The Jewelry Jackpot sale is right around the corner (May 3-14), and we have something for every budget and style! We also have plenty of supplies for the DIY jewelry maker, whether you're creating pieces for fun, to give as gifts, or to bring in a little extra income.
Are you looking to add bead embroidery to your repertoire? You're in luck! Manager Sarah M has over 30 years of jewelry making experience. She used that experience to put together a list of the best bead embroidery books and tutorials out there -- along with some examples of what you can make once you master the basic techniques.
(Pendant by Sarah M. Photography by John M.)
Books
(Beginner)
(Available at the library) Beading With Cabochons by Jamie Cloud Eakin.
The Art Of Bead Embroidery by Sherry Serafini and Heidi Kummli
(Intermediate through advanced)
Dimensional Bead Embroidery by Jamie Cloud Eakin.
(Available at the library) Sensational Bead Embroidery by Sherry Serafini.
(Available at the library) Bead Embroidery Jewelry Projects by Jamie Cloud Eakin.
Inspired Bead Embroidery by Sherry Serafini.
(Necklace by Sarah M. Photo by John M.)
Videos
Beadaholique's bead embroidery playlist. Start from the bottom of the list and work your way up!
Bead Embroidery 101 by Beaded Jewelry Diva.
(Note: there are two basic ways to create a bezel for a stone/cabochon. Beadaholique features the woven bezel, and Beaded Jewelry Diva features the backstitch bezel. The backstitch bezel is easier to learn, but both are important basic techniques for holding stones and found objects in place.)
(Earrings by Sarah M. Photo by John M.)
Artists
Sherry Serafini and Jamie Cloud Eakin are some of the most talented artists and educators in the beading world -- and, honestly, some of the nicest people you could hope to meet. Looking for more inspiration? Here are a few more beading rock stars:
Bead embroidery is a beautiful, fun, and versatile art form. While the basic techniques are fairly easy to learn and you can do a lot with a few simple stitches, the best part about it is... there's always something new! A new stitch, a new way to capture a stone, a new book or tutorial, or even a new type of bead.
In short? It's hard to be bored with beads! Give bead embroidery a try, and we're sure you'll feel the same way.
(And if you get stuck? Stop by and see Sarah -- she'd be more than happy to help you out.)
Stay creative,
-- The Idea Store