Bead Selector's Bible: The Complete Guide to Choosing and Using More than 600 Beautiful Beads, from Cut-Glass Teardrops to Wooden Spheres and Ceramic Cubes

Jun 06

In the Bead Selector's book is a close-up photo which shows just about all the beads you could imagine. Guidance for use comes with a ready-reckoner to help calculate the number needed for your project. The book is divided into sections according to the material the beads are made from: precious metal, clay, plastic etc.

Newsletter, No. 82 Mar 06

Feature by author (2 pages) about how she came to write the book.

Mar 06

Beadwork has probably never been more popular than it is now, and the choice of beads to work with is huge - but where do you begin? How do you know what beads to select for your project, and can you tell just by looking at a bead what thread to use or what it is suitable for? If the answer is no, perhaps you need this book.

You won't find any projects for using beads in this book, although there are some lovely illustrations of work. What it does tell you is what is out there, and what you can do with it. At the beginning is a handy double page spread showing you how to use the book, and then it is on with the beads. These are categorized broadly by what they are made of (eg glass, plastic, wood, semi-precious etc) and each bead type is given a number. Find out what size hole to expect, what you are advised to use for stringing, how much the bead weighs and what sizes it comes in. A small inset even shows you a couple of choices of other beads that go well with it, so your designing has been given a kick start. I thought I knew what was out there being a keen beader myself but I had a few surprises. Beads made of felt and chewing gum (not both together), and the findings section at the end was particularly useful, as is the list of suppliers for anybody who lives in the UK, USA, Australia or New Zealand. Useful and unusual, the ideal gift for the beader in your life.

Dec 06/Jan 07

I am new to beading and was getting confused by all the different beads available so this book was great for me. I only wish I had it before I went to my first bead show - I might have known a bit more about what I was buying.

This seems a really good reference book for anyone to use to look up different beads, by shape or what they're made of for example, and learn a lot more about them. Each bead has a picture of that bead, size guides and information such as how to use them, what colours they come in and even what other beads you can mix them with. The design ideas are great for me as I'm still learning what beads go nicely together and I think this will help me in my designs. As a beginner I would definitely use this book and I think that more advanced beaders would also find it useful as it has lots of information you will not know. I really liked the fact that it includes all sorts of beads, even plastic ones and ones made from natural materials such as nits and horn. It also has a section on findings and even a bit on buying beads that made a good read.

Sarah Jennard

Issue 41

This unique visual reference guide provides all the information you need to choose the perfect bead for every project, from jewellery and bead crafts to patchwork embellishment, accessories and home decor. With 634 different beads to choose from, there is surely something here to suit your requirements. Elise includes suggestions for mixing with other beads, supplier information and advice on buying beads in-store and on-line.