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Exquisite beadwork for the experienced beader First, this is not a book for a beginning beader. Success with this book will require experience with stringing, basic sewing, and fine wirework, including the making of French beaded flowers. This book will please beaders who have been trying to figure out Japanese beadwork from Babelfish translations or have been trying to unravel Japanese diagrams. The translation appears to be faithful to the original version. The first portion of the book, up to page 40, is a gallery of the pieces that are then described in the second half of the book (pp. 41-86), with two additional pages listing tools and materials (basic list of tools, findings, and adhesives). If you aren't in Japan, you can order most of these materials online from other countries, or you can substitute more familiar materials (e.g., Delicas for Toho). A variety of items can be made, including matched sets for necklaces, bracelets, hair ornaments, bags, pins, and rings. The items are evocative of flapper or Moga styles, but I tend to think the designs are targeted at younger women (tattoo-style necklace, using ribbons to fasten chokers). Subdued, romantic color schemes are used. The diagrams are small, however, I found the labeling much more clear than that found in untranslated Japanese books. The materials lists include item numbers and bead counts for Toho/Mill Hill beads. Diameters are stated for cords and wires. The directions and thread paths assume you understand the basics of the techniques. I would recommend this book for an intermediate to advanced beader who is comfortable with multiple techniques and looking for fresh ideas. let's hope a picture speaks a 1000 words... because the diagrams are IMPOSSIBLE to follow - and entirely too much was lost in the translation... if i wanted to use the exact same beads i'm lucky at least in the fact that i've got a Toho supplier here in NYC - but... wish i was as brave as beadq (see first review) - i'm not afraid to jump in, but i can't even figure out where to start, which is too bad. even my boyfriend, notoriously good at reading diagrams, is clueless... pretty photos tho, i guess. Patience, dear beader If you've never worked with Japanese diagrams for beading before, you'll have a rough start using this book. Patience and correctly-sized beads will yield some gorgeous results. First, you are tempted with a colorful photo gallery of projects. Then you'll say, "I really want to try these projects!" When you page back to the instructions and diagrams, you've got to enter with some boldness and existing skill. This should not discourage you from attempting some of the easier projects. Barrettes made with gathered ribbon and beads might be an easier project for starters, as is a simple but effective choker tied with ribbon or leather. One of the prettiest projects combines a bracelet and ring, so that a beaded butterfly sits on the back of the wearer's hand. Wow! Start out with the simple projects, then as your skill grows, try some of the tougher ones. If there were a translation of the translation.... it might be possible to make these projects. It's a beautiful book, with lovely pictures, but the diagrams are too small and don't give enough detail. The materials lists are not very useful either. Unless you are an expert already, I would not reccommend this book. Exquisite beadwork for the experienced beader First, this is not a book for a beginning beader. Success with this book will require experience with stringing, basic sewing, and fine wirework, including the making of French beaded flowers. This book will please beaders who have been trying to figure out Japanese beadwork from Babelfish translations or have been trying to unravel Japanese diagrams. The translation appears to be faithful to the original version. The first portion of the book, up to page 40, is a gallery of the pieces that are then described in the second half of the book (pp. 41-86), with two additional pages listing tools and materials (basic list of tools, findings, and adhesives). If you aren't in Japan, you can order most of these materials online from other countries, or you can substitute more familiar materials (e.g., Delicas for Toho). A variety of items can be made, including matched sets for necklaces, bracelets, hair ornaments, bags, pins, and rings. The items are evocative of flapper or Moga styles, but I tend to think the designs are targeted at younger women (tattoo-style necklace, using ribbons to fasten chokers). Subdued, romantic color schemes are used. The diagrams are small, however, I found the labeling much more clear than that found in untranslated Japanese books. The materials lists include item numbers and bead counts for Toho/Mill Hill beads. Diameters are stated for cords and wires. The directions and thread paths assume you understand the basics of the techniques. I would recommend this book for an intermediate to advanced beader who is comfortable with multiple techniques and looking for fresh ideas. See also:
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