Review on Complete Guide to Off-Loom Beadwork Mastery: Techniques, Tips, and Comprehensive Instruction by Kristen Simpson

I was hoping this new book would suggest some new techniques. Not really. This is a good basics book for beginners, or if you haven't knitted a particular stitch for a while you can brush up on the basics. I liked the idea of the book being spiral bound, like a cookbook, but was annoyed with the inclusion of "mise-en-scène" in every project! Cooking terminology is explained on page 8, Nuf said. Another cooking guide is a list of consumables for each project called "Ingredients". I don't want to be reminded of kitchen chores while beading! The author has been a chef for many years and has entered the lexicon of this working world. Beading has its own vocabulary that should be used here. I've done several projects and one of them was very different from the photographed item with the same bead sizes - others may have better luck. I was disappointed to find no instructions on increasing and decreasing peyote and other processes in beading since the book claims to teach "mastering the beadcraft". Some of the designs are interesting, none above beginner level (cons - there should have been some designs to "stretch" the reader), although I agree with other reviewers that more - and better - illustrations are needed. I think the index at the end was very helpful. Just to find something quickly and then go back to your own creations! I've done several projects and one of them was very different from the photographed item with the same bead sizes - others may have better luck. I was disappointed to find no instructions on increasing and decreasing peyote and other processes in beading since the book claims to teach "mastering the beadcraft". Some of the designs are interesting, none above beginner level (cons - there should have been some designs to "stretch" the reader), although I agree with other reviewers that more - and better - illustrations are needed. I think the index at the end was very helpful. Just to find something quickly and then go back to your own creations! I've done several projects and one of them was very different from the photographed item with the same bead sizes - others may have better luck. I was disappointed to find no instructions on increasing and decreasing peyote and other processes in beading since the book claims to teach "mastering the beadcraft". Some of the designs are interesting, none above beginner level (cons - there should have been some designs to "stretch" the reader), although I agree with other reviewers that more - and better - illustrations are needed. I think the index at the end was very helpful. Just to find something quickly and then go back to your own creations! not finding instructions on how to increase and decrease peyote and other processes in beading, since the book claims to teach "beading mastery". Some of the designs are interesting, none above beginner level (cons - there should have been some designs to "stretch" the reader), although I agree with other reviewers that more - and better - illustrations are needed. I think the index at the end was very helpful. Just to find something quickly and then go back to your own creations! unable to find instructions on increasing and decreasing peyote and other beading processes as the book claims to teach "beading mastery". Some of the designs are interesting, none above beginner level (cons - there should have been some designs to "stretch" the reader), although I agree with other reviewers, that more – and better – illustrations are needed. I think the index at the end was very helpful. Just to find something quickly and then go back to your own creations! although I agree with other reviewers that more - and better - illustrations are needed. I think the index at the end was very helpful. Just to find something quickly and then go back to your own creations! although I agree with other reviewers that more - and better - illustrations are needed. I think the index at the end was very helpful. Just to find something quickly and then go back to your own creations! that more - and better - illustrations are needed. I think the index at the end was very helpful. Just to find something quickly and then go back to your own creations! although I agree with other reviewers that more - and better - illustrations are needed. I think the index at the end was very helpful. Just to find something quickly and then go back to your own creations! that more - and better - illustrations are needed. I think the index at the end was very helpful. Just to find something quickly and then go back to your own creations! although I agree with other reviewers that more - and better - illustrations are needed. I think the index at the end was very helpful. Just to find something quickly and then go back to your own creations!