Review: Beyond the Bead

You might remember Margot Potter from the recent podcast about branding. This is her latest book, which uses mixed media techniques in jewelry projects. And I’m digging it on many levels.

First, I don’t dip into mixed media very often. I think the techniques make beautiful things, but I just don’t make many purely “art” pieces, which is where these techniques often seem to shine. In Beyond the Bead, I get nice bite-sized chunks of mixed media, presented in a form I can enjoy using.

(This pendant is made from a little candy tin – painted, collaged, and embellished. How cool is that?)

I also think Margot’s instruction is fantastic. Every technique, right down to the basic wire loop, is illustrated with clear step-by-step photos. I’m always so happy to see that in any craft book.

Because mixed media techniques often require specialized supplies, Margot has smartly included the manufacturers’ names for most of the supplies in the project materials lists. That’s so much nicer than having to flip to a Resources section at the back of the book.

It’s also impressive how many different techniques are covered in these 127 pages. The book is divided into sections for glass, plastic, digital images, ephemera, scrapbooking supplies, clay, and metal – and each section contains something I’d never seen before.

(This is UTEE, by the way – a melt-and-pour resin that molds into shapes. I hadn’t heard of this stuff, but I’m now dang intrigued.)

I love this stained glass treatment, which involves embossed stamping and colored inks.

Margot sets off her crafted components with a fun variety of unusual beads and findings. I like the way the bead dangles here complement these collaged disks.

…And I’m terribly excited about this technique for creating faux enamel on ordinary chipboard.

Seriously, there’s about a hundred cool things to show you. My brain was totally mixing and matching techniques as I flipped through. If mixed media intimidates you, this is a great introduction. And if you’re a jewelry-maker, Beyond the Bead will give you a whole slew of new ideas.

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madame craft

April 22, 2009 at 6:08 am · Reply

Hi!! I love mixed media is very challenging i try some from time to time especially with painting but i have never try with beads, thanks for the book recomendation.

April 21, 2009 at 11:08 pm · Reply

Camolai

April 22, 2009 at 4:15 pm · Reply

Oh wow! I’ve never been that interested in beads, but after seeing some of those casting resin shots, I am INTRIGUED. This book is definitely going on my want list; thanks for reviewing it!! :)

April 22, 2009 at 9:15 am · Reply

Margot

April 23, 2009 at 7:31 pm · Reply

Sister Diane

Thank you for this amazing review! You made my day! Wow!

I’m so glad you enjoyed the book. I really wanted to demystify the whole concept of mixed media and to do something a little different in terms of aesthetics. I’m glad it translated for the reader!

Cheers,
Margot

April 23, 2009 at 12:31 pm · Reply