French-Inspired Jewelry by Kaari Meng (2007)

This is, without a doubt, one of the BEST books I have ever had the pleasure of receiving. Like most craftsmen, I often buy books to learn new techniques and see how other people's designs compare to mine. When I first opened this book I just leafed through it and knew instantly I would be spending MAJOR TIME with it. I have carried it to bed with me for the past 4 nights and am enthralled everytime I pick it up. I admit I've gotten out of bed each night to makes notes on where to find an item or how to do a certain project. The directions and descriptions are so easy to understand. The displays themselves make you want to make one of everything in the book. Shoot!!! the displays make you want to frame the pages they are so beautifully displayed and photographed...but then you'd destroy a book! I have read every word in this masterpiece...at least one time. Many projects I have already made changes (to express ME). As a whole this is a book that every Beader, Jewelry Designer, Craftsman or Artist will enjoy for many many years. I was truly blessed to have read an article in a Bead Magazine recommending this book. I am so totally inspired by the book, I am buying a second one to keep in prime condition, as the first one already has notes and comments on the pages. Kaari, Thank you for sharing your amazing talent and for offering years of expertise. You could have very easily been selfish and kept all this to yourself. Rather you have encouraged and inspired all designers to "go outside the box" and design works of arts that will be displayed on a living canvas rather than in a museum (where this book and its contents truly belong).
fancyfree2004