Diane Fitzgerald’s Favorite Beading Projects: Designs from Stringing to Beadweaving by Diane Fitzgerald
As the title says, this book is all about the projects. After a brief introduction by Diane Fitzgerald and a multi-page foreword (AKA lovefest) by Jean Campbell describing Ms. Fitzgerald’s career and many talents, the book starts right in on the projects. There is no ‘Basics’ section, but tips and techniques are woven throughout the book.
This book has a whopping 24 projects. At an MSRP of $27.95, that is about $1.04 per pattern. If you want to try a lot of different techniques, this is a good book to buy.
Throughout the book, the author shows very clearly how to put the beads together into the larger units needed to make the project. In looking at these images, I am sure a clever quiltmaker could apply beads to a quilt project in the same manner and achieve a great, if flatter look. The book is also good for the quiltmaker who wants to know more about beads. This book has wonderful pictures of different beads used.
I was hard pressed to pick a favorite project as I started to look through them. Many of the projects are necklaces in styles that I don’t wear. I liked the Midnight Snowflakes (pg.75) necklace, but it wasn’t a favorite. I also liked the Lacy Bracelet (pg.71). I was also quite partial to the May Basket project (pg.65), but can’t imagine wearing one as a broach or as a pendant. I did like their look and imagined having a “Spring Tree” (as opposed to a Christmas Tree) covered with these baskets. I was getting discouraged, but the end of the book (pg.100) shows the Braided Garland Necklace. Though it is a little bit large, I love the spring feeling of it.
Each project has a page with a variation so the reader can see what the project looks like in slightly different colors or using different beads.
The end of the book has a gallery of projects, presumably by Ms. Fitzgerald. I really like the Tulip Necklace Pouch (pg.125). It reminds me of the beaded bag Hermione uses in the Deathly Hallows.
Enjoy this inspirational book and thanks to Lark Books for sending it to me.
