Book One
Her first in her series of books, The Beadecked Ornament, includes three designs that use the basic netting stitch and build on it with variations such as dangles in different places, bugle beads, and extra bead swags. Each design is labeled beginner, intermediate, and then intermediate/advanced. So you can try the first project, called "Simplicity," and work your way up to the more involved projects called "Princess" and Jubilee."Before getting to the project instructions, Laura provides a list of basic supplies and helpful hints. In one hint she explains how to add extra thread when needed. In another, my personal favorite, she even says not to worry if you added an extra bead or made a mistake because "mistakes keep us humble!" Then each project includes a list of supplies, written instructions, and diagrams. Finally, she provides some ideas for making ornaments for other holidays and occasions besides Christmas such as Hanukkah, Weddings, and Halloween.
Book Two
In her second book, Laura Jansen built upon her ideas and designs. She again starts with a list of basic supplies. However, this time the list includes a number of different buttons such as 4-holed, 2-holed, and shank. Six projects are included from beginner/intermediate level to intermediate/advanced.As with the first book, she includes written instructions and diagrams, but this time photographs are integrated into the project instructions. These projects are more ornate and include a lot more fringe and accent beads than those in her first book. The ladder stitch and brick are some of the stitches she has incorporated into the designs.
Though none of the projects looked difficult, a total beginner should probably start with her first book before attempting the projects in this second book. Finally, she finishes off this volume with a page full of information (addresses and URLs) for available kits, bead magazines, computer software, and other resources.
Books Three and Four
The last two books in the series of four continue to build on the idea of beaded ornament covers, and they become more ornate and beautiful in each book. Of course, ornate can also mean more advanced, so this is something to keep in mind for anyone who has done little to no bead weaving before. Stitches include netting, peyote, and picot among others.Along with the books, Laura also offers some supplies and links to help you locate everything you need to make her beautiful ornament designs.
Disclosure: Review copies were provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.
