Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Book Review - Crystal Jewelry Inspiration

About a month ago, I received a surprise package from Kalmbach books.  Inside was a short note telling me that the necklace I made for Kalmbach's Bead Soup Event was an "office favorite."

As a prize, Kalmbach sent an advance copy of Crystal Jewelry Inspiration.  (Thank you, so much!)


This gorgeous book contains contributions from thirty Create your Style Ambassadors.  And, can I tell you, these artists know how to use crystals!

The earrings on the cover are designed by Lilian Chen and are just a sample of what you'll find inside.

The book is full of inspiration and eye candy.  The gallery in the back is drool worthy.

So many projects caught my eye, but I will show you just a few.  (The following two pictures are used with permission from Kalmbach.)

Leslie Rogalski's "Pink Orbits" bracelet makes me want to try bead weaving with a loom.


I was blown away by Pat Riesenbruger's "Tribal Princess" cuff.  Pat's fiber art is amazing.


There is truly something here for everyone.  The projects range from wire work to polymer clay, from bead weaving to stringing, from wire crochet to metal work and from fiber arts to epoxy and resin.  The list of contributors is star-studded, to say the least.

Of course, in my mind, Swarovski is synonymous with Marcia deCoster.  Her "Two By Two" bracelet  is a wonderful combination of bead weaving and "bling."  You can see her bracelet here.

To celebrate the release of Crystal Jewelry Inspiration, the contributors are participating in a small blog hop.  Please take a few minutes to visit their pages.  You might glimpse more projects from the book.  Most are having giveaways as well.

Monday, June 15
June Beach                www.beachhausdesigns.blogspot.com
Lilian Chen                www.liliangoldgatsby.blogspot.com
Fernando daSilva        www.modern-expressions.blogspot.com
Marcia DeCoster         www.maddesignsbeads.blogspot.com
Stephanie Dixon         www.thedixonchick.blogspot.com

Tuesday, June 16                              
Katie Hacker              www.katiehacker.blogspot.com
Monica Han                www.cysdreambeads.blogspot.com
         
Wednesday, June 17                
Diane Hertzler           www.dianehertzler.blogspot.com
Val Hirata                  www.cbysparkle.com/blog
Jamie Hogsett            www.jamiehogsett.blogspot.com
          
Thursday, June 18                   
Lisa Pavelka              www.lisapavelka.typepad.com
Margot Potter             www.margotpottertheimpatientcrafter.blogspot.com
Pat Riesenburger        www.urbanstitchstudio.blogspot.com
Leslie Rogalski           www.sleeplessbeader.blogspot.com
Nadia Sanchez Ramos www.foufouchat.blogspot.com
Renata Sanchez Ramos   www.foufouchat.blogspot.com
Debra Saucier            www.debrasaucier.blogspot.com

Frinday, June 19
Brenda Schweder       www.BrendaSchweder.com
Debbi Simon               www.debbisimon.blogspot.com
Kim St. Jean              www.kimstjean.blogspot.com
Laura Timmons          www.therabeading.blogspot.com
Kristal Wick               www.kristalwick.wordpress.com
Diane Whiting             www.sparklesandsmiles.blogspot.com

6 comments:

  1. Even the cover of the book is beautiful - something about Swarovski! I was at Joann's on Monday and saw this weird looking object...as I got closer, it was a loom. Me - the non bead weaver-had to read the package to see what a loom was doing in the beading aisle! And now I know! :)

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  2. How cool is that? Congratulations to you for catching their attention that you so rightly deserve! Enjoy the day. Erin

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  3. Tanya, Thanks so much for sharing your enthusiasm for our new book, "Crystal Jewelry Inspiration". We agree that there is truly something for everyone in this books--from instructions to inspiration to advice! Hope you continue to enjoy your complimentary copy from us. Dianne Wheeler, Editor in Chief, Kalmbach Books

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    Replies
    1. And to your readers, Yes, there is a reason you should always preview your comments before publishing!

      Correction:
      book (not "books")

      For times when you fingers are faster than your brain!
      DWheeler, Editor in Chief, Kalmbach Books

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  4. Tanya, thanks so much for the kind words regarding my fiber bracelet! I so enjoyed your recent post where you pondered the process of creating art. You nailed it when you said to "just stop worrying and have fun." I totally agree! Fiber is very tactile and I often feel like I am back in kindergarten playing with clay when I have my hands in the wool!

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