Teach Yourself Visually Jewelry Making & Beading

My first book, released in 2007, is a broad spectrum beginner's guide to basic jewelry making techniques, with a focus on wire work and bead stringing, and a touch of bead weaving and macrame on the side.  Its first nine chapters are devoted to techniques and helpful tips, and the final two chapters to beginning and intermediate projects.

This format not only helps you get started, but makes the book a valuable reference addition to your crafting library, even after you master the basic skills. By covering lots of different techniques in one book, my hope is to help beginners explore the different facets of jewelry making, enabling them to narrow their focus as they become more serious.

Since its release in 2007, Teach Yourself Visually Jewelry Making & Beading has become a bestseller among American crafting books, and Polish and Russian translations are now available.

• Click here for a list of online book sellers who carry this title.
• If you'd prefer a wire-jewelry reference book only, see Wire Jewelry Visual Quick Tips.
• If you'd prefer a beading-only reference book only, see Beading Visual Quick Tips.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 ~ Introduction to Jewelry Making and Beading

• Beacome a Jewelry Artisan
• Beads and Beading Supplies
• Wire and Wirework Supplies
• Macrame Knotting and Braiding Supplies
• Jewelry Findings

Chapter 2 ~ The Art of Design

• Color Harmony
• Weight, Texture, and Proportion
• Motif and Pattern
• Keep Track of Ideas

Chapter 3 ~ Basic Bead Stringing Techniques

• Lay Out a Design
• Select a Stringing Material
• Select a Finishing Method
• String and Finish Beading Wire
• String and Finish Beading Cord
• String and Finish Beading Thread
• String and Finish Memory Wire

Chapter 4 ~ More Advanced Bead Stringing Techniques

• String Multiple Strands
• Knot Between Beads
• Create Beaded Lace, Drops, Fringe, and Tassels
• Use Beads or Buttons in Place of Findings

Chapter 5 ~ Bead Weaving (for more in-depth treatment, see TYV Beadwork)

• Bead Weaving Patterns
• Select Beads, Thread, and Needle
• Work with Beading Thread for Bead Weaving
• Weave the Basic Off-Loom Stitches
• Weave on a Loom
• Common Finishing Techniques

Chapter 6 ~ Basic Wirework

• Select Your Wire
• Wirework Safety
• Make Jump Rings, Eye Pins, and Head Pins
• Create Wire-and-Bead Drops and Links
• Make Wire Hook Clasps
• Assemble Some Basic Wire Chains

Chapter 7 ~ More Advanced Wirework Techniques

• Make a Wrapped Briolette Drop
• Use Double Wire
• Wrap Beads Within a Framework
• Create More Wire Clasps
• Construct Elaborate Wire Chain
• Make a Wire Finger Ring

Chapter 8 ~ Using a Wire Jig

• Basic Techniques
• Make Wire Connectors
• Form Ear Wires
• Wire Jig Patterns

Chapter 9 ~ Macrame Knotting and Beading

• Cord Terminology
• Set Up a Knotting Board
• Learn the Basic Macrame Knots
• Add Beads Between Macrame Knots
• Braid Cords Together

Chapter 10 ~ Easy Projects

• Funky Beaded Stretch Bracelet Set
• Hill Tribe Silver and Gemstone Necklace
• Memory Wire and Crystal Heart Finger Ring
• Beaded square Knot Hemp Bracelet
• Cosmic Crystal Drop Earrings
• Men's Rugged Leather and Bead Necklace
• Celtic Wirework Charm Bracelet
• Even-Count Flat Peyote Stitch Figner Ring
• Dancing Bell Daisy Chain Bookmark

Chapter 11 ~ Intermediate Projects

• Multi-Strand Tin Cup Anklet
• Beaded Multi-Knot Hemp Choker
• Briolette Pendant Ribbon Necklace
• Gothic Beaded Lace Collar Necklace
• Cherry Blossom Loomwork Bracelet
• Byzantine and Turquoise Drop Earrings
• Wirework Bead Cuff bracelet
• Modern Square Stitch Table Mat
• Beaded Framework Link Bracelet
• Four-Strand Braided Leather Bracelet

Chapter 12 ~ Expanding Your Horizons

• Choose a Specialized Path
• Find Advanced Help and Training
• Turn Your Hobby into a Business (for help getting started, see The Complete Idiot's Guide to Selling Your Crafts)