20-Minute Crafts Beading

April 15, 2006
The instructions are remarkably simple: a pictorial glossary of beads, stringing materials, findings, and tools, followed by the basic how-to's, such as double knotting, crimping, and attaching the end cap. What remains are more than 50 projects, all in color, all with step-by-step directions, and, usually, suggested variations and notes (for instance, for ankle bracelets use wire to make them stiffer). Jewelry predominates, featuring such items as a ladybug illusion choker, a floating--cabochon hair accessory, and a macrame bracelet. A much smaller retinue to fashion is found in accessories, such as rhinestone flip-flops and many different personalized bookmarks. The beginnings of innovation, at any age, are always a good thing.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2006, American Library Association.)