Beaded Opulence: The Review

BeadDreamz is lucky enough to have, as a member, amazing bead artist and published author Marcia Decoster. Her new book, "Beaded Opulence: Elegant Jewelry Projects with Right Angle Weave," has inspired many of our members to dig into their bead stashes and start creating!

As a side note: Did you know that BeadDreamz is the friendliest beading-related group on yahoo? That's the humble opinion of your blogger, anyway!

One of our wonderful members, Barb Grainger, took the time to write out a review of "Beaded Opulence" and share it with us on the group. We appreciate it, Barb! With the permission of both Barb and Marcia, here is the review in its entirety.

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Well done Marica! A beautifully executed book full of eye candy and fun projects, 'Beaded Opulence' has something for everyone from beginner to advanced beader. The book teaches basic single needle right angle weave (RAW) techniques including: basic stitch, flat and tubular techniques, edge and internal increasing and decreasing, shaping, creating curves, joining and surface embellishment. DeCoster even tells the reader how to cut a piece apart yet maintain it's structural integrity. An eight page gallery section shows gorgeous pieces from such artists as Nan C. Meinhardt, Jeanette Cook and Rachel Nelson-Smith.

The projects range from a basic RAW bracelet, "Spun Glass", to an intermediate level, "Urchin" beaded bead project, to advanced projects such as "Etruscan Treasure" necklace which features a RAW captured Swarovski rivoli. The "beads' in the instructional graphics are not numbered but the illustrations are backed up with well written text. My only wish for this book would be more close-up, detailed graphics on some sections of the more complicated projects. Having said that, DeCoster's book is a wonderful addition to any beading library. Get it, bead it, enjoy it! Congratulations Marica.
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September 2009 Calendar Favorites!

We are very pleased to announce the winners of the favorites poll for the September 2009 Calendar Challenge! Three of the four top spots were secured by Lorraine, who is a new member of our group. Kudos to Lorraine for keeping the rest of us on our toes, and congrats to Kassie for taking the other spot (we announce first, second, and third place, and this month there was a tie for third). As always, thanks to all the group members for their gorgeous work!

First Place: Golden Lustre By Lorraine














Second Place: Dancing Flamingo by Lorraine














There was a tie for Third Place:

Blue Jean Bracelet by Kassie






Blushing Diamonds by Lorraine

September 2009 Calendar Challenge

Another beautiful selection of beading has been entered into our September challenge. Members please don't forget to visit our poll on group and cast a vote for your favorite.

Our Calendar Challenge officially ended this month but because some members are keen to continue we are extending the monthly challenge to the end of this year so get your beads and keep beading.