This book is perfect for beginners. The world of beading can be daunting, with so many techniques to learn and such a diverse range of tools and stones to use. The author simplifies all the basic techniques and her instructions are clear and concise. I've found this book extremely helpful and will be referring to it many times. ( )

On the surface of it, an ultra-simple, ultra-plain beading book sounds like a fine idea. After all, there's so much you can learn that it can be extremely daunting to the beginner. Unfortunately, beading is a complex hobby, and there's no good way to get around that, particularly if you want to cover all the bases. Going with simple inevitably means leaving things out that you really shouldn't. While the basic information and projects in Jean Campbell's book are certainly useful, I didn't end up feeling as though I'd gotten all that far into what I needed to know---and didn't feel ready to tackle the complex virtual aisles of an online beading catalog.

Best for dabblers or for people who get easily overwhelmed when learning a new craft.

For a longer version of this review, visit Errant Dreams. ( )

This is the best beginner book for stringing beads I have come across. One that I will recommend to anyone starting out. The author introduces all the materials and explains the basic techniques a beginner needs to know. The beauty of this book is how it addresses simple design ideas that enhance the basic stringing technique - multi-strand, lariats, two hole beads and so on which will keep a beginner going for a while. ( )