All-New Twenty to Make: Beaded Jewellery

With a degree in textile design, Imogen Rhodes-Davies founded her business ‘Imogen Melissa’ in 2020, to modernize perceptions of beading and embroidery. She regularly delivers workshops on beaded embroidery and jewellery making, and has developed a range of kits. Imogen lives in Surrey, UK. Alongside her website (www.imogenmelissa.com), find Imogen on Instagram (@imogenmelissa_embroidery), Etsy and Not on the High Street.

Imogen's book is an updated version of Search Press' popular 20-to-make series and this edition offers a selection of modern and on-trend jewellery projects perfect for complete beginners. We liked the project ideas in the book, they were simple to make and wearable. There was a nice selection of projects covering everything from necklaces and bracelets to rings and phone straps. The techniques covered were varied too, offering a chance to explore beadweaving with daisy chains and ladder stitch, basic wirework and stringing. The designs are pretty and modern - and the instructions are clear. Most of the projects use easy-to-source seed beads, freshwater pearls and gemstones in soft pastel tones which gives an aesthetic and cohesive feel to the book. We liked that this made it easy to substitute the beads in the book for those in your stash at home!Rose chose to make the glasses chain first, using her own choice of beads and with a little help from me when adding the findings. She said: "I made a glasses chain and I am wearing the glasses chain right now. I really enjoyed making the glasses chain with my mummy." As well as the glasses chain, we also made some of the stretch bracelets using gemstone chips, like those in the book but adding our own choice of stone and glass beads.There is a comprehensive section at the beginning of the book covering all the basic techniques including opening jump rings and making knots in elastic with some photos to illustrate the techniques. The findings/materials glossaries at the beginning of the book were very helpful and make the book a great first-beading book for anyone looking to step into the world of jewellery making. We're going to make the bugle bead ring next!

• Introduction 4Materials and tools 6Techniques 12PROJECTS 18Adjustable fastening bracelet 20Chunky friendship bracelet 22Daisy bracelet 24Lobster claw clasp bracelet 26Charm bracelet 28Elasticated necklace 30Mother-of-pearl initial necklace 32Bugle bead necklace 34Daisy necklace 36Charm necklace 38Daisy earrings 40Drop pearl earrings 42Charm hoop earrings 44Tassel earrings 47Beaded hoop earrings 50Stacking ring 52Bugle bead ring 54Daisy ring 58Daisy glasses chain 60Gemstone phone strap 62