Book Review - Beading with Filigree

Beading with Filigree

by Cynthia Deis

I impatiently waited all summer to order this book. Once it arrived it has been on the top of my bead book pile as I frequently turn to it when I'm in need of a shot of inspiration. Cynthia's book starts off with an in depth "Filigree Primer" filled with the history of filigree, the styles, metals and finishes. The chapter on "Getting Started" introduces you to the cast of beads used in the book along with some great little tips and hints. The book is presented in an encouraging format with an emphasis on your own creativity.
The "Basic Techniques" gives you the how and why of using different types of filigree. Along with jewelry-making basics, there are informative tips for working with the filigree and a few ways to treat the surface, like heat treating and painting. Painting filigree, OMG, you have to see the Lucille necklace. You'll be pulling out the spray paint before you know it!
The rest of the book focuses on step-by-step projects that vary from simple earrings to complex asymmetrical necklaces. The designs range from delicate to bold. The techniques cover stringing to embellishing filigree with seed beads, so there is something for every one's tastes. While the projects focus on beads that are more readily available, each design could benefit from adding in your favorite art beads! I highly recommend adding this to your bead book library.

You can find the book and many of the supplies used in the projects at Ornamentea.

Don't forget, midnight is the deadline to enter the September Filigree Challenge. You could win a signed copy of Beading with Filigree!

Featured Designer of the Week - Lauren Abrams

Each Monday we feature the Designer of the Week. One of our editors pick their favorite from the Monthly Challenge entries.

This week Tari of Creative Impressions in Clay picked Lauren Abrams' necklace. Tari noted, "Fantastic! Colorful, expressive and very unique! It also has an art nouveau feel to it." You can see more work by Lauren by visiting her flickr albums.

Our theme this month is filigree, filigree in clay is an interesting twist.

There are only a few days left to enter our monthly challenge. Create something that combines the theme with art beads and then send in your submission for the September Challenge!

The Ice Cream Truck is in the Desperate Neighborhood!

It's the end of summer but before the ice creams trucks are parked for the winter, Tari of Claybuttons.com is treating everyone to popsicles, chocolate ice cream, soft serve ice cream and push pops.






While the Desperate ABS Neighbors are enjoying their treats, let's take a walk out into the Bead Blogging World to see what else is going on.....


About.com Jewelry Making
For those in the jewelry biz, Tammy has a collection of jewelry business topics up for discussion in the Jewelry Making Forum.

Art Bead Scene
Fall Foliage as Seen Through The Trendy Bead

Barbe Saint John: New Jewelry from Old Artifacts
Barbe talks about Personal Imagery-what says YOU in your work?

Crochet Pillow Pendant
Carmi saves a pillowcase's trim by turning it into wearable art.

Jennifer Jangles Blog
Halloween Project

Jewelry & Beading
Repurposing autumn-colored beads gives you a stylish new necklace!

Katie's Beading Blog
Hear all about Katie's experience on The Big Idea. Check it out!

Linda from BeadStyleMag.com
An Oktoberfest-inspired bracelet complete with step-by-step photos and instructions

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean's got some earring designs in this elegant looking book, due out soon!

Strands of Beads
Melissa reminisces about her first time.


Have you heard any good dirt in the beading world? We'd love for you to share!

Gossiped...errr...reported by Cindy Gimbrone, ice cream lover and glass beadmaker.