A Bead Embroidery Book Review

Sherry Serafini's Sensational Bead Embroidery: 25 Inspiring Jewelry Projects ($24.95 Sterling Publishing) is part of the Beadweaving Master Class series and focuses on highly ornate beaded embroidery jewelry designs and techniques.

While the book does cover some traditional beadweaving stitches, the nature of bead embroidery also lends itself to free form stitching. Serafini is known for her large and intricate work, jewelry pieces that just can't be missed.

The Basic Materials and Tools section, which is chapter 1, discusses many of the beads used as well as items you bead around such as cabochons, stones, and buttons. Other important supplies like foundations, backings, findings, needle and thread, and common jewelry hand tools are also described.

The stitches section is the primary techniques area of the book. Common beadwork stitches like ladder and peyote are explained and include color drawings to help illustrate them.

She also has directions for forming some of the backings she uses to stitch to such as cuffs and collars. Finally, color design, and tips are briefly presented.

The projects portion of the book is the divided into three sections. The first focuses on using cabs, buttons, and unique components to bead around. The second projects section uses natural materials like gemstone cabs as the main pieces to bead around. The third uses sparkling "bling" items as the primary components of the jewelry pieces.

Each project includes a full color photograph of the finished piece and many projects (though not all) also include patterns to use for making the backing you are going to bead on and color drawings of some of the steps.

There are a few projects that are not overly difficult such as "Sweet Simplicity Necklace," where you bead around a flat focal element and attach the finish pendant to your choice of necklace. However, most projects will require some patience and time. This is not really unusual for bead embroidery though. Most of the project are pretty involved, but for those with a little less patience, you will still find some standout projects that you can handle. "Arizona Sunset Earrings" is another favorite project of mine that looks amazing but compared to some of the other pieces, like the collar necklaces, looks like something that would not take a huge commitment.

The designs in this book are impressive to say the least. I kept catching myself saying, "Wow," as I first started flipping through the pages. Now, I shouldn't have to say this, but just to cover myself, here goes: bead embroidery takes time. It is time well spent, but for those who are into immediate gratification, this is not the book for you. For those, however, who enjoy the relaxing feeling of stitching with seed beads, then you will enjoy the projects as well as a peek inside of the author's approach to bead embroidery. With 25 projects, there is a lot to pick from too. Some of the super large pieces I couldn't imagine myself wearing or even making, but many of the smaller ones I thought were very wearable.

As far as readership - beginner versus advanced beaders - I think there's something here for both, but total beginners who don't know basic stitches like peyote should pack a little extra patience. Beadworking stitches can take a little time to master before you are ready to jump into an involved project.

Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.