I'm No Dummy!
Jewelry Making and Beading for Dummies
by Heather Dismore and Tammy Powley
A young friend on one of my beading forums always has these words of advice for new beaders: "Buy Beading For Dummies! You'll love it!" She's very enthusiastic, and recommends this installment in the Dummies series as one of her favorite beading books.
So that's Sara Jo's reference. Mine is a little less enthusiastic, but I will say right out that I do recommend Jewelry Making and Beading for Dummies as an okay starter and reference manual. It makes good reading if you are wondering how to get started. There are some great checklists and definitions of different styles of jewelry making and beading. And I did learn some things when I read through the book, like some knot techniques that I wanted to know how to do, and some general design tips.
I do have some caveats that go along with that recommendation, however. I'm not thrilled enough with Jewelry Making and Beading for Dummies ($19.99 US, $28.99 Canadian) to give it a heartfelt thumbs up though.
Content of the book:
328 pages (not including Index) that include sections on tools, supplies, bead definitions, how to set up a workshop, jewelry making techniques, using beads for home décor, and tips on selling jewelry. Each section and chapter are set up per the Dummies standard — side bar tips and pointers that will help you identify key items. Hand-drawn illustrations and black and white photos assist in demonstrating key concepts. A center section has glossy color photos of some of the finished ideas.
It's basic information that reads like a friendly text book. So why do I not jump up and down over Jewelry Making and Beading for Dummies? For one thing, the color photos are sparse and not with the projects they illustrate — they are in a section in the center of the book. For me, beading and jewelry making are all about color and texture, and you just don't get that in the grainy, black and white photos that litter most of the book.
Additionally, Powley's designs are, for the most part, uninspired and dull. I know the book is targeted toward beginners, and primarily stringing, but there isn't anything exciting or new to look at. In addition, wire techniques are sloppy and uncovered crimps appear to be flattened with a chain nose pliers instead of using a crimping pliers.
If you like the Dummies series, and you desire to drop almost $20 on a reference book, you may enjoy or find value in Jewelry Making and Beading for Dummies. I'd seriously suggest that you use a highlighter when you read it to mark pertinent sections, because there is some good instructional material.
However, if you are looking for inspiration and project ideas that will have you running to a bead store for supplies, stick with a good beading magazine like Step by Step Beads or BeadStyle.
