Monday, August 1, 2011

Book Review of Maggie Meister's Classical Elegance - Free Give Away

I really enjoyed reading this visually delightful hardcover 127 page book published by Lark Crafts.

Maggie Meister has written an excellent book for the beader of intermediate skills. However, to widen its usefulness, she offers opening chapters on tools and stitches that are good for review, or as a reference for the learner.

Meister draws from classical art for inspiration to create exquisite designs for her motifs and wonderful chains to enhance the motifs.

I loved the spiral designs on the necklace in the second photograph. It is built up of small components that are then attached to each other.






















This last photograph has a delightfully complex and visually interesting three dimensional pendant and separate chain each of which would be lovely created and worn separately.

The illustrations - both photographic and graphic - make the instructions easy to follow.

There are 20 unique designs and there are several options available to further enrich the offerings in the book. The designs are based on individual components that Meister then gives instructions for combining. By building on basic stitches, the projects build skills step by step. The author then gives suggestions for other ways the individual components can be combined to spur the reader into new interpretations.

If you love a good visual treat on beading, I recommend this book. If you are an intermediate beader looking to increase your skills and design options, this is a great book.

If you leave a comment by August 15 along with your name and email address, I will randomly draw a name and send the book to one reader.

Nancy
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16 comments:

  1. wlstarnAugust 1, 2011 at 4:20 PM

    There are some beautiful designs here. I especially like the last one in the post.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownAugust 1, 2011 at 4:26 PM

    Wow! The pieces you've illustrated here are truly amazing! Thanks for sharing and giving your review.

    Lisa Quintana

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousAugust 1, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    I love discovering new blogs to follow. I am so glad you posted on the QA mailing list or I might never have found this delightful blog. And beading to boot! Lately I've been obsessed with seed beads, sequins and homemade polymer clay buttons (ala Just Another Button Company)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sandy MillerAugust 1, 2011 at 8:21 PM

    Beautiful!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. a quilt obsessionAugust 2, 2011 at 12:55 AM

    It really has some nice looking projects. I would be grateful to win this book and have the chance to try some of them.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Debbie DavisAugust 2, 2011 at 9:35 AM

    Wow this book looks really good. I'll wait for the drawing but its definitely something that I'll get if I don't win. Thanks for the review!

    ReplyDelete
  7. cw whitedogjewelryAugust 2, 2011 at 9:55 AM

    Count me in on this wonderfuol giveaway. I have seen reviews of this book and would love to own it. I love the new designs and as an intermediate/advanced beader, I would welcome a good challenge. I think this book offers that. Thanks for your generous offer.
    Chris

    ReplyDelete
  8. BevAugust 2, 2011 at 10:38 AM

    as a beader I am fascinated by the photos you posted, and I would LOVE to own this book!

    please put me in the drawing

    my email is: webspinner51 AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  9. NJAugust 2, 2011 at 11:42 AM

    This looks like a great book! Thanks for a great giveaway! - Amanda Jensen
    addnama [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Laurie BrownAugust 2, 2011 at 1:37 PM

    OMG! Those are the most intricate and beautiful designs I've ever seen! Please enter me in the contest.
    Laurie Brown
    darkphoenix54 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  11. josielvAugust 2, 2011 at 4:12 PM

    Hi, I would love to win a copy of this book, it looks amazing!!
    Josie Mcdonald
    luvlyinak@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. josielvAugust 2, 2011 at 4:13 PM

    Hi I would love to be entered into your drawing!! The book looks fabulous!!
    Josie McDonald
    luvlyinak@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Dianne Leatherdale JohnsonAugust 3, 2011 at 12:50 AM

    I would just love to own this book but my finances are not in very good shape just now, so your offer is wonderful.
    Dianne Johnson
    diannejohnson@mymts.net

    ReplyDelete
  14. Dianne Leatherdale JohnsonAugust 3, 2011 at 12:51 AM

    Your book offer is very exciting. Please add my name.
    Dianne Johnson
    diannejohnson@mymts.net

    ReplyDelete
  15. NancyAugust 4, 2011 at 9:05 PM

    Thanks, all for your great comments on the book. And welcome both new and returning viewers. Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  16. NancyAugust 16, 2011 at 2:08 PM

    Amanda Jensen, your name was drawn to win this book by Maggie Meister. Please send me your snail mail address. I will send by media post so it will take a week or so to get there.

    Congratulations!!
    Nancy

    ReplyDelete

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