1. Home
  2. Hobbies & Games
  3. Jewelry Making
Product Summary
Basic Bead Work Series: Knotted & Illusion Necklaces
Guide Rating -
Pros • pro #1 Excellent tips given throughout the lesson
• pro #2 Instruction on using French wire
• pro #3 Kits available for each project illustrated
• pro #4 Geared toward the beginner
Cons • con #1 Generic beginning introduction
• con #2 Some close-ups are not very clear
• con #3 Does not use an awl for knotting
The Bottom Line - In this video, Barbara Robinson creates three jewelry projects, which are also designed to teach you a number of important jewelry making techniques: knotting between beads and the illusion design. This video sells for $25 plus shipping charges and can be purchased through Artgem's web site.

Product Description

Basic Bead Work Series: Knotted & Illusion Necklaces

  • Instructions for knotting between beads
  • Three projects shown from beginning to end
  • Directions for how to make an illusion necklace


Guide Review
The Basic Bead Work Series: Basic Knotted Necklace & Illusion Necklace
Most of the Basic Bead Work Series videos created by Artgems Inc. are geared towards seed beaders. However, they didn't forget about those of us who like the big beads too. In their Knotting and Illusion necklace video, Barbara Robinson provides step-by-step instruction for three projects: a tin cup necklace, a pearl bracelet, and an illusion necklace. As with all the videos in the series, the instructions are basic enough for beginners, but whether or not you are new to jewelry making, I always find it interesting to see other artists' twists on techniques I may already know. I always seem to learn something. While making all of the projects, Barbara provides helpful tips and suggestions for success. She also patiently shows each step and repeats steps enough to allow the viewer to get a good understanding of how to do it. A few times in the video, I found it a little hard to see the close-ups. They were not blurred, but of course, with jewelry, some of the findings and beads can be so small, that it's understandable that you may not be able to get a good shot on something as tiny as a bead tip for example. While a total newbie may find this a little frustrating, those with some jewelry experience may not even notice this. Also, Artgems has kits available for each project illustrated, so if you are a newbie, the kits would probably be a good way to go. I think I was most impressed with Barbara's illusion necklace technique. She showed how to use glue, instead of crimp beads like I normally do, and she made it look so easy. It was a "duh" moment for me, and I definitely plan to give it a try.
Related Reviews Related Resources
Before You Buy Jewlery Making Books
Before You Buy Jewelry Making Videos

Beginners' Corner
spacer
Important product disclaimer information about this About site.
spacer

Explore Jewelry Making

More from About.com

  1. Home
  2. Hobbies & Games
  3. Jewelry Making

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.