Knots aren't just for scouts, climbers and sailors! (Chinese Knots for Beaded Jewellery - Suzen Millodot)

Member Name: sakura8

Product:	Chinese Knots for Beaded Jewellery - Suzen Millodot
Date:	18/03/09 (128 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to follow instructions, clear colour photographs/diagrams

Disadvantages: Not all pieces shown in the book have instructions

One of my hobbies is jewellery making, as I like being creative and it gets me away from the computer for an hour or two!

I'm relatively new to jewellery making and I wasn't really sure what kind of jewellery I would enjoy making, so I bought a variety of books and Chinese Knots for Beaded Jewellery is my favourite.

I doubt it's because I'm Chinese that I find the look of the knots so appealing, because other people who have seen the creations I have made from this book think they're amazing too. I have made things and given them to friends as gifts and they've been very well received.

This book has a great introduction from the author, Susan Millodot, about how she lived in Hong Kong and it was here that she was introduced to Chinese knots. She also gives an interesting short history lesson on the origins of the decorative knots and how this craft has been saved from being lost forever.

The next section deals with the type of cord you will need to make the knots and advice on the type of beads, pendants and findings (fastenings) you will need to create jewellery. The author suggests using 2mm thick, satin cord (called rattail) and this is what I've been using as it's available in lots of different bright colours (I got mine on eBay) and it's very easy to work with. The author writes in a very user-friendly manner so you're not bewildered with lots of terms that are difficult to understand.

Although you can make knots from just any piece of cord, to make actual jewellery will require some extra tools and the author covers these in the next section. I also make wirework jewellery and I have acquired different types of pliers and wire cutters, which have been really useful. These tools are probably the most expensive items you will need, as everything else are basic items such as scissors, glue and a lighter (to seal the cut cord ends). One piece of equipment that has been extremely useful was a cork mat, as you can lay your cord out on the flat surface and then use pins to hold the cord in place. I made my own cork mat by buying a cheap tea tray and then sticking an old table cork mat onto it and this makes the more complex knots much easier to do.

The next section tells you how to work out how much cord you need for different types of jewellery and the measurement guide is really useful. You're also shown how to cut and seal the cord ends, with clear instructions and colour photographs.

The whole book is full of step-by-step instructions and colour photographs so it is easy to follow and understand. For each new knot you are given to learn, you are shown how to tie the basic knot and then you are shown a project to make using that knot and some projects include other knots too. It clearly states what you will need for each project, e.g. how much cord and what type of beads.

The projects get progressively harder throughout the book and here are just some of the projects that are included:
* Button knot and bead necklace
* Three-colour button knot bracelet
* Cross knot necklace with flat button knot fastener
* Double coin knot necklace
* Prosperity knot and double connection knot necklace
* Clover lead knot necklace
* Good luck knot necklace
* Snake knot necklace

As you can see, most of the projects are necklaces, however to inspire you there are pictures of other jewellery like bracelets and earrings made from the basic knots you're learning. Unfortunately these don't have instructions, so you will have to figure out how to make these yourself. But there are plenty of projects in this book to keep you busy and inspired for quite a long time, as there are so many variations.

I highly recommend this book as the projects are jewellery pieces that you would want to wear and it's great that they're quite unique. The instructions are very easy to understand, especially with the colour photographs to guide you step-by-step.

Other info:
* Paperback: 80 pages
* Publisher: Search Press Ltd (Feb 2003)
* ISBN-10: 0855329688
* Product Dimensions: 25.4 x 20.3 x 0.8 cm

Summary: An excellent book that shows you how to make unusual jewellery