Beading with Charms: Beautiful Jewelry, Simple Techniques (Lark Jewelry Books)
You had better like heavyweight bracelets, necklaces, and earrings if you intend to repurpose, recycle, and reuse, since that’s the focus of Aimone’s latest craft book (added to The Beaded Home, 2002; The Art of Jewelry: Polymer Clay, 2006; The Adventurous Scrapbooker, 2007). Selecting the work of 21 designers across the country, she pulls together a good foundation in materials and techniques, then lets the 35 items speak for themselves. Inspiration is high from page 1; the author lists literally dozens of items ready to be charmed, from arcades with penny-smashing machines to one-of-a-kind vintage earrings (read: a singlet piece of jewelry because one of the pair was lost). Techniques, too, abound in well-illustrated directions, whether reaming (drilling a hole) a bead or using jump rings. Designs follow, divided into beginner and intermediate projects, all with the usual explanations and lists plus generous tips that can save time and money. --Barbara Jacobs