Simply Beautiful Beading

August 1, 2004
In the introductory sentence, Boyd zeroes in on the appeal of beads: besides their magpie-attracting dazzle, these materials prompt a creative leap, even in those who don't consider themselves arty. She plays to our love of the aesthetic, presenting materials, methods, and 40 projects in easy-to-grasp, follow-the-leader information and instructions. In design principles, for instance, she lays out five simple rules, no more, no less--lay out beads before stringing, use color effectively, pair different bead varieties and sizes, use nonsymmetrical designs, and string random beads. Projects are divided into three categories: jewelry, accessories, and home accents. All include the requisite data, from color photographs and directions to possible variations, which she dubs "Another Simply Beautiful Idea." It'll be hard to decide, should you attempt a knotted leather bracelet, a beaded box, or wire-wrapped branches for decorating? Ah, the possibilities--fueled, in part, by the popularity of Jay Strongwater's expensive beaded home accessories. First volume in the Simply Beautiful series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2004, American Library Association.)