beautiful fashion

One of today's hottest and refreshingly inspirational jewelry designers, Claire Aristides, offers her expert knowledge in making fashion jewelry in this practical step-by-step guide. Packed with beautiful pieces to make and wear, Bejeweled offers a breathtaking range of classic and contemporary necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings. These original, feminine jewelry creations have been selected from Claire's stunning designs---more than thirty unashamedly sexy, glamorous and totally wearable acessories for every chosen occasion. The handmade pieces featured will see you through all seasons and all occasions: from pairing a topaz pendant necklace with a fresh summer dress for a casual day out, to making a pair of sparkly chandelier earrings for a formal wedding outfit.

Claire's personal passion for handmade excellence is echoed throughout the book in the simplicity of her jewelry, her love of mixing color and textures and her ability to choose the most alluring stones and materials; satin ribbon and suede make dramatic statements when teamed with crystals and wooden beads, while a topaz pendant mixes luxuriously with decorative gold adornments.

Claire offers firsthand advice on getting started, how to approach the designs and choose from the vast array of beads and materials available. She then gives invaluable instruction on how to accomplish the basics: how to make links and fastenings, string the different components onto a chain, and secure the finished pieces.

Within the "Jewelry Collection" itself, thirty step-by-step projects demonstrate a variety of skills for all levels including technical concepts such as wiring, making components, dyeing metal and beads, and working with different materials such as semiprecious stones, shell and cord. The beginner to the advanced can progress through the collection, from making a vintage pearl bracelet with a gunmetal chain and a pair of tourmaline teardrop earrings, to a Swarovski crystal pendant or a tiger's-eye ring. These are treasures to make and wear with pridepurchased this book through a book club without being able to look at it first. I may have purchased it anyway, but there are probably some other beading books better suited to my style than this one. The main reason being that artist uses metal chain more than I do in my work. Even so, there are a few design ideas (briole earrings and a chunky charm bracelet) that I may use for inspiration in my own jewelry.

The author provides some background information at the beginning that tells about the different types of beads, charms, etc that can be used in designs. There is also information about clasps, findings, tools, chain and thread that beaders may find useful. I found tidbits of information that were new to me. There are also a few pages on techniques, but the majority of the book focuses on designs and techniques specific to those designs. At the end of the book the author includes resources for supplies in North America, Europe and Asia.

Each design project includes a material list accompanied by a photo of some of the components. There are several pictures of the project at different stages to illustrate the techniques needed as well as a photo of the final project. The text explaining the steps is brief, but tips are included as well as descriptions of possible variations to the design. All photos are full-color. Most of the designs use glass, crystal, gem stone, abalone and pearl beads as well as metal chain and accents. The final products look very professional. m a very beginner beader and when I received a copy of this book I was really pleased with many of the projects. She gives some instructions in the beginning but not enough for a beginner like me. I was able to do one of the bracelets though, through a little trial and error. It actually turned out well. Her work really inspired me. It mixes elegant with casual, and I like that effect. I am already planning on another project from the book. The Antique Pearl bracelet. It mixes gunmetal chain with onyx and gray pearls. Its beautiful. I think you'll like this book not as a how to book, but for its projects.