One of the benefits to being a designer here at Beadaholique is that a lot of books cross my work table and I am always so excited to open them up and see what treasures lay inside. To me, a good book not only has wonderful photos of projects which feed the imagination but it also teaches techniques in a clear understandable way. Most especially, a good book needs to bring something "new" to the proverbial table.
The 4 books listed below are my personal drool-worthy favorites. I hope you enjoy!
The 4 books listed below are my personal drool-worthy favorites. I hope you enjoy!
Why I love: so, so, so many techniques featured in this book in clear step by step photos and accompanying text. Most importantly to me, the techniques are very unusual. I think we have all gone to the book store and flipped through at least 10 books which all show how to do the same thing which you already probably knew how to do. Not so with Semiprecious Salvage, it talks about creating your own bezels, using etching solution, creating with found objects, casting, and so much more. The author does use a large number of tools (some of them more advanced) but her ideas are still fantastic and many of the projects you can still do without a trip to Home Depot. For someone looking to tackle a new aspect of jewelry making, this is the book.
Why I love: This book is candy for the eye and music for the soul. It is so lush to look at, like a field journal by an enchanted fairy. There are fanciful drawings and sweet stories mixed in with some great techniques. A number of the projects in this book involve polymer clay, resin, precious metal clay, and other mixed media supplies. The back of the book proclaims: "transform your ideas into art jewelry" and that is exactly what this book shows you how to do.
Why I love: If you are not into found objects, mixed media, or resins and clays but adore "beads, buttons, and baubles" then this book is a must! The photos in it are amazing and the color palettes are absolutely scrumptious. The way the images have been compiled with vintage graphics and ribbons in the background further feeds the imagination. Some really wonderful and easy to understand beading techniques are highlighted making this an excellent book for both the beginner beader and the more advanced.
Explore, Create, Resinate by Jen Cushman
Why I love: If you have been following some of my projects and videos, you know that I am a big fan of resin. This book covers all aspects of using resin, from basic pouring into bezels to applying to paper and using molds. There are also tons of amazing photos with inspiring projects. I feel like this book encourages one to think outside the box and really let the imagination flow, which is what jewelry designing is all about. There are also quick tips spread throughout the book which are extremely helpful in making your resin projects come out right.
Happy Reading!
Julie
3 comments:
These are all on my favorites list as well! Thanks for reminding me of the French Inspired jewels. The way that book is layed out is so wonderful and it makes me wonder where my copy is! I had the pleasure of taking Stephanie Lee's class this spring and she is more delightful than I can tell you. She is warm and witty. I remember loving her book the moment I held it in my hands but thought I would never be able to do that stuff. Now that I have seen it in action, I don't know what I was waiting for! Anyone can do it if you have the will to experiment and patience with yourself!
Thanks for sharing these inspirations!
Enjoy the day!
Erin
I have the first two books, and love them! But I need, need, need the last two books on your list. Of course I also need some extra time to create as well....not sure where I'll get that.
Thanks for sharing!
I am so glad you both like these books! Whenever I am needing inspiration, I pull them out and just flip through the pages, letting my mind fill with their creative genius and amazing photos. Thankfully my husband is an art book addict as well so when he sees the silly happy face I make when reading them he doesn't question it.
Erin, a class with Stephanie Lee sounds great. What a wonderful time it sounds like you had. She is so talented. I love what you say about anyone can do it with the will to experiment and patience - I totally agree!
Alice, since you love the first two books, I bet you will go nuts for the Explore, Create, Resinate book by Jen Cushman. It has a similar feel and uses a lot of mixed media techniques with resin.
-Julie
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