At last a bead book to review that I have actually used quite a lot! Lark Books published 'Beaded Fantasies' last year to instant acclaim. One of the 'Masters' series it has 30 projects within its covers, and what projects they are! Among my favourites are the Granada brooch (and I know others love it too: I can't tell you how many different versions I have seen. it seems to work in just about any colours!) and the Scheherezade pendant. Whilst the projects are, in general, exceedingly sparkly, Sabine's fondness for using firepolished Czech beads means they are not quite as financially crippling as they look (except that it is difficult to resist making several different colourways for each project). Swarovski crystals are also much used, but in ways to maximise their impact. The unique bezeling technique developed by Sabine means that the majority of a rivoli or chaton is showing rather than hidden by peyote.
This book is a great jumping off point for explorations in beadwork, particularly using Right Angle Weave. The final chapter is called 'Sabination Nation' and describes the processes involved in Sabine's designing. I was encouraged by this to try some variations on the themes in the book and am particularly pleased with the spiky Scheherezades. Here is my latest version:
Overall, this is a book which will appeal to experienced beaders, as well as those with an intermediate understanding of basic techniques. Although some projects can be demanding and require careful tension they are clearly explained. There are a few errors in my edition so it is worth contacting the author if you find something is not working. My one reservation is that several steps are usually combined in one figure, so that if you are more guided by illustrations you may need to spend time working out the order of steps. Reading the written instructions as well is probably the way to go!
I LOVE your spiky creation!! I love all of your creations, of course, but spikes make me grin. So 'rebel' iykwim, and fun. :)
ReplyDeleteOh yes IKWYM! it is fun to use spikes to subvert an otherwise 'safe' design!
DeleteCatherine, thank you so much for joining in with Bead, Book & Bounce. I look forward to your reviews, because you always cover exactly what I'd want to know. How good are the instructions? And can I make any of the projects without taking out a loan?
ReplyDeleteI'm also really pleased that someone with as much beading prowess as you felt the instructions were a little difficult to work with - that makes me feel so much better about my first, fumbling efforts!
And I'm glad someone else was as inspired by the final chapter xx
Thank you Clair!
DeleteI hope this kind of review helps people to decide if the projects would be achievable for them. It is difficult to keep it brief but also informative! Having a number of different reviews to bounce around can only help, so thanks again for organising this exercise.
Fab spiky Scheherezade Catherine. Good to know that the projects don't all use supper expensive beads too.
ReplyDeleteGemxxx