Book Review: Bead Soup

by Staci L. Smith

I was very blessed to receive a copy of Lori Andersons book, Bead Soup, to review. 

 

 

http://www.amazon.com/Bead-Soup-Projects-Happens-Beaders/dp/0871164426

 

Wow.  I really enjoyed it.

 

I have participated in The bead soup blog party 3 times.  Each time was a wonderful experience, I met new people, and was challenged to move outside my comfort zone.  So opening this book, and reading about how Lori came up with this idea was awesome.  I love to know the history behind things, the inspiration for art.  This did not disappoint.  Just like Lori's blog, I felt like I was sitting down and chatting with her, so down to earth, and written from the heart.

 

Then I began to read through the book, what beautiful pictures. (my pictures of the book don't do the pictures justice!!)  Just like the Bead Soup Blog Party, it was fun to see each soup that was sent, and the project that was created from it. 

soup mix

finished project

There were many many great designs, in a wide variety of styles. No matter what you beading level, there is technique and inspiration a plenty.

 

It is written in a fun style of ingredients on recipe cards.  The titles are all named for soup too.  Great little details that I truly enjoyed.

 

 

The artists that picked the soups, as well as those who created projects, were all top notch.  The styles were varied and interesting.

 

I really enjoyed it.  Anyone who likes beads, and likes to see the inspiration and creativity of a piece of jewelry come together, will enjoy this book.

 

Thank you Lori, for writing a great book and sharing your party with all of us!  

Book Review: Recipe for Press by Amy Flurry

by Barbara Bechtel

In July, I traveled to Kansas City to help a friend produce a yearly indie craft show. Etsy, one of our sponsors, sent us a kit of free goodies to distribute to vendors and customers and among the free goodies was a copy of Recipe for Press by Amy Flurry.

If you've ever wanted to expand your handmade jewelry business and wondered how you can take it a level where your art is reaching the masses through exposure in large websites (i.e. Daily Candy, Refinery 29, Design Sponge) and the BIG magazines (think O!, Better Homes and Gardens, In Style, and the like), the author give insight on public relations for a small business perspective.

Geared towards entrepreneurs and makers, the author emphasizes keeping your publicity and public relations in house, even as your business grows and you may find yourself struggling to keep up with all of the different areas a growing business demands (paperwork, making, marketing, selling, etc)

I have to admit I was a little skeptical when I began to thumb through it as I personally seem to waffle from one end of the spectrum to the other when it comes to self-promotion. On one hand, you have to get your work out there for people to find, but I often shy away from those who are constantly pushing themselves as a brand or businesses who try to elevate and market to be or sell something as a "must-have"

I did take away lots of wonderful information from the book, regardless. It offers interviews with small businesses who have an effective publicity plan, such as makers and chefs.

Flurry discusses social media and how, rather than trying to do it all, i.e. Facebook, Blogging, Twitter, etc. ...to pick one and do it well, and cancel or remove yourself from the outlets that don't resonate with you! Seems simple, right? You mean you don't have to jump on the latest and greatest of EVERY new social media outlet?! Right On!

Another idea that I took away was rather than constantly trying to keep up with your press (in the case of jewelry makers, it could be submitting of tutorials or seasonal merchandise), keep files of ideas and products that are strictly for promotions that you can pull out and send in regularly to obtain new press. This becomes easier to be able to respond quicker to editors if they need ideas ASAP and if you have ideas constantly at the ready for sending out, you will become a trusted source if editors know they can count on you as a quick, informative, and reliable source.

All in all, it's a great primer for those who have no idea where to even start or what basic self promotion and publicity entails.

Book Review: Simple Soldering by Kate Richbourg

by Barbara Bechtel

Recently I received a copy of Kate Ferrant Richbourg's new book, Simple Soldering: A Beginner's Guide to Making Jewelry.  I knew immediately that I would want to share it with you here!

Soldering can be intimidating thing to start on your own and I'm always lukewarm about books that try to address it that are aimed at the craft sector. However, more technical books, often used in college, are usually not geared towards the beginner. Addressing the issue of safety and making a reader feel comfortable enough at home to give it a go can be a daunting task to say the least.

Simple Soldering includes a DVD with several hours of personal instruction on different aspects, all marked with an icon inside book so you can easily reference the DVD when needed.

Based on the idea of making a metal sampler, much like a quilt or embroidery sampler,  Kate guides you on all of the exercises fundamental to learning various soldering techniques through the use of 16 individual squares, before moving on to projects. which are also presented as full length tutorials in the book. I love this aspect of the book because it will help eliminate the fear and doubts you may have if you were to only learn the techniques through projects alone. 

The DVD is an excellent resource as well. You can tell that Kate is a seasoned instructor and her warm contagious excitement is evident in the videos.

The jewelry projects presented once you finish your sampler are beautiful and elegant and have just enough challenge to them that they will leave you with a sense of accomplishment when you are finished!

Overall, if you're a soldering newbie or need some projects that will help you increase and improve your skill set, I highly recommend this book. It is beautifully printed and presented and with the addition of the DVD, it's like taking a private class in the privacy of your home!

Kate also teaches online at Beaducation, Craftsy and at retreats and shows nationally. You can check out some of her free videos at Beaducation here and read her blog here.

Purchase a copy of Simple Soldering directly from Kate or at the Interweave Store.

Full Disclosure: the opinions here are my own. I was not asked to review this book.