This book I am finding to be quite well written. I would consider myself to be an intermediate beader and have done a number of other larger projects but wanted THIS book simply because I was unsure which stitch she was using to as the attachment at the neckline since the photos aren't THAT clear. The actually coralling in and of itself is quite simple though time consuming. I was able to complete 1 small piece that I had planned prior to ordering the book in a few hours! The produce the larger necklaces you WILL have to allow a few move hours of course as with any other decent beadwork.
The beginning of the book is dedicated to technique mainly and is quite helpful in teaching you the main stitches if you are totally unfamiliar with them. She is a decent teacher for the most part. One of the main concepts she does cover in technique is the fact that you have to hold it a bit taunt or you won't achieve that rigidity of the coral but at the same time if you hold it too taunt you will find yourself in an entire different mess! I prefer fireline with all my beadwork of this scope simply for long-term durability so I was able to work up the 1 piece of coral with about 2ft I suppose of the 6# fireline. I was using 11/o Czech beads which is what her designs generally call for although she does use some additional larger beads as well.
I think the only thing I disliked in the entire book was how the photos and the project guides were laid out. They aren't matching up together. You may have 1 photo here but have to turn 5 pages to locate the project guide totally in the back of the book! I would have preferred it to match Photo by the project guide personally...just a bit more organized feeling I suppose. There is a table of contents though so its not like you can't just flip to the front and find the correct page to turn to...so not THAT big of an issue...I just like matchy matchy in my books! :)
I'm really looking forward to doing almost everyone 1 of the projects in the book. I really enjoy her work and that of most of the Russian and Ukrainian bead artist.
I have been trying to find this book at a price I could afford, it's been out of print for awhile and scarce therefore pricey. I have a couple of patterns by Varvarva and love her designs. This book is everything I hoped for and more. Beautifully written great innovative patterns. I highly recommend this to all it's well worth the price, no library should be without it!
Loved book
This is an above average beading book because of the designs, but the directions do not show the thread direction making it difficult to follow the visual directions, which could be a bit more detailed. Over all the directions were my biggest complaint. This is not a book for a new seed beader. If you have some experience with different types of seed bead "stitches" then it is worth the extra work. The cover and binding is a bit weak as well.
GREAT BOOK! Everything I hoped it would be. Highly recommend it
Feature Product
Description
The book is a practical guide for making ten beaded necklaces, bracelets and earrings. It includes over 50 clear and descriptive diagrams, carefully detailing every step of the process.
I knew this technique would be difficult going in. It is made easier by the step by step directions in this book. I recommend it if you are anxious to learn a new technique. There are many different projects. I will be only making one of them . . .the others do not appeal tome.
Very inspiring work, was a learning curb to understand the lay out of instructions, but with some focus you realize these are very simple and repetive stitches. Love the patterns, happy I spent the time learning a new artist that I wasn't familar with, well worth it!!
After receiving this in the mail, I have to wonder how many necklaces I have made from the patterns in this book. They have been very popular at the local craft fairs I attend....and I have a hard time restraining myself from buying more beads to make more. :P I will probably be buying Varvara's other book on netting seeing how much I loved this one.
I purchased this book thinking that the technique would be too hard and meticulous to follow; that just TRYING a project would have me end up in a pile/knot of thread and beads; but, that I would get some great ideas from it and it would be a nice addition to my library.
The illustrations are WONDERFUL and CLEAR and CONCISE, printed large, and just a pleasure. The written instructions are just as easy to work with.
What is GREAT about this book, is that with just a bit of concentration and some effort, you can make a piece of jewelry that looks brilliant!
This is not a joke... rarely do I get compliments on my jewelry. (Boy, that's hard to admit!) However, when I wear one of my coral necklaces and/or bracelets and/or earrings, complete strangers ask where I purchased it/them and just how striking the piece is! Maybe this is my niche! Buy this book; I truly don't think you'll be disappointed.
This book presents a wonderful use for seed beads. Presently, highly decorated and formed beads are the rage and the poor little seed beeds get ignored for their finer Japanese siblings, Delicas. But here is a wonderful set of designs for those humble little beads that work up into an impressive statement of designs, based in traditional Russian style, updated for a new century. Ms. Konstantinov represents the best of modern Russian wearable art designs or American, for that matter...Any level beader can follow her great diagrams and clear description. Finally, a book on beading with a Russian flavor written in English. I can't wait for her next one. This is fun and different work. Traditional and modern at the same time. I have already planned out several projects and I just got the book yesterday.
0 comments:
Post a Comment