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Book Review: Beading VISUAL Quick Tips

April 27, 2009 by Barbe Saint John

343838_cover.inddBeading VISUAL Quick Tips by Chris Franchetti Michaels

  • Paperback: 224 pages
  • Publisher: Visual; Spi edition (January 9, 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0470343834
  • ISBN-13: 978-0470343838
  • Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches

Need a little help with your bead working skills?  Have I got the book for you – Beading VISUAL Quick Tips is here to save the day!

I wish I had had this book when I was learning to make jewelry.  Not only is it full of all kinds of tips & tricks AND its the perfect size. It’s a smaller sized book with a coil wire binding so it can lay flat. That is perfect when you have your hands full of tiny needle, thin thread and beads.  I think ALL jewelry instruction books should be bound this way!

Author Chris Franchetti Michaels has done a magnificent job with this follow up to her first book “Teach Yourself Visually Jewelry Making & Beading”.   The book has lots of  detailed color photos and concise instructions so you never have to second guess exactly WHERE to put that needle or how to finish off a ribbon necklace.  I think this book is a MUST for anyone who wants to start making jewelry, is a beginner or for more advanced crafters to have for their reference library.

Chapter 1 is all about beads, beading supplies, tools and jewelry findings. Perfect for the absolute beginner who has no clue about what a  knotting awl or twisted needle wire is, let alone looks like.

Chapter 2 is covers basic bead stringing techniques. It talks about different grades of jewelry wire, hiding crimps, using headpins and lots more.

Chapter 3 will have you doing advanced bead stringing. It goes over multiple strands, using end cones, creating beaded laces and fringe and weaving a daisy chain among its projects.

Chapter 4 is when you start beadweaving with peyote stitch. Chapter 5 is beading with macrame knots and beads. Chapter 6 closes the book with what else? closures! You learn to customize the look of your designs by creating bails, clasps and closures.  There is also an appendix with reference materials so you can quickly look up standard jewelry lengths or beading wire sizes.

I love this book and you will too. I’ll be giving this book away as well to one lucky Craft Gossip reader – stay tuned!

Next Idea:

  • Soldering Tips For Jewelry Making
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Comments

  1. Bonnie says

    May 6, 2009 at 8:47 am

    How do you keep beads from going everywhere? I seem to get beads everywhere but on the string. I’m new to beading so your book would be so helpful I’m sure there is so much to learn I’m just to new to know!

Trackbacks

  1. Book Review: Beading VISUAL Quick Tips · Jewelry Making @ CraftGossip | www.beadsupplies.ca says:
    April 28, 2009 at 2:47 am

    […] Original post:  Book Review: Beading VISUAL Quick Tips · Jewelry Making @ CraftGossip […]

  2. Beading VISUAL Quick Tips Book Giveaway! · Jewelry Making @ CraftGossip says:
    April 28, 2009 at 6:53 pm

    […] I reviewed the wonderful little jewelry making book “Beading VISUAL Quick Tips” by Chris Franchetti Michaels yesterday. You can read the full review post here. […]

  3. Beading VISUAL Quick Tips Book Giveaway · Jewelry Making @ CraftGossip says:
    May 5, 2009 at 7:39 am

    […] Just a reminder that you still have a week to leave a blog comment and win a copy of this wonderful book -“Beading VISUAL Quick Tips” by Chris Franchetti Michaels . You can read my  full review post here. […]

Have you read?

Hama BioBeads Review: The Eco-Friendly Fuse Beads You’ll Love

As a long-time crafter, I’ve worked with all kinds of materials, but there’s something about fuse beads that never gets old. The creativity, the colors, the nostalgia—it’s all part of the fun! But let’s be honest, traditional plastic beads aren’t exactly great for the environment. That’s why I was so excited to try Hama BioBeads, an eco-friendly alternative that promises all the fun of classic Hama beads without the plastic guilt. So, do they live up to the hype? Let’s dive in!

What Are Hama BioBeads?

Hama BioBeads are a biodegradable version of the classic Hama fuse beads. Instead of being made from petroleum-based plastic, these beads are crafted from a plant-based, eco-friendly material that naturally decomposes over time. That means less plastic waste while still enjoying the same vibrant colors and creativity that fuse bead lovers expect.

First Impressions: Do They Feel Different?

When I first opened the pack, I was curious—would they feel different from traditional beads? The answer: not really! The beads are slightly smoother to the touch, but they’re just as easy to handle, pick up with tweezers, and place on a pegboard. The colors are just as bright and bold, which was a big relief since I was worried they might look dull or faded.

One of the things I love about these beads is that they’re the same size as regular Hama beads, so they work with all my existing pegboards and accessories. No need to buy new tools or change my crafting process!

How Do They Fuse?

Now, onto the real test—how well do they iron together?

I followed my usual fusing process, using parchment paper and a medium heat setting on my iron. The beads melted together perfectly, just like regular Hama beads. No weird smells, no uneven melting—just smooth, well-bonded designs.

I also noticed that once cooled, the fused beads felt a bit sturdier than traditional plastic beads. That’s a huge plus because sometimes regular beads can feel brittle or break apart too easily.


What Makes Hama BioBeads Special?

? Eco-Friendly & Biodegradable – The biggest selling point! These beads naturally break down over time, reducing environmental impact.
? Non-Toxic & Safe for Kids – Made from natural materials, they’re a safer option for little crafters.
? Same Great Quality – They look, feel, and fuse just like classic Hama beads—no sacrifice in quality!
? Works with Existing Hama Accessories – You don’t need special pegboards or tools; they fit right into your current stash.
? Great for Schools & Eco-Conscious Crafters – If you’re an educator or a parent looking to introduce sustainability to kids in a fun way, these are perfect!

The only potential downside is that since these are a newer product, they may not be as widely available as traditional Hama beads. Some colors also seem to be in and out of stock, so if you see a set you love, I’d suggest grabbing them while you can.

 If you love fuse bead crafting but want a more sustainable option, Hama BioBeads are a fantastic choice. They’re just as fun, colorful, and easy to use as regular Hama beads, but they come with the added bonus of being better for the planet. Whether you’re a hobby crafter, a parent, or a teacher, these beads are a guilt-free way to get creative.

So if you’re looking to make your crafts a little greener, give Hama BioBeads a try!  Check them out here!

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