I don't buy too many jewelry or beading books, so when I do, you know it's something pretty special. I checked out The Beading Answer Book by Karen Morris twice from the library and then decided I needed to buy my own copy.
My First Impression
This is tiny book (about 4.5" x 6"), the kind you could slip into your bag with your beading project. It's about an inch thick and packed with answers to more than 200 questions. It is not spiral-bound, however, so you won't be able to easily have it opened flat while you read.
What I Like Most
- Real Questions. Having worked as the editor of Beading Daily for two years, I can tell that these are questions real beaders would actually ask. (Reading this book was a little like re-reading some of my old email from newsletter readers!) Here are a few questions from the book: How can I
tell whether the pearls I'm buying are high quality? What the heck is a stopper bead? Why aren't all colors of seed beads the same price? How do I work peyote stitch? Do you feel toggle clasps are secure?
- Very Readable. Reference books are usually "just the facts, ma'am" reading. While you can (and are probably supposed to!) just look up answers to whatever questions you have, the quality of the text kept me reading page after page. It's very personal and conversational, as if you were just listening to a friend.
You'll Like This Book If . . .
- You're looking for an affordable (and portable) reference guide. It's just over $10 on Amazon.
- You are curious about all types of beading—stringing, knotting, wirework, bead weaving, loomwork, bead embroidery, bead crochet. If nothing else, this book will show you just how diverse the beading world is.
- You can learn from reading text. There are some black and white line-drawing illustrations, but not every question is illustrated. If you're a true beginner, you'll probably also need a second book with more in-depth instructions and maybe step-by-step photos to learn basic beading techniques. (Teaching Yourself Visually Jewelry Making and Beading by Chris Franchetti Michaels is a popular choice.)
Highly recommended.