are woven throughout the book.

This book has a whopping 24 projects. At an MSRP of $27.95, that is about $1.04 per pattern. If you want to try a lot of different techniques, this is a good book to buy.

Throughout the book, the author shows very clearly how to put the beads together into the larger units needs to make the project. In looking at these images, I am sure a clever quiltmaker could apply beads to a quilt project in the same manner and achieve a great, if flatter look. The book is also good for the quiltmaker who wants to know more about beads. This book has wonderful pictures of different beads used.

I was hard pressed to pick a favorite project as I started to look through them. Many of the projects are necklaces in styles that I don't wear. I liked the Midnight Snowflakes (pg.75)necklace, but it wasn't a favorite. I also liked the Lacy Bracelet (pg.71). I was also quite partial to the may Basket project (pg.65), but can't imagine wearing them as a broach or as a pendant, so I didn't know what I would do with them. I did like their look and imagine having a "Spring Tree" (as opposed to a Christmas Tree) covered with these baskets. I was getting discouraged, but the end of the book (pg.100) is the Braided Garland Necklace. Though it is a little bit large, I love the spring feeling of it.

Each project has a page with a variation so the reader can see what the project looks like in slightly different colors or using different beads.

The end of the book has a gallery of projects, presumably by Ms. Fitzgerald. I really like the Tulip Necklace Pouch (pg.125). It reminds me of the beaded bag Hermione uses in the [b:Deathly Hallows|136251|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows|J.K. Rowling|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1331238633s/136251.jpg|2963218].

Enjoy this inspirational book and thanks to Lark Books for sending it to me.… (meer)