The Book Shelf

Upon request, here’s a list of some must-have beginning level books for lampwork artists who want to start making jewelry for sale or for lampwork aficionados.

Color and Design Inspiration

• Jewelry Designs using Artisan Lampwork Beads (Jewelry Inspirations) Kindle Edition by Tania Tebbit
• 12 photos to inspire you to make jewelry from your lampwork beads.  You’ll need to already know basic stringing techniques and wirewrapping techniques (both are taught in Karen’s book or at the end of Lori’s book, both listed above) before you check this book out since it is inspiration shots but no directions.  This little book is a free ebook with Amazon Unlimited.
• The Beader’s Guide to Color  by Margie Deeb
• Although this book primarily shows seed bead pieces, it also teaching the basics of color theory and shows some great color palettes which can help you design both lampwork beads and also beaded jewelry.  Its my go-to book when I am stuck in a rut of designing with the same colors over and over again (I usually pick green and purple together but until you see how lovely autumn reds and oranges and deep greens are together you might not use them in a piece).

Project Based Books

• Bead Soup: 32 Projects Show What Happens when 26 Beaders Swap Their Stash By Lori Anderson
• Based on the online Bead Soup Blog Party in which two beaders swap items from their stash and use them to make jewelry, this book helps you think outside of your box.  Not all of these pieces are based around lampwork, but most of them can be worked with lampwork you probably already have in your stash.  Ends with a lovely section showcasing some more advanced inspiration projects and a glossary of basic jewelrymaking techniques.

• Creating Lampwork Beads for Jewelry by Karen Leonardo
• I know this wasn’t the first listing in my book shelf but this one is by far the most comprehensive.  I’m not just saying this because I enjoy my editor for the Soda Lime Times – Karen has really filled a need in the lampworking world with this book by answering the question “I’ve made all these beads – NOW what do I do with them?”  It has tutorials for both the jewelry and for the beads that are featured in the projects.  In addition it also gives a list of the tools you’ll need to set up a good quality professional beading studio.  Want more?  Right now the ebook is free on Amazon Unlimited.

• Timeless Wire Weaving: The Complete Course by Lisa Barth
• Don’t be intimidated by the lovely bracelet on the cover.  Although that piece is one of the 12 projects in the book, the projects themselves go from beginning level all the way up through intermediate levels.  Most of the projects are beginning however.  A great way to learn wirewrapping with clear photos and beautiful step by step projects that can easily be adapted for lampwork beads.  Further – wirewrapped and lampworked jewelry seems to be the hot sellers on Facebook jewelry groups just now.