This is appealing to me, do you think it’s because I’m a child of the 70’s? Link to project.

cottage industrialist has a tutorial for making this sweet coral necklace. enjoy.

I like these, but for me, on the wrist. Link.

Junk Jewelry: 25 Extraordinary Designs to Create from Ordinary Objects by Jane Eldershaw, Potter Craft (July 22, 2008).

This is a fun and irreverent, but also serious look at junk jewelry. From buttons, to bike tail lights, kids plastic lettering to keyboard keys and domino pieces to scour pads! Techniques are pretty basic – this is more about design and conceptual art than techniques. About how to discover gems in the junk, how to de-construct and dismantle it and to simply put it together into something simple and unique.

Coolest project – the tail light belt buckle, weirdest project might be tough – either the lifesaver earings or the scour pad brooch, oooh and ugliest project – the fork ‘ribbon shop medal’ I am pretty sure its supposed to be irreverently ugly! Easiest to make – lots of easy projects here – but the safety pin cuff because of availability of materials. All up a totally fun and cool book.

The Beader’s Bible by Dorothy Wood, David & Charles (June 16, 2008).

For beaders wanting an in depth look at techniques combined with attractive projects, this book is well worth the money – a big fat book, filled with projects and lots of how-to process photos. Very clear instructions and a big range of skills and techniques on show.

Bead loom weaving, beaded cords and fringing, wire work, beading embroidery, knitting and crochet are just some of the techniques covered. Each chapter/technique includes 4-5 projects of varying difficulty, a basic tool kit needed, how to get started – basic techniques, and then how to take it further – for those adept or wanting to improve their skills.

Some of my favourite projects include working with macramé and beads, simple and stunning wire beaded tiara, woven bead and tweed evening purse and a gorgeous beaded knitted scarf. There are some gorgeous projects in here – but more than that – lots of info on technique.

Bead Simple: Essential Techniques for Making Jewelry Just the Way You Want It by Susan Beal (of west coast crafty) and published by Taunton (March 25, 2008)

The book Bead Simple is a great concept, simple designs which are then made into variations by other designers and crafters who give their own personal flair to the basic design.

The book is very well laid out – excellent introduction and beginner instructions section at the front, very detailed “how to get started” and technical know how – perfect for the beginner beader. And there are lots of projects in here – this is a big book full of projects and their spin-offs. Lots of inspiration in here for the beginning beader

Susan’s idea with this book is to give the user a basic concept of what is possible with beading techniques and to encourage them to go out and create. There is probably not too much here for the more experienced beader, the projects are really quite plain and really rely upon the end user putting their own personal touch onto the designs. There are some exceptions to this of course, I did love the vintage button projects and the wearables – beads and ornaments stitched and incorporated into clothing and apparel are really inspired. I thought the charm bracelets to be quite charming and the belts terrific too. Other projects I thought stood out from the crowd were the ‘hardware store bracelet’ made using washers and jump rings and heavy brass chains found at the hardware and fishing tackle supply store.