Photo courtesy of Interweave Press

Book Review, December 2005 Getting Started Stringing Beads by Jean Campbell hardbound, 96 pages $16.95 US, $22.95 Canada. Published by Interweave Press link to Interweave Press page for this book Rating: 3 stars (out of 4)

As the title suggests, the Getting Started series of books is designed for people who have no prior knowledge of the subject. The first in this series, Getting Started Stringing Beads is a good introduction to beads and how to make simple jewelry designs using the stringing techniques taught in the book. The author, Jean Campbell, is also the co-author of the highly popular Beader's Companion book, and some of the same topics that are covered in that book are also covered here. Where the Beader's Companion is styled as a reference book, however, Getting Started Stringing Beads is more of a how-to and project book, and so the author discusses each of the topics in more depth.

Topics in the book include shopping for beads and materials used in stringing, as well as a short section on bead types. Then the book starts into techniques and some of the basic design possibilities for stringing beads into necklaces and bracelets. A few projects round out the book. While I think the author does a good job with the basics, there are some topics she covers that I felt could be given a little more detail. She introduces wirework because of its usefullness in creating pendants and earring drops, but I don't think the instructions are quite detailed enough for a beginner to be able to easily master the techniques. I would have preferred to see a little more in the way of stringing techniques or projects, saving the wirework for another time. (In fact, the second book in this series, Getting Started Making Wire Jewelry and More, does a wonderful job teaching basic wirework skills, so I don't think it was necessary to try and fit it into this book.)

In general, a good book for beginning beaders. I think this book in combination with the Getting Started Making Wire Jewelry and More book would be perfect for those just getting started who are interested in learning about making jewelry with beads.

General Information about the authors and publisher

Jean Campbell is founding editor of Beadwork magazine, and has written and edited several bead books for Interweave Press, including The Beader's Companion (1998), Beaded Cords, Straps and Fringe (2001), and the Beadwork Creates series. Jean first used beads as embellishment to her fine arts, furniture, and product designs, and once she caught bead fever she never recovered. Jean lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In business since 1975, Interweave Press publishes magazines and books related to fiber, thread, needlework, and beads. Throughout Interweave's evolution, its publications have focused on natural materials and processes, a respect for doing, and an appreciation of the fine, simple things in life. Interweave publishes six magazines including Beadwork, Handwoven, Interweave Knits, PieceWork, Spin·Off, and Fiberarts. Interweave is dedicated to creating a resource for its readers to find the best information in their field of interest, the latest news, the best products, the newest techniques, and the history behind the techniques.

Back to Review index