Decorative Beads

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Buy it! - Rated
I first saw this book when I borrowed it from the library. I kept it for 5 weeks and, unable to live without it, just had to buy. At first glance, it might seem basic, even 'obvious', but there are little nuggets of gold here. For one thing, it covers the widest range of techniques I've seen in a bead book of this size. Stringing, knotting, macrame, chain, wirework and bead weaving are all here. The tone is friendly and instructive - never patronising or rigid. Projects are often shown in different colourways or bead types, which is inspiring. The only, minor, downside is that, although Sara gives a list of useful suppliers in the book, there are no actual stockists for each project. However, since the book was first published in 2000, that's probably just as well. Readers are encouraged to use their own favourite beads and colours to create something unique.