Jewelry Designs with CzechMates Beads

Anna's Introduction says it all: "(She) used CzechMates beads to create components that can be used in various ways. . . . although a pattern might result in a bracelet, you can apply the skills you learn when creating your own designs." This books appeals to all levels of stitchers: from beginners to designers. It provides some lovely basic ways to connect these shaped beads. The examples are bracelets and pendants.I've beaded for a while now, taken a lot of classes. Most stitchers like small projects. A project that can be finished in one, maybe two sittings. This is what Anna has created. Projects that appeal to the vast majority of stitchers.BUT more experienced stitchers and designers know that a bracelet can become a necklace. That pendants and components can become the elements of a more sophisticated piece. The projects that Anna has created can become the basis for more sophisticated, glamorous, complex pieces. At the end of each project, there are Design Options. Use lentils instead of bars. Omit rows in a cuff. Add rows. Attach chain to create a necklace. Arrange components in different configurations. At the back of the book is a Gallery section. Anna shows you how she's taken the projects to the next level.Anna's projects are tools. She wants her projects to spark her readers' imaginations. And I think that's the best any teacher or book can do. Anna's book does it! Absolutely five stars!

Love the designs and instructions are clear!

Very simple as for beginning beaders but some fun patterns in it.

not what i was hoping for.

So, i got my copy in the mail today after ordering it on Prime day......huge disappointment from her quality pieces in her first (and my favorites)book. I should have checked further into this book before purchasing it. The only design i actually will probably make is the On The Edge bracelet on page 60, this is really interesting. The book is more of a "love of bangles" book or more for beginners just starting out. I guess i can give as a gift to one of my senior beading students. I ordered with another "new beading book" by another designer and it is EXACTLY what i was looking for in glamorous and gorgeous.

I found the instructions difficult to follow (I am an experienced beader). It was also very disappointing that the photography gave the illusion that the pieces were a lot chunkier and substantial than the reality.

Great book

A lovely book for working with CzechMate beads as the title suggests. The information on different bead types, beading tools and materials, selecting beading thread or cord for stitching and stringing, the different knots used, all the beading stitches starting with ladder stitch, herringbone stitch, bead netting, brick stitch, chevron chain, peyote stitch and Right Angle weave stitch, are all explained well with supporting figures. This will be helpful for beginners.There are fabulous designs for pendants, bangles and bracelets and one design for necklace with lentil beads. The instructions are very clear and supported with figures showing thread movement through the beads. At the end of every project, there is a design option, where the author has given options to use a different type of bead, or to reduce the number of seed beads to make a smaller version of the jewellery piece, which I think is very well thought out by the author. This will enable the beader to think further and innovate designs which are fulfilling. The book has something to offer to all beaders – beginners, casual beaders as well as professional beaders. Anna’s gallery is breathtaking with such amazing designs and vibrant colour combinations, beautifully captured by the camera. All in all, a great addition to my collection of books.