[b:Maggie Meister's Classical Elegance: 20 Beaded Jewelry|11616208|Maggie Meister's Classical Elegance 20 Beaded Jewelry Designs (Beadweaving Master Class)|Maggie Meister|http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5128b9finwL._SL75_.jpg|16559175] was also sent to me from Lark Crafts/Sterling Publishing for free. Again, there is a comprehensive table of contents and an index as well as a very small bibliography. The gallery at the end shows several pages of amazing necklaces, which look more like museum pieces than jewelry. When I looked at some of them, I thought they might be historical reproductions, but I don't see anything that says one way or another.

The first part of the book goes over basic tools and stitches. The author talks a bit about the pros and cons of different clasps, the Great Thread Wars, and different types of ear wires and posts. I like it that she injects a bit of humor into what can be a boring, rote section. Stitches, both in the beginning and in the projects include a lot of diagrams so the maker can clearly see the author's method of creating. The stitches section would be good for quiltmakers who are embellishing their quilts.

I like it that Ms. Meister talks about her inspiration, which, in part, comes from ancient pieces. Each project has a brief description of something historical that influenced the piece. The inspiration could be common practices at the time, marriage jewelry, and torques worn in ancient Ireland. I would have liked to have seen some footnotes for these comments.

I think most of the projects in the book walk the fine line between lush and over-the-top very well.

Chapter 5, starting on page 96, is called Architectural elements as Inspiration. The facing page (pg.97) has photos of chimneys, title, a Russian (or maybe Greek?) Orthodox church and other architectural elements that can serve as inspiration for any kind of creativity.

Check this book out and see how different things in the world around you can inspire your creative work.