The Knotting And Braiding Bible

The most comprehensive guide to knotting and braiding techniques, with hundreds of illustrations for making jewelry, accessories, and decorative items. Ideal for everyone from experienced makers and young people making their first friendship bracelet, this guide from bestselling author Dorothy Wood shows you how to master hundreds of knotting and braiding techniques to create stunning jewelry, accessories, and home decorations. Techniques cover kumihimo (braiding), plaiting, knotting (including macrame), and fusion, as well as adding beads, using different cords/wire, and attaching findings. Easy to follow step-by-step instruction and photography will help you to learn each of the different techniques—and you can choose from a selection of project ideas to refine your new skills to create beautiful items for yourself and others.

The most comprehensive guide to knotting and braiding techniques with literally hundreds of illustrated techniques from bestselling author and crafter, Dorothy Wood. Ideal for both experienced makers as well as younger friendship bracelet makers, Dorothy shows you how to master hundreds of knotting and braiding techniques to create stunning jewelry and accessories. Techniques cover kumihimo (braiding), plaiting, knotting (including macrame) and fusion, with techniques for adding beads, using different cords/wire and attaching findings. Easy to follow step-by-step instruction and photography will help you to learn each of the different techniques. Choose from a selection of project ideas to refine your new skills including jewelry, accessories and home decor to create beautiful gifts and home decorations.

The Beading Bible: An indispensable guide to beads and beading techniques, presenting essential beading know-how together with a wide range of inspirational projects, tips and ideas. Beads are the oldest and most widespread art form, having been used in virtually every culture since ancient times. Over the years new materials and methods of making beads have been introduced and now bead workers have a vast array of stunning beads to work with. Beading has also developed over the years and, even though many traditional techniques are still popular, the craft is constantly evolving. With so many techniques, and such a vast array of beads and materials available for the contemporary beader, there is definitely a need for a comprehensive guide. The Beading Bible is just that – an encyclopaedia of beads and beading techniques that aims to educate and inspire anyone who loves working with beads. The Beading Bible begins by looking at beads themselves; how to choose beads from metal, modelled, gemstone, seed beads and cylinder beads to hex beads, crystals, glass and bugle beads. There are handy tables to help you to understand how beads are measured and bead quantities, as well as advice on choosing bead colours. You are then guided through the basic to more specialist tools and equipment that you will need in beadwork. You will find each beading technique explained in detail throughout the chapters. However, the book begins by giving you the basic knowledge of essential techniques, such as working from a chart and knotting. The book is divided into eight chapters that cover all the traditional techniques: bead loom weaving, off loom bead stitches, ropes and cords, fringing, netting and tassels, threading and stringing, wire work and jewellery techniques, bead embroidery and even knitting and crochet with beads. Within each chapter you are guided through the basic skills, tools and materials, before tackling more advanced techniques. Inspiration pages will give you interesting ideas using the different techniques, and there are over 30 fabulous projects, ranging from beautiful bags and jewellery to stylish scarves and accessories – perfect excuses for trying out your new skills! Easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions, clear diagrams and stunning photography combine to create the must-have resource for beaders of all abilities.

The renowned jewelry crafter teaches readers how to make beautiful creations using the traditional Japanese braiding technique of Kumihimo. Kumihimo is the centuries-old Japanese artform of creating elegant braids using intricate and beautiful patterns and designs. These braids are then fashioned into all kinds of objects, such as bracelets, necklaces and more. This illustrated guide features step-by-step diagrams and photographs to help you create your own Kumihimo jewelry projects at home. Written by expert jewelry crafter Dorothy Wood, The Beginner’s Guide to Kumihimo covers a range of techniques including flat braids, square braids, honeycomb braids, hollow braids, spiral braids, and braiding with beads. Readers will learn to use different cords and wire, as well as finishing techniques. This volume also features templates to make your own Kumihimo disk and plate, plus a handful of contemporary projects for jewelry and accessories so you can put your newfound braiding skills to use right away.

A comprehensive guide to beads and beading techniques. This bible for the modern beader guides you through the basic skills, tools and materials, before tackling more advanced techniques and projects. The essential beading reference!

A guide to making bead jewellery covering the essential beading techniques, from choosing colours and designing jewellery, to bead stringing, making findings and bead embroidery. It features nine technique-focused chapters, including a chapter on making your own beads, and a chapter containing instructions for 12 bead jewellery projects.

"A comprehensive and beautifully presented book, which is really a work of art in itself." --Towpath...

Learn how to create elegant macramé pieces with this comprehensive, fully-illustrated guide by the renowned author of The Knotting and Braiding Bible. In How to Macramé, jewelry crafter and macramé expert Dorothy Wood covers all the essential techniques for creating your own elegant and intricately knotted jewelry. With detailed photographs and clear, step-by-step instructions, you’ll go from beginner to expert in no time. How to Macramé covers Macramé Basics, Square Knot Variations, Multistrand Macramé, Half-hitch Variations, Adding Beads, and Finishing Techniques. Plus, once you've mastered the basics, you will be able to test your skills with jewelry projects including bracelets, a necklace and a brooch.