Contents
Beaded Jewelry Inspired by Asian Art
CHAPTER 1
Using Elastic Cord
Basic Technique for Using Elastic Cord
Hints & Tips
Tying a Slipknot
Tying a Surgeon’s Knot
Marbled Splendor
Cinnabar Magic
Turquoise Cuff
Classy Ceramic
Exquisite Pearls
Jade & Onyx Watch Band
CHAPTER 2
Using Memory Wire
Tools for Working with Memory Wire
Optional Extras
Basic Techniques for Using Memory Wire
Hints & Tips
Basic Technique for Making Dangles
Wood & Metal Cuff
Aqua Lampwork With Silver Tubes
Jade, Flowers & Butterflies
Black Velvet Choker
Red Fossil Coral Choker
Silver & Jet Ring
Black & Pink Sparkle Ring
CHAPTER 3
Using Beading Wire and Crimp Beads
Attaching a Clasp Using the Flat Crimp Technique
The Folded Crimp Technique
When to Use Flat or Folded Crimping Techniques
Floating Beads on Beading Wire Using Crimps Beads
Etched Jade Necklace
Blue & Jade Necklace
Elegant Earrings
Coral & Lava Bracelet
Pearl, Crystal & Ivory Necklace
Red & Black Double Stand Cinnabar Necklace
Turquoise & Coral Floating Necklace
CHAPTER 4
Cord and Knotting
Larks Head Knot
Overhand Knot
The Square Knots
Half Square Knot
Square Knot
Loop and Bead Clasp
Making the Bead Side of the Clasp
Attaching a Cord Tail
Black & Copper Necklace
Red & Black Cube & Tube Necklace
Patina Donut Necklace
Black Knot Choker
Amethyst Shamballa Bracelet
Pink Flower Green Macramé Choker
CHAPTER 5
Making Loops and Working With Chain
Basic Techniques for Making Single Loops
Opening and Closing Loops
Opening and Closing a Jump Ring (or a Link of Chain)
Making a Bracelet, Necklace or Earrings with Chain
Abalone Shell Ensemble
Gold & Peal Lariat and Earrings
Red & Black Resin Bead Necklace
Etched Resin Choker
Flower & Butterfly Charm Bracelet
Elephant & Jade Bracelet (With Matching Jade Earrings)
Beaded Jewelry
Inspired by Asian Art
Eastern culture has influenced us for so long and in so many ways that it has slipped into our consciousness. We don’t always know why or how a thing looks or feels Asian; we only know that it does. As I pulled together the beads and components for this book, I also began to examine my own views of the Far East and how Asian culture has influenced me when designing jewelry. I didn’t have far to look. My mother’s family were Portuguese immigrants to the Hawaiian Islands, where East meets West. Cultural diversity abounds in every aspect of life from food to fabrics to religion to architecture, so it wasn’t hard to see how Asian color and texture have become part of the creativity I so enjoy. The arts of Asia can be highly practical or purely decorative. They range from the most austere and simple to the most ornate and intricate. The Eastern ability to observe, appreciate and capture beauty, especially the beauty of nature, is such that the most mundane objects can seem an act of worship.
Beads, too, have been a part of many cultures from time immemorial. They have served as currency, as well as ornaments, and even expressions of status. They have been invested with power and spiritual meaning and are a wonderful medium for creative expression.
This book aims to bring these two fascinating phenomena together. The designs included here borrow from the Asian use of color and texture as well as from aspects of Asian design. Some are simple pieces that can be completed in minutes, while others are more challenging but equally fun and rewarding. Hopefully, the designs in this book will inspire you to try variations and experiment with your own sense of Asian style.