Book Review - Antique Style Bead Accessories
Antique Style Bead Accessories by Matsuko Sawanobori (Author) Paperback: 72 pages Publisher: Japan Publications; (November 2002) ISBN: 4889960899
Learn to make your own designer accessories using beads and wire or fishing line. |
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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.