Glass beadmaking has exploded in popularity—and those artists who have successfully mastered the basics want more techniques to enhance their repertoire. Jeri Warhaftig, a respected and experienced teacher, offers intermediates her time-tested, workshop-based approach to expanding their beadmaking skills. In each superbly illustrated and illuminating chapter, she focuses on using current tools, new materials, and innovative methodology to produce a singular bead—with several variations for every one. The possibilities, from sandblasting to metal inclusions, are stupendous: Craft sculptural flower beads; create a lightweight, hollow seashell-shaped bead; and go for the “wow” factor with geode beads that enclose decorative elements within a layer of glass. Helpful tips are sprinkled throughout, and a gallery of additional work will inspire.
Wonderful book! If I could have only one book on this subject it would be this one. The instructions are easy to understand even on the most complex examples and the projects are inspiring! I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend!
Beyond the basics, finally!!! I really like this book! I have been making beads for over 12 years and have been looking for a book that has information for the intermediate to advanced beadmaker. This book fills the bill!! Lots of great information, excellent photos, good descriptions. The book describes a number of techniques that I have been curious about (like sandblasting!). I wish there had been more detail on a couple of things, but overall, I would recommend this book to other intermediate beadmakers. Thank you, Jeri, for putting this together! I love the book!
A Classic for the Modern Intermediate Beadmaker Welcome to my studio...so begins the first line of Jeri Warfhatig's new book entitled, Glass Bead Workshop. I've met Jeri and talked to her a few times at bead shows. She's a friendly supportive colleague and has written a beautiful and informative book on glass beadmaking.
The table of contents includes: Welcome to my studio; The Basics; Session one - Falling Leaves Bead; Session two - Beach Bead; Session Three - Geode Bead; Session Four - Off Mandrel Galaxy Pendant; Session Five - Blown Hollow Bead; Session Six - Twistie Pendant; Session Seven - Hollow Vessel Bead; Session Eight - Wreath Bead; Session Nine - Rune Bead; Session Ten - Rose Bead; Appendix A - Sandblasting; Appendix B - Gridning and Polishing; Appendix C - Near Misses.
Jeri explains all of the "basics" such as studio set up, torches, safety, ventilation, etc. Hopefully, there's nothing new here for an intermediate beadmaker but if the beginner picks up the book, it's all important information. Once the studio set up and safety is discussed, it's on to the projects or sessions.
I really like the set up of the sessions. The header,"What Will This Session Teach?" begins each one and gives you a quick overview of the bead you'll be making. For the experienced beadmaker, it allows you to skim and look for particular techniques. The header is followed by a section listing tools, material and any special tools or materials used. Good photos of the tools, materials and finished bead.
Throughout the book, there are good, clear, close up photos of the techniques and steps. I feel as though I'm standing next to Jeri as she teaches a class. The section on making the bead is followed by "Further Explorations" where variations on the technique is described with a photo or two. Each session ends with a "Gallery" comprised of various glass art beads made with the same technique.
As an experienced beadmaker I'm sometimes jaded wondering what a new book will have to offer me. The tips and further exploration were worth the price of the book alone. The photographs are lovely and enhance the instructions.
Jeri has written a classic for the modern intermediate beadmaker. A lovely book from a fabulous beadmaker!
A Great Addition This is a great book because the chapters are organized by projects that are written clearly and concisely. It is aimed at intermediate glass bead makers, but would work for beginners almost as well. The ten new projects enable the bead maker to move to the next level. It was easy to understand and succeed with the projects presented. I'm tickled to be so successful without having to go to another class. I enjoyed the final chapter that exhibits "near misses" to the reader. This helped me to realize that even the best are not always successful in their attempts to create. I will persevere in adversity because of this chapter.
A Multitude of different techniques A well written book with loads of beautiful helpful pictures. Jeri teaches a little bit of everything. A perfect book for someone wanting to jumpstart their imagination...
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Trevor
