Apart From Other Beading Magazines
Step by Step Beads
There are a lot of things to love about Step By Step Beads, published by Interweave Press.
Start out with the Table of Contents, laid out neatly over two pages with decent photos of some key projects included in the magazine. Within the ToC, each project is rated by skill level, from Beginner to Advance, 5 levels in all. Skill level breakdown (Jan-Feb 2006 edition) is 20% Beginner, 60% Beginner/Intermediate, 20% Intermediate, 0% Intermediate/Advanced and Advanced.
Photographs within the magazine are colorful and have enough detail that an experienced beader could pick up patters just by looking at them.
I see three components that set Step By Step Beads apart from other beading magazines.
Diversity. The variety of beading styles used for the projects is far-reaching, and there is something that is sure to appeal to every beader. You may find yourself desiring to learn a new skill after viewing the detailed photos of these gorgeous creations! The January - February 2006 edition that I picked up features projects that require stitching (picot, square, brick, and fringe) as well as stringing, netting, and polymer clay techniques. A detailed "lesson plan" for square stitching was included in this issue.
Supply Sources. Ever seen a cool pendant or clasp in a project list and wondered where you could get one like it? With Step By Step Beads' comprehensive list of supply sources (web site, brick and mortar stores), you'll never have to guess again. I've never seen this feature anywhere else and I think it's pure genius!
Step by Step Instructions. True to its name, Step By Step Beads has detailed illustrations, including bead patterns laid out with directions that include numbering beads for stitching projects (invaluable for novices!). The illustrations are clear and easy to read, and photographs showing progress through a project are detailed.
Other features that round out the magazine are media reviews, classified listings of bead shops and classes by state, contest entry information, news blurbs and notes. Single copy $5.99 (US), $7.99 (CAN), published six times a year.
Bottom line, Step By Step Beads is a good buy and has a great variety of beading styles. The supply sources and detailed instructions set it apart from other beading magazines for intermediate beaders.
