Well, I've found it: The best beading book ever is Embellished Beadweaving by Laura McCabe.
Yesterday I was wandering through Michales with a birthday gift certificate and couldn't find anything I wanted. On the way out (with some beading thread) I spotted one lone copy of Laura's book. I've been following her work as an Artist of the Year in Beadwork Magazine -- meaning she has a project featured in every (I believe) issue of 2010 -- and have been so impressed with the luxuriousness of her pieces and the amazing colors and color transitions I figured I'd give it a shot.
Well, I opened it and couldn't put it down. I actually tried to read it while driving. (Don't even think about it!) I had no idea simple embellishments were the key to creating the kind of jewelry I love.
I've got my eye on the April Showers Necklace (pg. 131), the Nudibranch Bracelet (pg. 83) and the Herringbone Cluster Earrings (p. 61), but, knowing me, I'll probably start them and say "wait...what if i did this?". That's the curse of the artist. We can't follow the rules even when we like them!
If for some reason you haven't heard of her yet, visit www.JustLetMeBead.com where you can see the necklace and order a signed copy of Embellished Beadweaving. You'll be amazed.
Think she'll sign my copy now?
Happy beading,
Kelley
P.S. This is my personal, unsolicited opinion. I don't know her; she doesn't know me. I paid full price for the book. (Just in case you were wondering.) :-p K
