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Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing ... Not what I expected from the reviews
Review: I have to take exception to the reader reviews of this book. I ordered the book based on these reviews, but now that I have it in my hand, I find that I'm very disappointed. While the book design and layout are fine, and many of the beads are interesting, I found the projects to be disappointing. For the beginning beader, this book may provide some inspiration, although I think the instructions are very sketchy, at best. I'm still searching for a good design book on beading. In the meantime, I do like "All Wired Up" by Mark Lareau -- the gallery of jewelry designs at the end of his book are great!!
Rating: 
Summary: excellent, innovative
Review: I've been collecting beads, making jewelery and reading bead books since 1970 and Sara Withers' "Exotic Beads" is far and away the best bead book for the design of necklaces, bracelets and earrings I have ever seen. The designs range from simple to complex, the photographs are large and clear and the instructions are detailed and easy to follow. The book begins with an introduction to the history of beads and beading followed by sections on tools, equipment and findings, followed by a long section on "techniques" including finishing, weaving, using wire, beadwork, loomwork and making cords and braids. The 45 designs are presented next each with a list of supplies and step-by-step instructions. Many different artists contributed work to this book which is one of the best things about it -- you get to see a wide variety of materials and designs all exquisitely photographed. An excellent book for all persons interested in beading, from beginners to experts.
Rating:
Summary: Exquisite ethnic designs
Review: Oh my gosh, what beautiful jewelry pieces! This is the best jewelry book by Sara Withers that I have yet seen. The title lives up to its name because the beads used and the designs all have an exotic, ethnic look. Each chapter focuses on designs representing a particular culture, i.e., Native American, Europe, Middle East, Far East, and Africa, the pieces having an updated, sophisticated look. There is a good beginning section with explanations and illustrations for basic jewelry-making techniques such as wirework, threading, finishing, and a beginner may be able to get started with these, although I always think it's extremely helpful to see it done in person first. In addition to the basic techniques, each piece is shown in full color double-page photography so you can see the details, and each piece has its own instructions. The layout of instructions is done differently than most bead books: each step of the instructions has an arrow connecting it to the part of the jewelry piece it is referring to, and this is helpful, but being scattered about the page, your eyes have to roam around to find step 1, step 2, etc. The designs are on the complex side; most of them require multiple strands of thread and therefore are more time-consuming than simple one-stranded necklaces. However, the results are attention-getting. Be prepared for requests from people who see them to buy your creations!
Rating:
Summary: Exquisite ethnic designs
Review: Oh my gosh, what beautiful jewelry pieces! This is the best jewelry book by Sara Withers that I have yet seen. The title lives up to its name because the beads used and the designs all have an exotic, ethnic look. Each chapter focuses on designs representing a particular culture, i.e., Native American, Europe, Middle East, Far East, and Africa, the pieces having an updated, sophisticated look. There is a good beginning section with explanations and illustrations for basic jewelry-making techniques such as wirework, threading, finishing, and a beginner may be able to get started with these, although I always think it's extremely helpful to see it done in person first. In addition to the basic techniques, each piece is shown in full color double-page photography so you can see the details, and each piece has its own instructions. The layout of instructions is done differently than most bead books: each step of the instructions has an arrow connecting it to the part of the jewelry piece it is referring to, and this is helpful, but being scattered about the page, your eyes have to roam around to find step 1, step 2, etc. The designs are on the complex side; most of them require multiple strands of thread and therefore are more time-consuming than simple one-stranded necklaces. However, the results are attention-getting. Be prepared for requests from people who see them to buy your creations!
Rating:
Summary: Disappointing ... Not what I expected from the reviews
Review: This is the best bead book that you could want. Even if you don't want to make your own beads, the photos of the most exotic necklaces you could imagine will make you want to just gaze throughout the book over and over again. A really great inspiration.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Bead Book You Would Ever Want
Review: This is the best bead book that you could want. Even if you don't want to make your own beads, the photos of the most exotic necklaces you could imagine will make you want to just gaze throughout the book over and over again. A really great inspiration.
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