Review on Mastering Beadwork Carol Cypher by Kristen Reid

I was hoping that 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 piece in 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. Beadwork has its own vocabulary to 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! and one of them turned out to be very different from the photographed product for the same bead size - 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! and one of them turned out to be very different from the photographed product for the same bead size - 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! unable to find instructions on how to increase and decrease peyote and other processes in beading as the book claims " 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! 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 think the index at the end was very helpful. Just to find something quickly and then go back to your own creations! I think the index at the end was very helpful. Just to find something quickly and then go back to your own creations!