Jewelry Making

DIY Jewelry, Beads And Patterns

Get Hip with Katie Hacker’s “Hip to Bead” book

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I’m not saying that any of you AREN’T hip, obviously you are because you are reading this blog (LOL!). But for anyone who may be having a ‘not so hip’ feeling kinda day, this book will bring you back up to being fabulous!  You can take a look inside the book too!

Hip to Bead: 32 Contemporary Projects for Todays Beader by Katie Hacker

  • Paperback: 96 pages
  • Publisher: Interweave Press (March 1, 2006)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1931499950
  • ISBN-13: 978-1931499958

This may have been written for a younger/trendier group of beginning beaders, but even us old-timers will find the projects interesting.  I really like the Rock n Roll cuff and the World Beat Choker.  Its a great how-to beading book to encourage creativity in the tweens to 20somethings crowd. Not limited to just fashionable jewelry, this also contains projects such as barrettes, candle wrap and journal.  By branching out from jewelry, this book encourages the reader to look at mundane items with a fresh eye and encourages them to add their own creative touch to them.

Hip to Bead starts with a section on the basics and explains everything clearly. If you have never stepped foot in a beadstore it can be overwhelming, this section clears up the confusion for a beginner. The book then starts with a chapter called “Easy Assembly” where you build up confidence and skill, and moves on to stringing, wirework, knotting and more. One thing that I really liked about this book is with every project there is a sidebar with one or two addition tips, hints and variations to help you.

The projects are trendy, fun and easy to complete in a short period of time.  Katie Hacker has written 15 instructional beading books, teaches at National Conventions and is the guest expert on PBS’s Beads, Baubles and Jewels show.  Her blog can be found here.

I’ll be giving away a copy of this fun book-check back next week for the details!!!!!!

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Book Review Wednesday: Bead Jewelry Making For Beginners

There is something very satisfying about bead jewelry making. It is one of those crafts that feels easy to start, but still gives you that lovely “I actually made this” moment when you finish a bracelet, necklace, or pair of earrings.

This week’s Book Review Wednesday pick is Bead Jewelry Making for Beginners, and unlike the trinket dish book where I was torn between our polymer clay and jewelry sections, this one sits very neatly here on Jewelry Making. Beads, findings, clasps, wire, earrings — no category confusion this time.

This looks like a useful beginner-friendly book for anyone wanting to move beyond simply stringing beads and start understanding how handmade jewelry actually comes together. Things like choosing beads, adding clasps, using findings properly, and making pieces that sit nicely are the little details that can make a beginner project feel much more polished.

I always think bead jewelry is a lovely craft for quick handmade gifts too. A simple bracelet, pair of earrings, or beaded necklace can be made fairly quickly, and it is easy to personalise with favourite colours, birthstones, charms, or leftover beads from the stash. And yes, if you have ever tipped a packet of seed beads across the table, you already know this craft comes with its own tiny chaos.

This book would suit new jewelry makers, teens, handmade gift makers, or anyone who has a bead stash tucked away and wants a little guidance getting started. Pair it with a basic set of jewelry pliers, beading wire or stretch cord, clasps, jump rings, and a bead mat, and you are ready to go.

My Shellie-style take? Bead Jewelry Making for Beginners looks like a practical, approachable starting point for anyone wanting to learn simple beaded jewelry techniques without feeling overwhelmed.