Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Hip to Bead: 32 Contemporary Projects for Today’s Beader
Nonfiction Craft Book
For ages 14 and up
Interweave Press, 2006 ISBN: 978-1931499958
Making beautiful things with your own hands can be extremely rewarding. In this day and age when we buy so much of what we use in our everyday lives, it feels special when we make something artistic and creative ourselves. One craft form which people of all ages can enjoy is beading. It is not hard to learn how to string beads, bend wire and make all kinds of bracelets, earrings, necklaces, hair decorations and more.
To begin with you will learn about some of the different kinds of beads that there are available, the “components” that you will need to make jewelry, and the tools that are used when making the projects.
Next you will begin the process of learning how to string beads, how to bend wire, and how to use jump rings, clasps and chain. You will do this by completing easy yet interesting projects. The author has designed these projects in such a way that readers will find that there is plenty of room for them to exercise their creative muscles. Boxes on every page offer readers tips on how to make the process easier and ideas on how they can make truly unique creations.
As you work your way through the book, the projects become more complex and challenging. The designs are varied enough that there is sure to be something here for everyone. From more traditional beaded necklaces to more modern knotted hemp items, this is a book which will invite crafters of all ages to try a highly gratifying new hobby.
