THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

The last few years have seen an explosion of all sorts of unique multi-hole beads which have delighted beaders everywhere. Clearly the Czech bead manufacturers are on a roll. But inspirational tutorials on how to use them still lag behind the myriad ...

Book Review and Giveaway : Exquisite Stitching with Multi-Hole Beads  More Recent Articles Book Review and Giveaway : Exquisite Stitching with Multi-Hole Beads The last few years have seen an explosion of all sorts of unique multi-hole beads which have delighted beaders everywhere. Clearly the Czech bead manufacturers are on a roll. But inspirational tutorials on how to use them still lag behind the myriad bead types now available.  So I was intrigued when I received Exquisite Stitching with Multi-Hole Beads from Kalmbach Publishing for review. The designer and author, Renee Kovnesky, is a seasoned bead instructor behind the Etsy store,  Elegance by Renee.  What she did was select 25 different kinds of multi-hole beads and created 25 original designs with them.  Interestingly, she also grouped them into 5 categories based on their general shapes as shown in the chart below.   I thought the round Piggy and cone shaped Tipp beads could have swapped positions but it is a minor point in what is an excellent selection of popular beads as well as some lesser known ones.  The designer clearly saw the potential in the latter.  The book contains necklaces, bracelets and earrings but no ring designs. A few of the designs are simpler in construction but all are within the capabilities of most beaders. I have chosen some of my favorites from this book. What struck me was the designer's love of color. The Moonlight Evening bracelet is a fine example of how greens and purples go well together.  Plain two hole Cabochon beads combined with dragonscale beads  - the latter was not included in the chart - and crystals made this design pop!  Beadwork is often flat but the more dimensional beads like Pyramid beads add height and visual interest to designs like this bracelet : The Pearls on Parade necklace uses double holed Candy beads.  As these beads are flat on the bottom, the necklace will have better contact on the skin than round pearls would. Hex Pyramid beads are cleverly and beautifully framed with seed and bugle beads : The Moon Flower bracelet shows this designer's creativity. Here she grouped Crescent beads for a bold look.  Who would have thought that Piggy beads - so named for the snouts of these farm animals - could be instrumental in the creation of the really pretty Sweet Pea necklace?  The double holes of these beads are not visible in the finished design so the beads resemble pearls. You could not create a design like this with ordinary round single hole pearls. The creativity of the author is outstanding.  The book contains so many inspirational and pretty designs, all of which are sure to send beaders hunting for the featured beads in their favorite bead stores. A worthy addition to beadweaving libraries.  If you are in a beading rut, then this book is for you! Giveaway If you'd like to win this giveaway for a copy of Exquisite Stitching with Multi-Hole Beads, please make a comment below. Make sure you leave contact info below if you do not have an online shop or blog. Email subscribers need to scroll down the post they receive, click on Share Comment and enter your comment. Pick Name/URL. If you don't have a store or blog, leave the URL blank. This giveaway is international. The book will be a physical copy if the winner is based in the US. Otherwise, it will be an ebook. Extra entries if you become or are a blog subscriber or follower etc. If you also do shout outs about this giveaway, those will count as additional entries too! Please say so in the comments. (The exception is Facebook - just like/comment on the giveaway status there!!) It ends in a week's time at 6 pm EST Monday, January 8 , 2018. I will pick the winner randomly and announce the results as soon as possible after. So be sure to leave a contact email if you don't have an online link or make sure you come back and check! Otherwise I will redraw in a week. Good luck! Disclosure I receive books and products for review.  I do receive a small fee for any products purchased through affiliate links which are provided as resource information for readers.   This goes towards the support of this blog. The opinions expressed are solely my own.  They would be the same whether or not I receive any compensation. Before You Go: Book Review - Beadweaving Beyond the Basics Book Review - Textured Bead Embroidery Book Review - Metallic Bead Splendor ______________________________ Original Post by THE BEADING GEM Jewelry Making Tips - Wire JewelryTips  -Jewelry Business Tips           Share Your Comment! Share Your Comment! Related Posts Beaded Chevron Bracelet Tutorial has Inner Bead Layer Flat Bead Crochet Bracelet Tutorial Uses Double Sided Tape Inside! 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