The Art of Beaded Beads by Jean Campbell (2006, Hardcover)

It’s not very often that I find a book so exciting and inspiring that I am compelled to put it down and try a technique I’ve just read about. The Art of Beaded Beads is one of those rare books that just makes you want to rush to your studio or workroom and create.

Beginning with a chapter (“Basics”) on materials and tools (you certainly don’t need a lot in the way of tools to make these beaded beads), stitching techniques and bead handling hints compose the rest of the first chapter.

I consider myself an experienced bead and jewelry maker. The “Basics” chapter was still very useful with hints and tips, clear drawings, crisp photographs and idea-filled sidebars that will help make the time you spend on your beadwork more fun and productive and the beaded beads you produce as beautiful as you want them to be.

The rest of this lovely book is the work of 23 talented and inspiring bead designers, each contributing to the 40 projects in the book with their own unique style. Especially beautiful are the Bubble Wrap Bead by Marissa McConnell, the Tablet Bead by Christine Prussing, and the Bird’s Nest Bead by Gillian Lamb. Interspersed with the projects are gallery pages that offer more inspiration.

The bead designs vary from ethnic (Kiffa Beads) to high-tech (Industrial-Strength Bead) to classic (Crystal Ball Bead)., By just changing the colors or color order in each of the designs you can create entirely new looks in a particular bead design.