Thursday, November 14, 2013

BOOK REVIEW BEAD EMBROIDER JEWELRY PROJECTS

Hi Everyone!
 
I can't believe a week has gone by since my last post. Today though I wanted to share  my thoughts on Jamie Cloud Eakin's new book, Bead Embroidery Jewelry Projects. I know some of you already have this book and I am really glad to know this and here is why.
 
Let’s face it. Since the early 1990’s bead explosion there have been thousands of instructional beading books and articles published. There isn’t much that is new or different in bead stitches, only how they are used.  So when I first saw the cover of Jamie Cloud Eakin’s new book I was pleasantly surprised to see something “old” reappear. (Remember I have been in the beading world for 47 years.)  Jamie brings back trends from the 1980’s and does it with all the
charm and fashion that decade had to offer. 
From easy-to-wear shapes, delicate scallops and dangles Jamie presents a range of style.  
Now don’t be put off by dangles. When done correctly, dangles bring elegance to jewelry.  
There is a precision to dangle work and one needs a meticulous eye for bead size, color and placement that most beaders let go of in the 1990’s.
I for one am happy to see that Jamie is one artist to bring them back.
I also like the way Jamie shows construction and design.  Each of the 30 projects have great graphics and are well written.  In addition the photography is excellent, a plus in any instructional book.
The gallery of beaded jewelry is superb. Full of inspiration from several bead artist.  
If you are looking for that somewhat traditional feel and learning some of the ideas that started the bead obsession then you will love this new book.
 
Bead Embroidery Jewelry Projects
by Jamie Cloud Eakin
Lark Jewelry & Beading
ISBN 987-1-4547-0815-5
 



 
Honor and Integrity in Life in Art
Nicole/Beadwright

4 comments:

Craftymoose Crafts said...

I own one of Eakin's book--not this one though. It looks awesome. I'll have to check it out. Just to let you know, the link in the newsletter is not working!

Lynn Lindley said...

I also have this book, and recommend it as a great follow-up to her book "Dimensional Bead Embroidery." Jamie Cloud Eakin does an excellent job of illustrating her techniques, which is not always a given in how-to books. Illustrating beads using black and white plus color, their placement, the needle path, and even 3D beading projects is an art in itself.

Magic Love Crow said...

These creations are so beautiful! Amazing! Such talent!!!

dmZapp said...

Since I was not beading until 2005, I find sometimes the "old" things are brand new to me, thanks Nicole for the review of this book. I have the original Eakin book and like the way she explains EVERY step of something.......perfect for a newbie like me. I am adventurous but not nearly as experienced as you guys. Eakin's first and your book on flatwork are my go to books when I get myself into trouble.....LOL. Donna