Wow - that was my impression when I first opened this book. There is no gallery here, although many of the pieces look as though they might qualify in many other books. This is a book where every item illustrated offers a set of instructions on how to make it, as well as instructions at the back to teach the basics of stitches such as peyote, netting, and brick stitch, and show the tyro how to add a clasp or finish off the thread. A total beginner ought to be able to make some of the easier pieces, but I suspect that this book is aimed at the more intermediate level of beader. Other books out there teach the basics in more detail.

Some of the instructions are a little sketchy, and there is no progression of difficulty or grading system, which is a slight drawback. I would suggest reading through the instructions first to see if you can understand them fully before beginning. My favorite thing about this book is that it is aimed squarely at the UK market, as it is totally amulet purse free, and most projects don’t feature those hard-to-get and expensive crystal bicones that US books tend to favor. A lot of the pieces here feature shell fragments instead, which look lovely and summery, and the rest of the rocailles, bugles, druks and sequins can be found just about anywhere. Suppliers are listed at the back for readers in the UK and Australia, and above all, everything looks just stunning. One of my favorite beading books that I have been unable to put down so far.

If you cannot find beads and findings locally try SearchPress.com for a list of suppliers or opt for my suggestions:

In the UK: The Bead Scene, where the author can be found
    G J Beads
    Spellbound Beads

In the US: Shipwreck Beads ships internationally and has the world’s largest bead catalog!