To say I love this book is an understatement. The explanation of tools, beads, and crystal guidelines are just what every beader needs. Don't think this book is just for crystals either. There are many techniques that can be used for other types of beads. A++++

Laura McCabe has written a luscious volume full of vibrant Swarovski crystal jewelry. Who among us doesn't love the sparkle and color of Swarovski crystal? Bicones, faceted rounds, rings, rondelles, one of my favorites - margaritas and rivolis! Combined with seed beads to create bezels, Laura is a master at making the beads and crystals sing with color and sparkle. Included are Laura's most notable designs, the Rings and Things Necklace, the Three-Strand Rivoli Bracelet and the Crystal Burst Ring.

The book is organized into seven instructional chapters followed then by the crystal jewelry projects. Chapter one is a brief but comprehensive history of cut crystals. Chapter two is a detailed discussion of the types of seed beads and crystals used in the book's projects. Chapter three describes tools and materials. The four basic stitches needed to create the projects is the topic of chapter four.

Beaders are resourceful, they can make beads mimic almost anything a metalsmith can do. The bezel is a good example. Seed bead bezels and open-back bezels are described in chapter five. The resourcefulness continues with chapter six where the reader learns to create a toggle out of seed beads. Chapter seven is like the cherry on a sundae, a final, sweet sprinkling of sparkle - embellishments and then it's on to the projects.

In the chapters that teach a off loom technique, there are pictures of completed steps. It might have been helpful to include pictures of the step in progress but there are detailed written directions that may do just as well.

What I love about the projects is the "Beading time" given at the top of the project. It gives you an idea of how long it will take you to do a project. There's also a little synopsis that gives you an overview of the project. Sets the tone and the direction which I find very helpful. On pages 29-31 there are guidelines for bezeling rivolis and other crystals that is worth the price of the book.

The techniques in this book can be used with artbeads to vividly highlight the colors and characteristics of a special cabachon or bead. An art bead can take you in a unique and interesting direction - flameworked disks will have a distinctly modern twist. Try it, you'll like it!

This book is wonderful, beautiful projects, great instructions! This is a definite must for anyone who loves to bead with crystals and seed beads. Laura really makes it easy to follow her instructions, even if you are attempting the stitches for the first time. Look forward to making everything in the book. :)

I have always been an ardent Swarovski fan and this book gives clear, concise instructions to make some very lovely jewelry using Swarovski crystals. I attended a bead show and one of the vendors had used this book to make some of the most stunning pendants and earrings using Swarovski rivolis. I highly recommend this book - many beautiful pictures and clear illustrations on how to make the projects.

This much anticipated book is a winner.Supplies are quite costly,so plan to spend some$. Directions are clear. I've been beading for 5 years and now only make pieces I really love. Great way to use those rivolis! Janet from Florida

I've bought several books in the past, trying to learn how to do Peyote stitch, herringbone stiches flat and round. This is the first book I have purchased where the author actually taught me how to do this without any of the vagaries of my previous purchases. Not only are the projects heartachingly beautiful, the author actually intends that the reader will be able to develop the skills to create his/her own versions of similar pieces of work and holds nothing back. Projects are gorgeous, instructions are clear and concise. Every artisans dream of growth in new skills is met here. It doesn't get any better than this. I've been able to add so many wonderful new skills to my design repertoire by studying this book. Thank you Laura!

Creating Crystal Jewelry with Swarovski: 65 Sparkling Designs with Crystal Beads and Stonesis a great book - it helps alot to creat great and beautiful jewelry.

Creating Crystal Jewelry with Swarovski: 65 Sparkling Designs with Crystal Beads and Stones I was disappointed because the author didn't offer specific sources for the supplies which were used to make the jewelry in the book. I spent many hours trying to find 18mm rivolis. I couldn't find a place to buy goat thong anywhere on the internet. I tried to implement the authors on line appendex to find where to buy some of the material, but it was like going around in circles. I have given up trying to make some of the items in the book. I gave it three stars because the jewelry items are beautiful, and if you have some ingenuity, you may be able to make substitutions.

Excellent eye candy. Good directions. I especially like the charts of how many beads to use to start the bezel depending on the size of the crystal you are bezeling. My only problem with this book is that it caused me to start buying more and more crystals, before I finished the first project I started.

I've admired Laura's work for a while, it's really nice to page through the book and see how she did things. The instructions make good sense, and being left handed, I have a hard time interpreting some other bead author's directions.

I'm buying a copy for a friend who uses crystals all the time but hasn't discovered this book.

The patterns in this book are easy to follow and have great visual instructions along with written instructions. The photographs are great with may close ups that can be viewed as another way to "check" your work.

The only draw back is that some of the materials for the projects are hard to find. I have not been able to find #15 charlottes in gold or silver so I substituted #15 seed beads (I understand that #15 charlottes are smaller than #15 seed beads, so using charlottes would have made "cuffing" the bezel easier). Also, I have not been able to find some of the crytstal sizes/shapes. Square crystals are extremely hard to find.

I do look forward to making multiple projects from this book.

This book not only supplies beautiful beading projects but it does so in a way that can be followed by any beader with some experience in the basic off loom stitches. I have bought many bead books where the details were so sketchy or vague as to be almost useless. Not so here. Laura does the directions very well and quite clearly. On her web site there is even an addendum in which she tells you exactly what beads she used in each project. I have NEVER seen that before in a bead book! Thanks for the great book, Laura!

I like the book very much. It taught me some basic beading techniques for Swarovski crystals. I did not use any of the book's patterns. I made my own patterns using the techniques from the book.

My only criticism is that the patterns are too colorful! Swarovski crystals are already striking; too much color can become gaudy.

Laura McCabe's designs are not just sparkling. they are sparklicious!! For anyone who loves sparkles and bezeling crystals, this is the book for you. All the instructions are in color and easy to follow. I love the fact that many of the designs have picture of variations of both color and size to help you envision what a design might look like when done in YOUR favorite colors. Each project has an estimate of time to complete and a very specific materials list. There is an excellent chart for bezeling rivolis and other crystals. Although I would guess that her projects are for at least an intermediate beader, all the stitches needed to complete a project are explained in full color. Also, on her website you can order kits for some of the projects.

Laura McCabe has a very natural approach to jewelry and it shows. You can see the echo of flowers, berries, and other organic-looking items, yet she also provides some very geometric designs. The book is a full-color, quality paperback with very easy to follow, fully illustrated, instructions. Laura makes it easy to visualize how the designs will look in other color schemes by providing images of variations on the designs. She provides a brief history of beads and jumps right into the techniques and stitches. From crystal beaded bead to crystal flower rings, Laura McCabe gives 65+ ways to use Swarovski crystal elements. A wonderful addition to a beader's collection. The techniques I believe, would have interest to the the intermediate and advanced beader. Many of the techniques in this book would aid in own personal designs also.

Be sure to visit Laura McCabe's website: www.justletmebead.com
here you can see a gallery of her work and order supplies and kits.

THIS IS ONE OF THE FINEST BEADING BOOKS I HAVE EVER PURCHASED. LAURA McCABE IS ONE OF THE GREATS IN THE BEADING INDUSTRY. HER DESIGNS ARE SUPERB, BUT EVEN BETTER HER DIRECTIONS ARE CLEAR AND VERY EASY TO FOLLOW. SHE ALSO PRESENTS GENERIC INFORMATION SO YOU CAN CREATE DESIGNS OF YOUR OWN. IT IS NOT A BOOK FOR BEGINNERS BUT RATHER FOR THOSE EXPERIENCED BEADERS THAT ARE LOOKING FOR NEW TECHNIQUES THAT WILL SET YOUR WORK APART FROM THE AVERAGE EVERYDAY RUN OF THE MILL JEWELERY THAT YOU SEE EVERYWHERE. I CANNOT RECOMMEND THIS BOOK MORE HIGHLY.

Laura McCabe is such a talented creative jewelry artist. This book covers the tools, stitches, and crystals that are used in her creations. Laura's material list are specific and her step by step directions for making the projects are excellant. She even estimates the beading time for the reader.

Wonderful book!! Definitely an all time favorite. Excellent detail..Laura gives precise and easy to follow directions. She even includes an appendix of every bead and stone used in each piece for those of us who are color challenged. What more could one wish for!?!? hmmmmmm...volume two??

Well done....Well done!!! All Laura's pieces are in there! Even the newer items. She does an outstanding job giving formulas to substitute vintage for current. Great pictures....wonderful direcitons. OUTSTANDING value!!!!!!!!! Thank you Laura!!!!!

Wonderful book!! Definitely an all time favorite. Excellent detail..Laura gives precise and easy to follow directions. She even includes an appendix for those of us who are color challenged. What more could one wish for!?!? hmmmmmm...volume two??

Hi ladies, this is the book for today's crystal jewelry. Why? Because its not old fashion like most of the crystal designs in todays books.

If you are looking for something different to make that's eye catching, this is the book for you. I have been searching different crystal books and this is the only one that features crystals that can make you happy with what you've made. It's not old fashion its the new crystal jewelry.

These designs are eye catching. Just imagine a ring that sparkles like a diamond for less than the price of one . This book has fabulous rings and bracelet designs. I just love it and I'm sure you will too!

This new book is truly amazing! Not only beautiful photos but the instructions are clear and easy to follow. Truly a must have for any creative beader's library!

This book is great IF you haven't already spent money on the patterns that are available online. IF you haven't already paid $35 for one of the patterns, or $20 for others, then the book is great.

The diagrams and instructions in the book are far more descriptive than the patterns online, so I do appreciate that, I just wish that there had been something new, in the book, that I could have looked forward to.

If you really like the design on the cover (the sort of sunburst motif), you'll probably like this book--almost all the projects are done with that same design idea. I'm looking for more variety, esp. in projects like these, which are not cheap to make. (I know Swarovski-centered projects will usually cost me more, so I also want more "bang" in the finished item.)

Seems like there's a million beginner books for the beaded jewelry craze, but there are very few good books that teach more advanced/intricate designs. Great job showing the multiple variations of each design! I can't think of another book that's done this so thoroughly. That's a huge plus and show's the potential of color play. I appreciated the approximate time to make each piece as well. I absolutely love this book and will probably have a go at making at least one of each and every project! Definitely a top favorite in my collection of almost 200 craft and jewelry books. ;-)

I eagerly anticipated receiving my book, and I wasn't disappointed. Excellent photography, projects and instructions. The projects are easier than they look... you just need materials and time.

I'm not great on reviewing the books I buy from Amazon, but this one deserves my taking the time to do so. The instructions are written so clearly that even a beginning beader will be able to follow them. Experienced beaders can try a new avenue to explore with the crystals. There are several patterns and suggestions for going off on your own as well. The book handles basics and carries you along so that you are ready to bead! You won't be disappointed if you add it to your beading library.

This book includes the patterns for Ms. McCabe's "Crystal Geodesic Dome," "Infinity Necklace," and "Crystal Burst Bracelet," patterns I had long coveted, but had been put off by the steep price tag (if I recall, it was approximately the price of this book per pattern). This book also includes instructions and formulae for a number of useful techniques that can be incorporated into one's own designs, including open-backed bezeling (no ultrasuede or leather, just beads); beaded toggle closures; and crystal spiral ropes. Definitely a book worth having!

WOW! Beautiful photographs of the projects, and variations of them, depicted in countless inspiring color combinations. Closeups are large enough that you can make out the colors of individual crystals and seed beads, yet the entire piece is visable.

Though I had already purchased the patterns for the Crown Jewel and the Geodesic Dome together(and paid more than this entire book costs), no dissapointment here...there are still plenty of other patterns to thrill, including the mouth-watering Vineyard Jewel Necklace.

I have not read any of the written instructions, but the instructional graphics are beautifully done and couldn't be more clear. Some of the most valuable instructions for me are: ending a spiral rope, attaching a spiral neck strap to another componant, and how to continue a spiral rope through a focal bead.

An amazing book for a great price! A MUST have!

I ordered two copies, knowing this would be a great book. Upon it's arrival I ordered 10 more. This book is truly an honor and privlege to own. IT is GORGEOUS!

Lauras instructions and kits and now this book shine with her talent for design and impeccable taste in color. She is able to convey complex designs in simple terms. The instructions are very easy to follow. The photographs are inspiring and capture not only the beauty of Laura's work but, the crystals themselves. The graphics are clear and concise.

For those of you who might fear these projects are daunting, fear no more. I have been a customer of Lauras for quite sometime now and can tell you first hand that I have completed all the projects in this book and a few others ( perhaps she'll share in a second book) These wondrous works of art are do-able. All you need are the materials and the time.

I will agree with the other two reviewers about Laura's book. I have been fortunate to have been able to take a couple of classes with her and the book went way beyond my expectations. Great book, Laura.

In referenceing the previous review, it is all that and more....I also just received the book last night and whole-heartedly recommend this selection. Laura has done it again!

I just received this book today so haven't made any of the projects yet, but I have throughly read through the book and instructions, and each project is gorgeous and unique! I pre-ordered this book back in June, so was eagerly looking forward to it since I love Laura McCabe's designs. If you love sparkly, yet elegant jewelry, then you will love this book!

The book starts out with a chapter devoted to covering all of the beading stitches you'll need to make the projects, such as peyote stitch, ndebele, etc. (If you're a beginner, however, you may need more instruction in these stitches than this book provides.) It then moves into sections that demonstrate how to bezel, make closures, and embellish, before moving into the 20 projects.

Each project and technique has clear, detailed instructions (including an estimate of how long the project will take), along with excellent diagrams to guide you in your beading. The projects also use more traditional Swarovski shapes such as bicones and rivolis, along with non-traditional shapes like squares.

The only drawback seems to be that some of the projects call for vintage crystals, which can be hard to find. There are some resources given for finding vintage crystals, however, along with information about modern-day equivalents.

All in all, it's a lovely book, and I can't wait to get started on some of the projects!