When I was a kid, I used to spend most of my summers planted in a lawn chair with a pile of books. I don't have the luxury of that kind of a summer reading list now, but I did get a chance to browse three great beading books recently. The first is Krystal Wick's " Fabulous Fabric Beads "...

Here at BeadStyle , we've started the celebration for the release of Cathy's new book, Hip Handmade Memory Jewelry . (And here she is opening one of our gifts, in her lovely office.) Cathy says that writing the book gave her a reason to explore her collection of mementos and family photos. She...

Most jewelry books I see at BeadStyle and Bead&Button are of the how-to variety, nothing like my latest read, The necklace: Thirteen women and the experiment that transformed their lives . But how could I resist a title like that? This true story began in 2004 when Jonell McLain spotted a gorgeous...

Even though I have every issue of BeadStyle , it's satisfying to pick up the annual hardcover compilations of projects. Easy Beading, Volume 4 looks great! We have over 50 designers in one place — something we could never accomplish within 140 pages in a regular issue. Easy Beading is arranged by...

Over 100 beading ideas are presented in Vigdis Mo Johansen’s book, Bead Tempted . The book is organized mainly by color, though there is a section devoted to tools and materials, pearls, types of jewelry, and a list of suppliers — especially useful for readers in the UK and Europe. I’m fond of the ring...

I'm going on a much-needed vacation later this week, reconnecting with college friends in northern California. While I'm there, I'll also be doing two book signings. On Friday, November 9, I'll be at Craft Gym in San Francisco, a studio where you can knit, sew, make soap, and do other...

Hey beaders, here's your chance to let everyone know your jewelry thoughts: Post a review of Cool Jewels: Beading Projects for Teens on Amazon and enter to win a vintage bracelet kit. The kit has all the supplies you'll need to make a bracelet like the one on the cover — including hand-picked...

I've been reading 52 Projects: Random Acts of Everyday Creativity . It's a cool book with ideas about how to express your creativity. The author, Jeffrey Yamaguchi, thinks that creativity begets creativity. That energy for one project will give you energy for other projects. I've been thinking...

If you have an idea for a fun jewelry book showing how to make your projects, consider submitting it to Kalmbach’s books department. They’re looking for authors who can write clear instructions to go with their beautiful jewelry. Having done a book (Cool Jewels: Beading Projects for Teens just got published...