Book Review and a Giveaway!

Learn how to make 24 jewelry projects with Venetian glass beads, and learn the history and tradition behind the generations-old art form as well. Made by the finest bead makers in Venice and Murano, bead styles include millefiori, foil, Klimt, Miro, and more. Author and designer Kathy Fox expertly educates readers about the beads while showcasing them in gorgeous jewelry projects. Techniques include wire wrapping, bead crochet, knotting, stringing, and simple stitching.

If you adore glass beads as I do, you will drool over the beautiful photographs and sumptuous projects in this book.



I was pleasantly surprised to find a large variety of techniques covered in this information packed book. Yes, there are 24 projects, but there is also some very useful reference material in this book:

~ how to identify authentic Venetian and Murano beads
~ a history of the tradition of the handcrafted jewelry
~ history of trade beads
~ how the beads are made
~ bead basics such as crimping, creating loops and attaching clasps
~ how to do Viking Knit!!!



There are so many great projects in this book, it's hard to choose a favorite! But, as you know, crocheting with wire is my go-to project and Kathy has provided an EXCELLENT project using this technique. The step out pictures are perfect. I would not change a thing!! The project is called Nero Bianco and uses Venetian beads AND Swarovski Elements.

Kathy shares photos and stories from her travels and this book is like taking a trip to Italy!

You can purchase this book on Amazon or directly from the publisher, Kalmbach at www.Kalmbachstore.com. OR you could win it! Leave a comment on my blog by 11:59 pm Toronto time on August 31 and it could be yours! Winner will be chosen at random from commentators on this blogpost only.

Have fun!



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