Create Jewelry Crystals: Dazzling Designs to Make and Wear - Softcover

April/May 08 This is a really beautiful book with lots of great projects and ideas. I usually work with seed beads so was worried at first that it was mainly going to be stringing or wirework but in the end I found it was a great mix and a lot of the projects are now on my to-do list. The only downside was that a lot of the instructions were just words so I don't know if a complete beginner may find this a problem, but I didn@t and a relatively new beader I showed it to didn't either. Stephanie Day * Bead *

Crystals are a favorite design element in the jewelry designer's toolbox. Following in the footsteps of Create Jewelry: Pearls, Create Jewelry: Crystals presents 20 stunning designs from the editors of Beadwork magazine that showcase crystals. All projects are glamorous, fashionable, and represent a rich variety of ways to use these gemlike beads. In addition, they range in difficulty from easy stringing pieces to more challenging seed bead weaving designs.

Beautiful photos are accompanied by step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow so readers can create these original designs. Crystal lovers will also learn crystal basics, the difference between manmade glass crystals and rock crystal, plus entertaining tidbits about this specialty bead. The book is divided into three main sections. "Classic" features such pieces as a rich paisley brooch, a violet and topaz tapestry bracelet, and a midnight blue multistrand necklace for day or evening. From the "Special Occasion" section, beaders can choose a jewel-like bracelet, a showy cocktail ring, a necklace with pearly highlights, and much more. Finally, "Fashion Forward" designs mix trendy looks, such as a necklace pairing rock crystal and silver chunks, a layered necklace with a medieval spirit, and a lush bracelet dripping with crystal briolettes.

For most beaders, crystals are a top choice, no matter what their design style or skill level. The're going to love Create Jewelry: Crystals not only for the unique projects, but also to discover the many faces of crystals and the beads and findings that complement them.