I'm no dummy!
Written: Jun 20 '07
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Good reference book for beginners. Use a highlighter to mark pertinent instructions.
Cons: Very few color photos, uninspired design, some sloppiness in technique examples.
The Bottom Line: Buy this Dummies book only if you are looking for a beading reference manual. Me, I'd rather invest in an annual subscription to a good beading magazine instead.
|
|
|
| lynnzop's Full Review: Heather Dismore - Jewelry Making & Beading for Dum... |
First off, I'm not sure why this book is listed as being authored by Catherine Siroka. The Dummies author is Heather Dinsmore, and the creative consultant is Tammy Powley. Just wanted to set that straight if you are looking for this book via the author!
On to the review.
A young friend on one of my beading forums always has these words of advice for new beaders: “Buy Beading For Dummies! You’ll love it!” She’s very enthusiastic, and recommends this installment in the Dummies series as one of her favorite beading books.
So that’s Sara Jo’s reference. Mine is a little less enthusiastic, but I will say I do recommend Jewelry Making and Beading for Dummies as an okay starter and reference manual. It makes good reading if you are wondering how to get started. There are some great checklists and definitions of different styles of jewelry making and beading. And I did learn some things when I read through the book, like some knot techniques that I wanted to know how to do, and some general design tips.
I do have some caveats that go along with that recommendation, however. I’m not thrilled enough with Jewelry Making and Beading for Dummies ($19.99 US, $28.99 Canadian) to give it a heartfelt thumbs up.
Content of the book:
328 pages (not including Index) that include sections on tools, supplies, bead definitions, how to set up a workshop, jewelry making techniques, using beads for home décor, and tips on selling jewelry. Each section and chapter are set up per the “Dummies” standard - side bar tips and pointers that will help you identify key items. Hand-drawn illustrations and black and white photos assist in demonstrating key concepts. A center section has glossy color photos of some of the finished ideas.
It’s basic information that reads like a friendly text book. So why do I not jump up and down over Jewelry Making and Beading for Dummies? For one thing, the color photos are sparse and not with the projects they illustrate - they are in a section in the center of the book. For me, beading and jewelry making are all about color and texture, and you just don’t get that in the grainy, black and white photos that litter most of the book.
Additionally, Powley’s designs are, for the most part, uninspired and dull. I know the book is targeted toward beginners, and primarily stringing, but there isn’t anything exciting or new to look at. In addition, wire techniques are sloppy and uncovered crimps appear to be flattened with a chain nose pliers instead of using a crimping pliers.
If you like the Dummies series, and you desire to drop almost $20 on a reference book, you may enjoy or find value in Jewelry Making and Beading for Dummies. I’d suggest that you use a highlighter when you read it to mark pertinent sections, because there is some good instructional material.
However, if you are looking for inspiration and project ideas that will have you running to a bead store for supplies, stick with a good beading magazine like Step by Step Beads or BeadStyle.
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
lynnzop
|
 - Top 1000 |
|
Member: Lynn Kvigne
Location: The Great Midwest
Reviews written: 101
Trusted by: 72 members
About Me:
Publisher of BeadingHelpWeb.com
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.