These are in no particular order.
3. PC Polyzine
4. Sculpey
5. Poly Clay Play (includes some videos)
Have a different Top 5? Use the comments button to add share your list.
Instruction Quality: 3.5/4
Photo/Illustration: 3/3
Projects: 2/3
Techniques Covered: Cuff bracelet forming using fusing and some lampworking
Recommended for: Glass fusers with at least some experience looking to create fused glass cuff bracelets.
NOTE: Bracelet forming requires a small, top-opening kiln. A removable kiln lid is recommended. Safety needs are increased since you will work in an open kiln.
Comments: The basics are covered well and project instructions are fine for the most part, although there are some spelling mistakes that I found distracting. Where the book shines is its wonderful use photographs to illustrate the instructions. This book has photos of pretty much every step, no matter how small, which is great for visual learners. (more…)
Here 5 great ways to bead around a cabochon and online tutorials each method.
1. Using Peyote stitch on fabric. (or watch a video.)
2. Using Peyote stitch without fabric backing.
4. Using Netting without fabric backing. (Turn it into a ring here.)
Another great way to bead around a cabochon on fabric is to stack two rows of backstitching (the second row is stiched between the base row and the cabochon so that it sits snuggly where the base row and cabochon meet). This is the method featured in Jamie Cloud Eakin’s book Beading with Cabochons. Unfortunately I have not seen a free online tutorial that shows this method. If you know of such a site, please add a comment with the link. Thanks!
Lots of great projects, inspiration, and “how to” information on glass fusing, especially for jewelry.
1. Warm Glass Forum and Website
2. WordPress Blogs’ Fused Glass Tutorials
5. UGotGlass?
Ease of Use: 4/5
Features: 2.5/5
Recommended For: Beadweavers looking to create simple to intermediate patterns with software. People looking to try a pattern software for free. English, French, and Spanish reading beaders.
Comments: This is the best beading freeware I’ve seen. Its not always intuitive, and there isn’t much in the way of instructions available. However, the Pattern Wizard walks you through the hardest part of the process, so spend some time with the program and you’ll get the hang of it before to long. (more…)
