Diane Fitzgerald's Favorite Beading Projects: Designs from Stringing to Beadweaving Hardcover – March 6, 2012

There are so many projects in this book that I want to do. And they are so different from each other. Unlike some other beading books, these projects use a variety of techniques so it's a good sampling of bead projects but they are not so simple that they are boring nor so complicated that they are unachievable. And I love the button doll! Not every project has to be challenging, sometimes they can just be fun. That's a terrific project to do with kids.

LOVE this book, and the amazing creativity of the author. She is a pioneer in the bead weaving explosion of the past 25 years and never fails to come up with new ideas and treatments. Part of my core library of great books from great teachers and designers.

Most of the projects are necklaces and were designed apparently early on in her career. So none of her exciting work seen in her recent books can be found here. However, there are still several that I found interesting: Yao and majesty necklaces, Fortune teller beads, Midnight snowflakes, art deco necklace, diamond chain bracelet, button doll ornament, zipper bracelet and Canterbury necklace. Projects seem to be quite easy for a beginner to make. Book lies flat and has good print and color. one page index. No long pages of general instructions. Especially recommended for the beginner. Others should look first.

I picked up her book on Zulu beading first, but that was a little advanced. A few of the designs in this book are geared to beginners, and there seem to be a few for intermediate beaders as well.The descriptions are clear, and the projects are visually appealing. I immediately wanted to make at least 5 of them.

Diane Fitzgerald's Favorite Beading Projects is another great addition to my bead book library. This book includes projects with a range of techniques and skill levels so its a good choice for anyone looking for some inspiration. The directions are exactly what we have come to expect from Diane - very easy to follow with great tips included.

It's a beautiful book, but I can't see myself making any of these projects.

I like the patterns in this book. Good variety and price.

I am always looking for new and exciting beading projects. This book was a big let down. If I had been able to look through it in person, I would not have purchased it. I know Diane is an international teacher and her work is gorgeous, but for me, this book failed.

Besseres erwartet

I am a big fan of Diane Fitzgerald and have most of her books which are well used but I did not have this one so decided to add it to my collection. Whilst not inspiring me like her other books there were a few things I found interesting. The little baskets are quick to do and are perfect for small gifts like soap, bath bombs or chocolates. A novice beader would find this a very useful book to start their collection.

Für noch nicht so geübte Fädlerinnen ein tolles Buch mit guten Anleitungen. Es werden viele Techniken gezeigt. Kann ich nur empfehlen.

This book offers a range of fun projects which are a pleasure to make. I have just beaded 2 pretty flower baskets for friends' birthdays and enjoyed making them a lot! I had stopped beading for a while and was delighted to create such cute presents which were very well received. There are more projects I want to make from this book. This book brings the fun back into beading! It shows Diane Fitzgerald picked her favourite projects, the ones that are really pleasant to make and produce great results.

This is an excellent book for beginners. However, if you are looking or expecting a book that is similar to Diane's 'Shaped Beadwork' in terms of difficulty and inspiration then this book is not for you. I was now inspired by the book I'm afraid, and even the gallery at the back, which was meant to inspire my creativity, did little to do so and in fact didn't showcase some of Diane's best work I feel.A big BUT: if you are a beginner to jewellery making and bead weaving, then give this a try. It's a well thought out book and visually pleasing, and Diane's instructions are clear, as always.