Bead Girl: 25 Sparkly Beading Projects, from Toe Rings to Tiaras

Bead girls aren't content to shop at the mall for their glittery, glamorous jewelry and decorations. Bead girls are compelled, driven to make their own. Bead girls' fingers start twitching when they think about sparkly barrettes, outrageous toe rings, and jewel-encrusted tiaras.

Luckily, bead girl wannabes can quickly pick up the skills to create the kinds of adornments that will win them satisfying oohs and ahhs from their friends. Bead Girl is a very cool guidebook and bead kit that will make a confirmed bead girl out of every reader. A translucent cover reveals 12 multicolored clear plastic pouches of beads and beading materials. Turn the pages to embark on 25 fabulous and fun projects including a 10-minute necklace, a crystal flower napkin ring, a twisted tiara, a power ponytail tie, split-second earrings, a starlight starbright ornament, and much more. Organized into three categories--Ready to Wear, Homespun Décor, and Heads Up--the book provides "recipes" with lists of materials needed and step-by-step explanations of how to create these things of beauty. David Magnusson's beautiful photos of the finished product accompany each project, and drawings by Anne Keenan Higgins illustrate the instructions. There's also a toolbox section, with written descriptions and photographs of the basic elements needed (round-nosed pliers, split rings, twisted wire needle, etc.). The packet of supplies includes enough beads and findings to make three twinkle toe rings, three enchanted chokers, and four bracelets. After that, readers are encouraged to delve into their local bead shops to stock up and run wild with their imaginations! (Ages 8 and older) --Emilie Coulter