>Weekend Book Review: Beadmaille
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The other day, I received a package from Lark Books! They were kind enough to send me 3 new beading books to read & review on my blog! What a lovely surprise!
The first book I looked through was Beadmaille by Cindy Thomas Pankopf. This book is interesting to me because the designs incorporate beadweaving with chainmail. I have a good understanding of several different beadweaving techniques, but I will admit that I don't know a thing about chainmail! In fact, I often wonder how people have the patience to do chainmail, let alone beadweaving. Linking all of those little metal rings together in concept mesh patterns would probably drive me insane. So the concept of combining the two techniques seems really advanced to me!
Despite these thoughts, I flipped through the book with an open mind, and suprisingly, the instructions are easy to comprehend! In the beginning, there is a list of tools and materials you will need to begin. Some of these are tools that I have never used before, including thread burners and beading awls. There are also instructions on how to create your own jump rings using round nose pliers - for the very ambitious!
Overall, I think Cindy has done a fabulous job of bringing this medieval technique into the 21st century! The projects in this book are awe-inspiring. The photos are great, and the illustrations are easy to understand, as well. I posted a few of my favourites. I would love to try making the Accordian Cuff! Which of these projects would you like to try?
*Please note: I have received the above book free of charge from Lark Books. This is my honest review of the product and I have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to the products received.