A great book on beading. Beautiful projects and a lot of inspiration for those well versed in right angle weave, peyote, herringbone, and bead crochet. ( )

Before the reader even opens this book, there is an air of exotica - a demure look by a young Asian woman shot in black & white. She definitely has a secret and as one delves into the book the reader finds that the secret is feminine, delicate, refined, exotic and wearable pieces.
The introduction by [a:Nathalie Mornu|407219|Nathalie Mornu|http://www.goodreads.com/images/nophoto/nophoto-U-50x66.jpg] gives background on the author, [a:Sonoko Nozue|5378532|Sonoko Nozue|http://www.goodreads.com/images/nophoto/nophoto-U-50x66.jpg] including her inspirations, teaching projects and some biographical details. The information makes me, not much of a beader, want to meet the Ms. Nozue.
The basics section is a bit daunting at first glance. The necklaces and bracelets are intricate. The photos are deceiving, though, because different types of beads, needles and thread are covered right away in the beginning of the basics. I always enjoy reading the definitions of the beads. For example, "Matsuno beads are glass beads produced exclusively by the Matsuno Company, which was established in 1935. They can sometimes be difficult to find in Japan. Outside of Japan, they're sold under the brand name MGB. Matsuno beads have thick walls and small holes. (pg.12)" You might be thinking "BFD!", but I think it is interesting to know that this company has been in existence since before World War II and what I need to look for if I want to find these beads in the US. There is a also a chart of symbols; the smae idea as knitting charts and a section on techniques, which is illustrated by a small bag project with an inset cameo. The basics section wraps up with several pages of stitches.
Chapters on projects start right after the basics section. The projects are well illustrated and have beautiful photographs of models wearing the jewelry. My favorite projects are Cheerful Midafternoon (pg.22), a necklace that looks like one worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's, and Dripping the Moon (pg.30), a pendant that looks like a small purse (mentioned above). Projects also have variations. Crystal Rose, a large and elegant necklace (pg.102) suggests mounting the pendant on a hair comb instead of hanging it from a rope ('chain').
There are so many illustrations that make up the directions in this book that quiltmakers can get inspired for machine quilting and embellishing from looking at the photos alone.
The book has a gallery in the back and an index, two of my favorites. This book is pure and simple eye candy. Take a look.