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Rating: 
Summary: For both beginners and beadworkers alike
Review: Over 200 beadwork graphics and designs, photos, and project ideas contribute to a comprehensive reference for both beginners and beadworkers alike. From large and small beadwork projects to finishing fringes and edgings, each project is accompanied by a graph, instructions, and numerous resources. The color photos of completed results are exquisite embellishments. A Beader's Reference is a unique and highly recommended addition to any dedicated craftmaker or needlecrafter's reference collection.
Rating:
Summary: useful AND inspirational
Review: the previous reviewer hit all the highpoints. the charts are wonderful. i particularly appreciate the charts for beaded crochet, since i haven't been able to find many (this is not to say that they aren't out there, just that i haven't found them). a very nice touch is the inclusion of a color key for each chart--you can see at a glance what colors are needed. there are several sections, including instructions and suggestions for cords, edgings and fringes. even though i have an extremely healthy bead book and magazine collection, i found many useful ideas for cords (one in a technique i hadn't seen before), fringes (with silhouettes of various shapes possible with fringe), and other applications. the projects have a nice range of skill level and variety--not just jewelry, but other uses, such as an embellished box, a scissors keep and a fringed key chain. the projects are not large or to time consuming, but they are well-thought-out and beautiful. the gallery is incredible. the photos are generally clear and the beadwork is positioned for best viewing. the text is informative, and ms. davis frequently includes information on how a stitch can go wrong and how to avoid or correct the mistake (very very very helpful!). it really is a must have for beaders, as is her first book, _the complete guide to beading techniques_. if this doesn't get your creative juices flowing, you may be comatose!
Rating:
Summary: useful AND inspirational
Review: the previous reviewer hit all the highpoints. the charts are wonderful. i particularly appreciate the charts for beaded crochet, since i haven't been able to find many (this is not to say that they aren't out there, just that i haven't found them). a very nice touch is the inclusion of a color key for each chart--you can see at a glance what colors are needed. there are several sections, including instructions and suggestions for cords, edgings and fringes. even though i have an extremely healthy bead book and magazine collection, i found many useful ideas for cords (one in a technique i hadn't seen before), fringes (with silhouettes of various shapes possible with fringe), and other applications. the projects have a nice range of skill level and variety--not just jewelry, but other uses, such as an embellished box, a scissors keep and a fringed key chain. the projects are not large or to time consuming, but they are well-thought-out and beautiful. the gallery is incredible. the photos are generally clear and the beadwork is positioned for best viewing. the text is informative, and ms. davis frequently includes information on how a stitch can go wrong and how to avoid or correct the mistake (very very very helpful!). it really is a must have for beaders, as is her first book, _the complete guide to beading techniques_. if this doesn't get your creative juices flowing, you may be comatose!
Rating:
Summary: Exactly as Titled
Review: This is a beader's reference book, full of great patterns for several types of stitches (brick, peyote, herringbone, crochet, etc.). It's not an instructional book, though it does include instructions for a couple of tubular stitches. Great pictures, great designs, and a great bargain when you consider the price of an individual pattern.
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