I bought this book to satisfy my curiosity about the beautiful piece on the cover. Little did I know how many other beautiful pieces were inside. It did not take me long to learn the techniques for creating my own pieces. Six cabochons later I'm thrilled that I bought and read this book

There is no praise high enough for this book! I made a flawless, beautiful cabochon necklace on the first try using this book, a necklace of quality good enough to gift or sell. And!! As if the book itself were not a good enough bargain, I emailed Ms. Eakin with a question, and received a very instructive reply. A nice person who knows her field, is willing to share what she knows -- and has. I wish her much success, and for the rest of us, I hope she writes another book!

Love this book! It is by far the best book that explains step by step on how to construct your bead embroidery jewelry creations. Fabulous book!

Wow, this is a wonderful book of how to...from start to finish you will have all that you need at your fingertips. This book was sugested as a go-along with the book I was set on buying and I think it was great advice to have both. The directions are clear and step by step. The projects are fundamental and easy to build on. Once you do the different stitches, you are all set to make your work personal and as elaborate as you desire. There are loads of pictures all through the book as you are guided to do edge finishes and fringes and even necklace attachments. I am a novice 'seed-beader' and have acquired a lot of confidence from this book "Beading with Cabochons" and am now working on an elaborate project.

Wow, this is a wonderful book of how to...from start to finish you will have all that you need at your fingertips. This book was sugested as a go-along with the book I was set on buying and I think it was great advice to have both. The directions are clear and step by step. The projects are fundamental and easy to build on. Once you do the different stitches, you are all set to make your work personal and as elaborate as you desire. There are loads of pictures all through the book as you are guided to do edge finishes and fringes and even necklace attachments. I am a novice 'seed-beader' and have acquired a lot of confidence from this book "Beading with Cabochons" and am now working on an elaborate project.

I have been beading for many years, but I have never tried beading with cabochons before. This was the perfect book to pick up and learn. The author goes through every step thoroughly and with color photographs, with a chapter on each possible part to embellish. The one thing I think buyers should be aware of is that all her designs use a backing that you stitch beads onto. However, that was not a deterent to me at all, and I can't wait to get my hands on some cabochons to try out these beautiful designs! I think the cab designs that she gives will greatly enhance my jewelry and give me a completely new skill to use.

Another real winner. Gives grest directions with wonderful graphics. Great book for beginners

I love this book. I don't even work with seed beads but I bought this book because I found it inspired me in my wire work. Each and every project is beautiful and so wearable! I know that when and if I am ever
ready to work with seed beads and cabachons THIS will be the book I will
use. I can understand the instructions without ever having created a
piece of jewelry with thread! It is a must for all bead lovers!!!

I am no longer intimidated by the projects featured in this book or creating beaded cab projects of my own design. This book has been a great resource for me. List and description of tools and supplies needed is so helpful and informative.

If only this book were spiral bound so you could have it open to follow directions, it would be perfect. The instructions are clear, well written, and should prompt even a new beader to take the plunge into beading with cabochons. The photos are extremely helpful and clear and the finished pieces pictured should prompt all to give it a go. A must have book for a beadwork library.

This book has ALL information about beading with cabochons. I think I don't need another book about caboshons, I've found all important information here.

Absolutely beautiful book full of gorgeous photography, ideas, and with good instructions and projects. Keep in mind that you could make your own cabochons with polymer clay.

"Beading with Cabochons" is worth every penny. It starts your mind spinning and you can hardly wait to check your supply of beads to attempt some/or parts of the beautiful ideas shown here. I must have looked at this book 100 times just to see how beautiful the pieces are.

This book has already changed my life, never thought I could make something like this but with this book anything is possible!
Highest recommendation

I highly recommend this book, which has step-by-step instructions with diagrams and information as to where to purchase materials. I'm new to beading cabochons and I've made two projects, thus far, both look great.

This book is very well done and explains all kinds of edgings, and techniques for bead-edged cabochon jewelry. It is good for learning techniques,different edgings, and also has attractive projects.

If you like to work with cabochons, make embellished beaded necklaces,you will enjoy this book. If you like modern, streamlined, geometric, precious metal jewelry, this is not the book for you.

I was totally stunned by this book! I have been wanting to learn to do this for some time now, but could never find a book I really liked. Until this one. WOW! Everything about this book is superb--photos, directions, diagrams, ideas, writing...everything. I was blown away by the quality of the directions in particular.

The directions are clear and concise. You WILL be able to make a beautiful cabochon right from the very start. The photographs are outstanding, and as mentioned in another review, each one tells you exactly what techniques were used to make it. It's not a guessing game. My first cabochon came out PERFECT. My second one came out perfect. So did the third! I was so thrilled at--YES, I will say it--how EASY making a beaded cabochon really is. Many, many books have directions that are adequate, but need to be read and re-read several times before you understand exactly what you're supposed to be doing. Not this one! This is probably the least frustrated I've ever been at learning to do something new.

If you want to make a beaded cabochon this is THE book to buy. If you even think you might want to learn to make a beaded cabochon, this is the book to buy. If you've tried to do this before and were less than successful, this is the book to buy. This is the book that sets the standard. You won't be disappointed.

This is an excellent book! The pictures are great! Instructions are very detailed and specific. Great project ideas, too.

Not all how-to books can actually get you to the desired end result, but this one does. The projects are beautiful, the photos are inspiring, and the instructions are thorough and well-written. Just wonderful!

I was delighted with this book. Beautifully illustrated with lots of color photos. Well done!

As a new beader with a great desire to create works of art using cabacons; I found this book extremely informative. The instuctions and diagrams are so great that my first project using the methods in this came out a success. I am using this book as a reference guide for the new projects I have in mind.

I have waited years for a book on beading with cabochons. Leave it to Lark books to provide the beautiful color pictures and quality paper book that we prefer. Lark always seems to have better-than-average technique-type books, and this one is no exception. The pictures are plentiful, clear and Jamie Cloud Eakin's work is inspiring and impressive. Just the kind of pictures I like to see when looking for examples of technique. Lovely, lovely, lovely!

I am another "Woman of 100 Hobbies" and have an extensive library of books, including beading. What does this book provide that others do not? The only other book I own that provides much in the way of step-by-step directions for working with cabs is Sadie Starr's 1993 publication _Beading with Seed Beads, Gem Stones and Cabochons_. While Ms. Starr's book provided us with her basic cabochon technique (amongst her other seed-bead and gemstone experience), it was in black and white with color plate pages elsewhere, depicted mostly southwest style, and really just whetted your appetite and curiosity for working with cabs. Beading with Cabochons reaches beyond the basics and offers such attractive variations! I love Eakin's style and find myself "champing at the bit" to try my own variations, and isn't that what a good book should do?

While we go from basic to more advanced styles, these are not your average-looking cab projects. I think they have more class/chic/dash than the traditional southwest style I am accustomed to seeing so often. (No disparagement or offense meant to the southwest/Native American style, of course; each has its place! It is simply not MY style most of the time. Know what I mean?)

Table of Contents includes: 1) Materials and Tools, 2) Basic Cabochon Beading, 3) Edge Stitches [Raw edge, Turned-bead edge, Lifted turned-bead edge, Pointed edge, Twisted edge, Star edge (using brick stitch), Ruffled edge (using brick stitch), Scalloped edge, and Fringes], 4) Attachment Methods (and variations thereof) [Direct, Turn-bead method, Backside bead method, Top-bail ladder stitch method, and Top loop method], 5) Other Bezel Stitches [Bead-raised bezel, Window bezel, Picot bezel, and variations], 6) The Projects, and 7) Creating Your Own Designs [color considerations, design steps (from concept to completion), jewelry-specific tips, other design considerations, using multiple cabs/ other objects]; a Gallery of cabochon jewelry by other artists; an Appendix on attaching findings; an Index to stitches; and supplier notes.

The 11 projects include: Fringed Dichroic Glass Necklace, Oval Solitaire Rhodonite Bracelet, Noondrite Jasper Necklace, Sea Moss Ladder Bracelet, Double Cabochon Dangle Earrings, Leopardskin Jasper Necklace, Black Onyx Pin, Victorian Triple Cabochon Bracelet, Southwest Spirit Necklace, Fringed Tiger-Eye Cabochon Earrings and Crazy Lace Agate Pin.

I came away feeling that Eakin knew what she was talking about, even providing us with helpful information about minutiae such as Glue: If/when using glue, instead of just selecting a glue suitable for glass, stones or fabric, "The key to selecting one glue brand over another is knowing what the glue's texture will be after it dries."; Scissors: Good, sharp blades are obvious, but curved manicure scissors are especially good for trimming and (surprise) curves; and Knots: Did you know there's a secure, one-thread knot when you cannot tie a square knot?

My only "complaint": The very fine-line ellipse thingy used on the title of each beginning chapter page. I have 2 dogs and 2 cats and I keep thinking that it's a hair! Ha!

I have waited years for a book on beading with cabochons. Leave it to Lark books to provide the beautiful color pictures and quality paper book that we prefer. Lark always seems to have better-than-average technique-type books, and this one is no exception. The pictures are plentiful, clear and Jamie Cloud Eakin's work is inspiring and impressive. Just the kind of pictures I like to see when looking for examples of technique. Lovely, lovely, lovely!

I am another "Woman of 100 Hobbies" and have an extensive library of books, including beading. What does this book provide that others do not? The only other book I own that provides much in the way of step-by-step directions for working with cabs is Sadie Starr's 1993 publication _Beading with Seed Beads, Gem Stones and Cabochons_. While Ms. Starr's book provided us with her basic cabochon technique (amongst her other seed-bead and gemstone experience), it was in black and white with color plate pages elsewhere, depicted mostly southwest style, and really just whetted your appetite and curiosity for working with cabs. Beading with Cabochons reaches beyond the basics and offers such attractive variations! I love Eakin's style and find myself "champing at the bit" to try my own variations, and isn't that what a good book should do?

While we go from basic to more advanced styles, these are not your average-looking cab projects. I think they have more class/chic/dash than the traditional southwest style I am accustomed to seeing so often. (No disparagement or offense meant to the southwest/Native American style, of course; each has its place! It is simply not MY style most of the time. Know what I mean?)

Table of Contents includes: 1) Materials and Tools, 2) Basic Cabochon Beading, 3) Edge Stitches [Raw edge, Turned-bead edge, Lifted turned-bead edge, Pointed edge, Twisted edge, Star edge (using brick stitch), Ruffled edge (using brick stitch), Scalloped edge, and Fringes], 4) Attachment Methods (and variations thereof) [Direct, Turn-bead method, Backside bead method, Top-bail ladder stitch method, and Top loop method], 5) Other Bezel Stitches [Bead-raised bezel, Window bezel, Picot bezel, and variations], 6) The Projects, and 7) Creating Your Own Designs [color considerations, design steps (from concept to completion), jewelry-specific tips, other design considerations, using multiple cabs/ other objects]; a Gallery of cabochon jewelry by other artists; an Appendix on attaching findings; an Index to stitches; and supplier notes.

The 11 projects include: Fringed Dichroic Glass Necklace, Oval Solitaire Rhodonite Bracelet, Noondrite Jasper Necklace, Sea Moss Ladder Bracelet, Double Cabochon Dangle Earrings, Leopardskin Jasper Necklace, Black Onyx Pin, Victorian Triple Cabochon Bracelet, Southwest Spirit Necklace, Fringed Tiger-Eye Cabochon Earrings and Crazy Lace Agate Pin.

I came away feeling that Eakin knew what she was talking about, even providing us with helpful information about minutiae such as Glue: If/when using glue, instead of just selecting a glue suitable for glass, stones or fabric, "The key to selecting one glue brand over another is know what the glue's texture will be after it dries."; Scissors: Good, sharp blades are obvious, but curved manicure scissors are especially good for trimming and (surprise) curves; and Knots: Did you know there's a secure, one-thread knot when you cannot tie a square knot?

My only "complaint": The very fine-line ellipse thingy used on the title of each beginning chapter page. I have 2 dogs and 2 cats and I keep thinking that it's a hair! Ha!

[...]

This book has beautiful and clear photographs and instructions. The work of Ms. Eakin and her contributors is stunning. It is very inspiring. She covers instructions and tips on more than I could imagine would happen or need to be considered. Stitching for a cabochon without backing is not included, but don't let that stop you from getting this book. It's fabulous.

This is absolutely greatest book I found about beaded cabochons technique.
I loved this kind of beading for long time and tried to find some helpful info...but nothing helped.
After trying with this book I feel "cabochon-specialist". And I can say that even my first cabochon work with this book was success.
If you like cabochons and beading then this book is ideal teacher and inspirator.
I love it, I love it, I love it....

This is absolutely greatest book I found about beaded cabochons technique.
I loved this kind of beading for long time and tried to find some helpful info...but nothing helped.
After trying with this book I feel "cabochon-specialist". And I can say that even my first cabochon work with this book was success.
If you like cabochons and beading then this book is ideal teacher and inspirator.
I love it, I love it, I love it....

I absolutely love this book! It has wonderfull instructions and fantastic pictures! I plan on making every project in this book. It also inspired me to make and design the first project on my own. AWE INSPIRING!!!

I absolutely love this book! It has wonderfull instructions and fantastic pictures! I plan on making every project in this book. It also inspired me to make and design the first project on my own. AWE INSPIRING!!!

If you're a beader and are ready for the challenge of making one of these outrageously beautiful pieces of art..........this is the book for you!! Excellent instructions, beautifully photographed and enough inspiration to keep your creativity dialed up to the maximum for a long, long time.

Now as to the 'simple' part of the title, that might be a stretch! The end results are worth a teensy bit of struggle. Previous beading experience will make it do-able but a determined beginner can rise to the challenge.

Here is a superb book, really outstanding. The choice of projects, colors, styles is stupendous. The techniques are very clearly described.
Just one thing: Whereas the title says "Simple Techniques", I would classify them more as "advanced techniques". But the hands-on descriptions are easy to follow if you have already some solid beading experience.

What a beautiful book. The instructions are very clear with a lot of ideas. I find this book very inspiring and would highly recommend.

Excellent book with good directions and pictures of beading around cabachons.

Loved this book -- it is super for the expert as well as the beginner beader.
Lots of lovely ideas with directions and hints on how to head in your own
direction. I highly recommend this book.

I was hoping to find ways to incorporate cabs into beadweaving without resorting to glue and backing, but this books is a wealth of great design ideas. I'll just have to keep experimenting with bezels.

I Tried and Tried To Learn How To Bead A Cabachon By Following Other Book's Instructions. My Cabachons Came Out SO Bad I Had To Take Them Apart. This Very Well Done Book Did It For Me. Beautiful Color Pictures and Detailed Black And White Drawings, Can Make A First Time Beader Pleased With The Results. The Second Chapter On Beading Basics Is Simple To Follow WIth Great Results. Her Chapters Start Out Simple And Advance You Into Creating Works Of True Art. All The Finished Cabachons She Shows You Are Detailed Enough To Actually See The Beadwork Unlike Some Books I call "Teasers" Which Show Off Their Work SO You Can See It But Not Well Enough To Imitate The Beadwork. This Is A How-To Book I am Pleased To Own!

Reading the book is a pleasure. Easy to follow instructions. Wonderfully inspiring photographs. And a good part of the book has specific projects. For anyone interested in beading with cabs, this is a great place to start.

this is a fabulous book.

the instructions, from beginning and ending threads to embellishing the basic beaded bezel to incorporating it into jewelry--and everything in-between--are well-written, clear and thorough--nothing is overlooked (well, she doesn't illustrate how to thread a needle, as one of my other craft books does, but that's hardly a fault!). the instructions are accompanied by excellent photos and line drawings. i usually have a hard time learning from print rather than demonstration, but this book makes learning incredibly easy.

the designs are wonderful and the variety is amazing. i have subscribed to major beading magazines for years and have not seen anything like many of eakin's designs. they are all beautiful, many are elegant. the methods for attaching the finished cabochons to necklaces or into bracelets are creative, simple and beautiful. the color combinations are fantastic.

this is one of the finest craft books i have seen in decades of doing a large number of techniques. a beginner could produce a wonderful first project and an experienced beader will be inspired.

Jewelry makers will relish this lovely gathering of photographs and how-to beading directions, which is the only current guide to the rock. From working with the mineral and finding the best piece to using tools and beads to maximum effect, chapters direct the user to mastering various basic beading techniques to add effects to the cabochon. From bracelets to necklaces in a range of styles, BEADING WITH CABOCHONS: SIMPLE TECHNIQUES FOR BEAUTIFUL JEWELRY is not to be missed.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

If you've ever wanted to know what to do with cabochons or beads that called out for something different, this is the book that demonstrates and shows you, step-by-step, how to explore those possibilities. Not only do I own an autographed copy, I know the artist. As a teacher of this method, not only is she thorough, she is excellent. As in her classes, she leaves nothing out when instructing you from the book. Her diagrams are clear, her instructions precise, and there are plenty of examples to look at should you need that nudge toward inspiration. If you want to explore more than netting around see-through slabs, this is the book for you. Thanks to Jamie, I've learned to look at beads, rocks and minerals in a whole new light. I'm hooked!!

I first came aware of this book at our beading group and immediatley ordered it. She gives you so many options of doing simple to very decorative cabachon work. Her instructions are simple, easily understandable & uses great example pictures. In other books you maylook at a picture and wonder what technique was used. In this book, right under the picture she tells how she tells you what technique to use. You don't have to go hunting in the book looking for these techniques; they are organized in chapters. You start out very basic and they she build up from there. I have several books on cabachon beading and this is by far the best one I own and the one that I refer to all the time.

What an inspiring book. It has given me so many ideas. It's very popular with the Bead group too.

This is a wonderful book! If you have ever wanted to make a cab or odd-shaped stone look great...this is the book for you. Even experienced beaders can learn a trick or two here. The newbie can make a necklace to turn heads with these directions.

This was an excellent book and well worth the purchase price. Beautiful pictures and lots of techniques with excellent directions.

you'll love Jamie's book. There are lots of pictures and ideas. Jaime does a good job in her descriptions and instructions.

This will be one of those "you have to have this book, as it's one of the gold standards"