Kristal Wick Books

Beaders eager to add metal clay to their arsenal of crafting techniques will find this second entry in the 101 for Beaders series perfectly designed to meet their needs. Kristal Wick, one of the best names in craft jewelry, explains how to use copper, silver, and bronze metal clay to create simple customized embellishments, findings that match their beads, and a variety of spacers, bead caps, dangles, and links. In addition to the basics of forming, firing, and finishing the clay, more than 20 inspiring projects combine metal clay components with gorgeous beads.

A spectacular combination of beading, scrapbooking, fiber arts, and mixed-media techniques, this amazing handbook describes how to create 30 handcrafted beads from rolled tubes of silk, muslin, or ribbon. With more than 20 easy embellishment techniques incorporating glitter, paint, crystals, or wire, these projects result in stunning beads that can be created with inexpensive and readily available supplies and tools described in this guide. Detailed discussions on choosing appropriate fabrics and creating a variety of surface designs are coupled with well-documented instructions on how to cut, roll, dip, and dry collage beads, and how to cover inexpensive wooden and plastic beads to easily achieve different shapes. Additional sidebars and tips include bonus information on selecting successful color palettes and 10 simple stringing techniques.