"Findings & Finishings: A Beadwork How-To Book" by Sharon Bateman is a comprehensive guide to the techniques and materials used in beadwork, particularly focusing on the final stages of creating jewelry pieces. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

• Beadwork Basics: The book starts with an introduction to the essential materials and tools needed for beadwork, including beads, threads, wires, and various tools.
• Findings and Finishings: The core of the book is dedicated to the techniques and methods for using purchased findings and creating custom findings. It covers a wide range of findings such as head and eye pins, spacing bars and connectors, terminals, spacers, crimps, clasps, ear wires, and pins.
• Innovative Techniques: The book includes over 100 different techniques for using these findings, many of which are innovative and designed to elevate the quality of the finished jewelry pieces.
• Finishing Techniques: The book also delves into various finishing techniques, including ideas for edges, fringes, and original beadwork on findings. These sections are highly praised for their comprehensive instructions and inspiring photo gallery.

Plot Summary

The book is structured in a way that begins with foundational knowledge and gradually moves into more advanced techniques. The opening chapters provide a thorough overview of the basics, setting the stage for the detailed instructions on findings and finishings. The subsequent chapters are filled with step-by-step guides and illustrations that help readers understand and master various techniques.

Critical Reception

• Goodreads Reviews: The book has an average rating of 3.73 out of 5 stars on Goodreads, with 52 ratings and 2 reviews. It has been praised for its comprehensive coverage and innovative techniques.
• Customer Reviews: On Thriftbooks, a customer review describes the book as "great" and states that it helps take beadwork to the next level. The reviewer praises the photo gallery and the variety of techniques covered, noting that it includes at least 100 different techniques using purchased and custom-made findings.
• Craft Book Review: A review on AllCrafts.net also highlights the book's strength in providing a simple yet thorough overview of beads, threads, wires, and tools. The reviewer appreciates the detailed instructions and the comprehensive coverage of various findings and finishing techniques.

Book Details

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1931499403
• ISBN13: 9781931499408
• Release Date: October 2003
• Publisher: Interweave Press
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.93 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.5" x 9.0"

Overall, "Findings & Finishings" is a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced beadworkers looking to enhance their skills and create stunning jewelry pieces. Its comprehensive coverage of findings and finishing techniques makes it a highly recommended book in the field of beadwork.