I am currently working on jewelry “make and take” parties. Part of that involves collecting designs that hostesses can select from to choose their own party project. It’s a bit tough at time because there is a large range of psosible design to have avaialble. I can work with ages 8 and up, so we need to offer designs for all ages and for many skills levels.

THAT is why I am working on a collection of fairly simple, straight-forward projects (well, that’s one more reason to add to my reference jewelry library anyway—I admit it, I LOVE to collect ‘how to” and information books!). I don’t want any hostess ot have to “settle” and there are so many different styles that it takes an assortment. Plus, if I have designs and component lists, I hope to pre-price them and put them in price ranges hostesses can choose from.

BUT even if home parties aren't your thing, this one book can give your daughter(s) many designs they can make for gifts.  One thing I always taught my daughter, in her younger years, was the importance of making a gift instead of buying something. Not only did it stretch my dollars a bit as a single mom, but everyone received something personally made for them.  I used to do this as a poor college student.  It was funny to see a small silk flower arrangement my grandmother kept for years that I'd given her!  Wouldn't you and your daughters (or nieces) enjoy seeing something they made on their aunt or teacher's wrist?

All of this is a long explanation about this latest book review. I loved the range of projects and styles in Jewelry In a Flash. It started with a simply crystal bicone project that resembles “floating” beads but is actually much easier to make. Next was a great contrast with large gemstone and wooden beads–a bold design. Another used leather cording tied between each bead.

One of the other fantastci things about this book is the sheer NUMBER of projects and designs! Over 90 projects are right here, complete with instructions and component lists. Really, you could make a different piece of jewelry every day for 3 months! Very few of my reference books contain this many projects; in fact, most have less than 50! So, for the money, you will get tons of ideas and inspirations for your work.

This is a great design book to add to your library! Especially if you are fairly new to beading or are looking for simple designs to add to your available inventory. This would also be great to encourage new beaders since they can have something completed relatively quickly! Teenager or pre-teen designers will find lots of inspiration here also

 One of the early projects is a cute bangle, that is actually shown in both silver and gold.  I saw this and now have the bangle component in stock!  The colors of the stones are blue and yellow, very current colors for this year!  And the charms they show are easy to find!  But what girl over age 12 can't use a cute bangle bracelet?  Depending on the charms and stones selected this design works for 12 to 90!  And at a very billfold-friendly cost!

In an entirely different design style and focus, I wanted to high-light this bracelet and earring set. I simply love the stone in a stone look (check out my etsy page in the link below and you will find a couple). This one, featuring deep green diamonds and lighter green discs, really has a rich look. Plus there are actually 3 different earring designs provided in this one project! This is in the under 30 minute section--you could easily make and wear this the same day! It's aptly named "Think Inside the Box."