Review
"These projects represent the very best of Diane's extensive technical knowledge when it comes to crafting beaded jewelry. There are knotting projects, beadweaving projects and assemblage projects that use some basic wire skills to create. Not all of the projects are technically challenging for an advanced beader, but they are most inspiring. In the Buddhist tradition of getting back to a 'beginner's mind,' some of these projects will provide a wonderful and welcome break when you just want to bead something beautiful. If you want to expand your general jewelry-making skills to include work with fibers, fabric, and knotting, this is the book for you. Diane has really allowed herself to develop as an artist over the course of her career, and this book is a delightful compilation of all the skills and techniques she has mastered along the way. For any serious bead artist looking for something new to try, Diane Fitzgerald's Favorite Beading Projects will provide hours of enjoyable beading projects." - Jennifer VanBenschoten, Van Beads
"The appealing variety of styles, techniques and materials on the cover are indicative of the lovely, feminine and colorful projects found inside. Diane's designs are lush with seed beads but she also uses beads in other shapes and materials. There is a range of skill levels but truly anyone familiar with beading can make everything in the book. The projects have wonderfully clear illustrations and well written, step by step instructions. The photos are nice and large, making it easy to see the beads, read the tutorials, and follow the illustrations. It is not every day you have the chance to get the inside scoop from a master, let alone one who shares your own passion. Diane Fitzgerald is such a worthy mentor for anyone who makes, wears, or simply appreciates the art of beadwork." - Leslie Rogalski, Sleepless Beader
"What a wonderful concept ... a collection of favorite projects taught by author Diane Fitzgerald over a span of several years! The projects included range from beginner to advanced and cover a wide range of techniques and styles. Flipping through it, my eyes are tickled by the wonderful colorful photography, and as a beader I am ... inspired by the beauty and uniqueness of each piece. Diane has put together a strong body of work here, and I recommend this book if you are running low on inspiration! My favorite project is Tie-One-On, one of the prettiest pieces I've seen using shells and knotting." - Lorelei Eurto
"I was surprised at how many of the projects in this book were not overly complicated, so there is a range here are far as required skill level. For jewelry makers who only have a little beadweaving or stringing experience, you will find a number of projects that you can very easily make. Intermediate and advanced jewelry makers will have little trouble making any of the designs in this book.
As far as designs, they are not the type of beadwoven jewelry that is more of an art statement than a piece of jewelry you could comfortably wear. These are fashionable and wearable." (5-star review) - Tammy Powley, About.com Jewelry Making
"Diane Fitzgerald is very well known in the beading community; she's been writing books and helping beaders learn new techniques for years. This collection of her favorite projects is a great resource for people who are just starting with bead weaving. The projects are dramatic, wearable, and use a variety of stitches that are diagrammed well enough for a beginner to follow. Each of the projects has complete instructions. So instead of an introduction providing an overview of materials and techniques, it starts with an introduction to Diane Fitzgerald and her contributions to the beading community written by another notable luminary, Jean Campbell. Then it gets straight into the projects. Starting for absolute beginners is the One to Many Strand Necklace, which is an older project of Diane's that works just wonderfully with today's trend for statement necklaces. The many strands are dense, heavy with seed beads, and well balanced by graduated beads in the 'one strand' part. Then the projects get more complicated: ropes worked around cord cores, peyote, netting, brick stitch and square stitch, hexagonal weaving and other stitches. My favorite projects in this book are: Apple Blossom Necklace, a netted tube worked over a core and accented with a bead embellished ribbon flower; Button Doll Ornament - this little button man reminds me of necklaces I strung for my daughter when she was little, (with) a simple thread path to make something adorable; Yao Necklace, a very dramatic looking necklace made in motifs which are square stitched; (and) Shimmering Waves - super easy peyote variation that makes a gorgeous necklace. One of the things I like best about this book is the supplies for the necklaces are very easy to find. Very standard bead types make it a project book that's very accessible. A good bead store should have everything you need except for some supplies you might need to find at a craft or fabric store." - Shala Kerrigan, BellaOnline.com
"Diane's work speaks for itself. Who would want to miss a one-on-one beading lesson with Diane through the wonderful projects in her book?" - Craft Gossip
"Each of Diane's books is a gem. This one is no exception. There are two dozen varied projects in the book. Want some fancy stringing? It's in here. How about an elegant crystal necklace fit for a queen? Are you wanting to make a collection of little flower baskets to wear pinned to your spring jacket? How about at least 9 variations to go with several jackets? Or maybe you think life is a bowl of cherries and you want something 3D to wear to prove it? Whatever style you may be looking for — elegant, whimsical or classic — you should be able to find something that will become your favorite. OK ... maybe more than one. Fine, you got me ... at least a dozen if not more. All projects are beautifully photographed. Directions are clearly illustrated. So go buy this book!" - Sig Wynne-Evans, The Beaded Bear
"I think this is a very well thought out book ... even a little sneaky, in a good way. Diane cleverly introduces seed beads by showing mouth-watering projects that take the reader from simple stringing designs into actual bead woven designs. I love smart people and smart things, and I can honestly say Diane and this book fall into those categories. If you have ever looked at seed beads or bead weaving and thought 'I can't do that,' buy this book! If you know someone who has drooled over your designs and said 'I could never do that,' buy them this book! The designs are delightful and temptingly easy enough for a beginner." - Mikki Ferrugiaro, The Beaded Carpet
"Diane Fitzgerald states in the introduction that she started down this interesting and rewarding path over 20 years ago. How fortunate we fellow beaders are that she followed this journey. As I viewed the many pages of captivating projects ... her sense of balance, color, and use of materials demonstrate a wonderful eye for design. She incorporates seed beads and large and small beads in a myriad of colors and shapes. The instructions are very well defined with no questions left unanswered. Overall, this is a very exciting book. Diane Fitzgerald, as a wonderful teacher and influence, has once again whet our appetite to add to our stash of beads and go for it!" - Razine Wenneker, Rite-It blog
Praise for Diane Fitzgerald's Shaped Beadwork:
"The illustrations are clear, the instructions concise, and there are lots of inspirational photos throughout. For anyone interested in understanding geometric beadwork, this book is a must-have." - Bead&Button magazine
About the Author
Diane Fitzgerald is one of the most popular beadwork designers in the world. She is the author of 11 books, including the best-selling
Diane Fitzgerald's Shaped Beadwork, and numerous magazine articles. She is a 2012 Designer of the Year for
Beadwork magazine; a Swarovski Ambassador; and the recipient of the 2011 Spun Gold Award from the Textile Center of Minnesota for her significant contributions to the field of fiber art. Her work is featured in the book
Masters: Beadweaving.
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful.
Add this to your bead book library!
By Mona Isaacs
Diane Fitzgerald's Favorite Beading Projects is another great addition to my bead book library. This book includes projects with a range of techniques and skill levels so its a good choice for anyone looking for some inspiration. The directions are exactly what we have come to expect from Diane - very easy to follow with great tips included.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful.
Fun projects, well diagrammed, great book for beginning beadweavers
By Shala Kerrigan
Diane Fitzgerald is very well known in the beading community, she's been writing books and helping beaders learn new techniques for years.
This collection of her favorite projects is a great resource for people who are just starting with bead weaving. The projects are dramatic, wearable and use a variety of stitches that are diagrammed well enough for a beginner to follow.
Each of the projects has complete instructions. So instead of an introduction providing an overview of materials and techniques, it starts with an introduction to Diane Fitzgerald and her contributions to the beading community written by another notable luminary, Jean Campbell. Then it gets straight into the projects.
Starting for absolute beginners is the One to Many Strand Necklace, which is an older project of Diane's that works just wonderfully with today's trend for statement necklaces. The many strands are dense and heavy with seed beads, and well balanced by graduated beads in the "one strand" part.
Then the projects get more complicated, ropes worked around cord cores, peyote, netting, brick stitch and square stitch, hexagonal weaving and other stitches.
My favorite projects in this book are:
Apple Blossom Necklace- A netted tube worked over a core and accented with a bead embellished ribbon flower
Button Doll Ornament- this little button man reminds me of necklaces I strung for my daughter when she was little. A simple thread path to make something adorable
Yao Necklace- A very dramatic looking necklace made in motifs which are square stitched
Shimmering Waves - Super easy peyote variation that makes a gorgeous necklace
One of the things I like best about this book is the supplies for the necklaces are very easy to find. Very standard bead types make it a project book that's very accessible. A good bead store should have everything you need except for some supplies you might need to find at a craft or fabric store.
Advanced beaders who want more of a challenge might be happier with Diane Fitzgerald's Shaped Beadwork or Maggie Meister's Classical Elegance.
[I received a complimentary copy of the book to review on my bead site- BellaOnline Beadwork. My reviews are always my honest opinion]
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful.
Get Excited!
By Bequia Bird
This is an excellent book. With 24 fabulous projects, easy-to-follow instructions and a photo gallery, it is a wealth of beading ideas and instructions. I have successfully completed several of the projects in this book, and have never been disappointed. The projects vary broadly in style and complexity, so whether you are a novice or experienced beadier, you are sure to find something here to get excited about!
http://astore.amazon.com/amazon-book-books-20/detail/1600599222
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