Reviews
"If you were to read bead books with the same expectations as romance novels...this book would be sold wrapped in brown paper wrapper and only for those 21 and over, know what I mean? Yes, it is THAT GOOD. I think that part of why I am all ga-ga over this book is Maggie's heavy influence of ethnic jewelry and art which is something I LOVE. She draws her inspiration from ancient cultures and styles. The pieces have a museum quality feel with a modern day practicality. You just can't beat the projects she offers. There are 20 designs in this book, a nice balance of earrings, necklaces and cuff style bracelets. For the intermediate to advanced seed beader, this book will be a a joy to play with. I think it is fabulous that Lark Crafts has published a book of this caliber for those of us who are tired of simple uninspired projects." - Sig Wynne-Evans "Maggie Meister has locked in! She has found her inspiration in wonderful works of art, and her enthusiasm shows in her original designs. She takes the reader on an exciting journey of discovery. Maggie Meister's Classical Elegance is a wonderful book that belongs in the library of all serious seed-bead artists." Cynthia Rutledge "Maggie Meister has compiled a brilliant compendium that's bound to inspire all of us. Each of the 20 remarkable projects is broken down into crystal-clear, step-by-step instructions accompanied by beautiful photos and spectacular illustrations. Meister has captured the spirit of historical form and design in a modern interpretation of the ancient craft of beadwork. A must-have for any bead library." Laura McCabe "This is a truly remarkable book. Maggie is a passionate woman. She's passionate about beads, travel, antiquities, mosaics, textiles, and architectural elements, and she's passionate about creating significant jewelry based on historic traditions. The designs in these pages are the result of this passion. Every page is packed with history, compelling images, and fascinating tales. Precise instructions and skillfully drawn diagrams complete each project. Nothing is left out. Her book is a creative adventure." NanC Meinhardt "Maggie Meister takes you on a creative voyage through millennia of art from all around the world: mosaics from ancient Rome, carpets from western Turkey, Jewish wedding rings, carvings from India, Celtic designs, and the work of Antonio Gaudi among them. Maggie perfectly catches the essence of great historical artwork in her beadwork masterpieces." Sabine Lippert, "Maggie Meister has locked in! She has found her inspiration in wonderful works of art, and her enthusiasm shows in her original designs. She takes the reader on an exciting journey of discovery. Maggie Meister's Classical Elegance is a wonderful book that belongs in the library of all serious seed-bead artists." - Cynthia Rutledge "Maggie Meister has compiled a brilliant compendium that's bound to inspire all of us. Each of the 20 remarkable projects is broken down into crystal-clear, step-by-step instructions accompanied by beautiful photos and spectacular illustrations. Meister has captured the spirit of historical form and design in a modern interpretation of the ancient craft of beadwork. A must-have for any bead library." - Laura McCabe "Maggie Meister's Classical Elegance is filled with sumptuous designs that are reminiscent of a museum collection of rare and exquisite jewelry." - Craft Gossip "The book is exquisite. I'm inspired." - The Bead Dreamer "If you were to read bead books with the same expectations as romance novels...this book would be sold wrapped in brown paper wrapper and only for those 21 and over, know what I mean? Yes, it is THAT GOOD. I think that part of why I am all ga-ga over this book is Maggie's heavy influence of ethnic jewelry and art which is something I LOVE. She draws her inspiration from ancient cultures and styles. The pieces have a museum quality feel with a modern day practicality. You just can't beat the projects she offers. There are 20 designs in this book, a nice balance of earrings, necklaces and cuff style bracelets. For the intermediate to advanced seed beader, this book will be a a joy to play with. I think it is fabulous that Lark Crafts has published a book of this caliber for those of us who are tired of simple uninspired projects." - Sig Wynne-Evans "This is a truly remarkable book. Maggie is a passionate woman. She's passionate about beads, travel, antiquities, mosaics, textiles, and architectural elements, and she's passionate about creating significant jewelry based on historic traditions. The designs in these pages are the result of this passion. Every page is packed with history, compelling images, and fascinating tales. Precise instructions and skillfully drawn diagrams complete each project. Nothing is left out. Her book is a creative adventure." - NanC Meinhardt "(A) high-quality, comprehensive tutorial on learning more advanced beading techniques ... It would definitely be for someone who is interested in honing or expanding their beading skills. A lovely book." - Caryn Rupert on York Blog "Maggie Meister takes you on a creative voyage through millennia of art from all around the world: mosaics from ancient Rome, carpets from western Turkey, Jewish wedding rings, carvings from India, Celtic designs, and the work of Antonio Gaudí among them. Maggie perfectly catches the essence of great historical artwork in her beadwork masterpieces." - Sabine Lippert, "The book is exquisite. I'm inspired." - The Bead Dreamer "If you were to read bead books with the same expectations as romance novels...this book would be sold wrapped in brown paper wrapper and only for those 21 and over, know what I mean? Yes, it is THAT GOOD. I think that part of why I am all ga-ga over this book is Maggie's heavy influence of ethnic jewelry and art which is something I LOVE. She draws her inspiration from ancient cultures and styles. The pieces have a museum quality feel with a modern day practicality. You just can't beat the projects she offers. There are 20 designs in this book, a nice balance of earrings, necklaces and cuff style bracelets. For the intermediate to advanced seed beader, this book will be a a joy to play with. I think it is fabulous that Lark Crafts has published a book of this caliber for those of us who are tired of simple uninspired projects." - Sig Wynne-Evans "Maggie Meister has locked in! She has found her inspiration in wonderful works of art, and her enthusiasm shows in her original designs. She takes the reader on an exciting journey of discovery. Maggie Meister's Classical Elegance is a wonderful book that belongs in the library of all serious seed-bead artists." - Cynthia Rutledge "Maggie Meister has compiled a brilliant compendium that's bound to inspire all of us. Each of the 20 remarkable projects is broken down into crystal-clear, step-by-step instructions accompanied by beautiful photos and spectacular illustrations. Meister has captured the spirit of historical form and design in a modern interpretation of the ancient craft of beadwork. A must-have for any bead library." - Laura McCabe "This is a truly remarkable book. Maggie is a passionate woman. She's passionate about beads, travel, antiquities, mosaics, textiles, and architectural elements, and she's passionate about creating significant jewelry based on historic traditions. The designs in these pages are the result of this passion. Every page is packed with history, compelling images, and fascinating tales. Precise instructions and skillfully drawn diagrams complete each project. Nothing is left out. Her book is a creative adventure." - NanC Meinhardt "Maggie Meister takes you on a creative voyage through millennia of art from all around the world: mosaics from ancient Rome, carpets from western Turkey, Jewish wedding rings, carvings from India, Celtic designs, and the work of Antonio Gaudí among them. Maggie perfectly catches the essence of great historical artwork in her beadwork masterpieces." - Sabine Lippert "(A) high-quality, comprehensive tutorial on learning more advanced beading techniques ... It would definitely be for someone who is interested in honing or expanding their beading skills. A lovely book." - Caryn Rupert on York Blog, Maggie Meister has compiled a brilliant compendium that's bound to inspire all of us. Each of the 20 remarkable projects is broken down into crystal-clear, step-by-step instructions accompanied by beautiful photos and spectacular illustrations. Meister has captured the spirit of historical form and design in a modern interpretation of the ancient craft of beadwork. A must-have for any bead library." — Laura McCabe Maggie Meister has locked in! She has found her inspiration in wonderful works of art, and her enthusiasm shows in her original designs. She takes the reader on an exciting journey of discovery. Maggie Meister's Classical Elegance is a wonderful book that belongs in the library of all serious seed-bead artists." — Cynthia Rutledge This is a truly remarkable book. Maggie is a passionate woman. She's passionate about beads, travel, antiquities, mosaics, textiles, and architectural elements, and she's passionate about creating significant jewelry based on historic traditions. The designs in these pages are the result of this passion. Every page is packed with history, compelling images, and fascinating tales. Precise instructions and skillfully drawn diagrams complete each project. Nothing is left out. Her book is a creative adventure." — NanC Meinhardt Maggie Meister takes you on a creative voyage through millennia of art from all around the world: mosaics from ancient Rome, carpets from western Turkey, Jewish wedding rings, carvings from India, Celtic designs, and the work of Antonio Gaudí among them. Maggie perfectly catches the essence of great historical artwork in her beadwork masterpieces." — Sabine Lippert, "If you're a beading-book collector like I am, Maggie Meister's Classical Elegance will be next on your list. Loaded with 20 gorgeous projects and beautiful color photos, this book offers a challenge to experienced beaders looking to take it to the next level. Chapter two is a workshop of 10 stitches: peyote, ladder stitch, brick stitch, square stitch, herringbone, right-angle weave, Nepal chain, St. Petersburg chain, and beaded backstitch, as well as a helpful tutorial on combining stitches. Many of the designs are comprised of two or more components, and Maggie suggests using the individual components as a jumping-off point to create something else." - Bead&Button magazine , December 2011 issue " Maggie Meister's Classical Elegance is a wonderful book that belongs in the library of all serious seed-bead artists." - Cynthia Rutledge "Maggie Meister has compiled a brilliant compendium that's bound to inspire all of us. Each of the 20 remarkable projects is broken down into crystal-clear, step-by-step instructions accompanied by beautiful photos and spectacular illustrations. Meister has captured the spirit of historical form and design in a modern interpretation of the ancient craft of beadwork. A must-have for any bead library." - Laura McCabe "Maggie Meister's Classical Elegance is filled with sumptuous designs that are reminiscent of a museum collection of rare and exquisite jewelry." - Craft Gossip "The book is exquisite. I'm inspired." - The Bead Dreamer "Yes, it is THAT GOOD. You just can't beat the projects she offers. There are 20 designs in this book, a nice balance of earrings, necklaces and cuff style bracelets. For the intermediate to advanced seed beader, this book will be a a joy to play with." - Sig Wynne-Evans "This is atruly remarkable book. Precise instructions and skillfully drawn diagrams complete each project. Nothing is left out. Her book is a creative adventure." - NanC Meinhardt "(A) high-quality, comprehensive tutorial ... for someone interested in honing or expanding their beading skills. A lovely book." - Caryn Rupert on York Blog "Maggie Meister takes you on a creative voyage. Maggie perfectly catches the essence of great historical artwork in her beadwork masterpieces." - Sabine Lippert "All of the jewelry I thought to be very beautiful, and I think the general concept of the book - connecting bead weaving to classical ancient elements - works wonderfully. I would suggest this book more for intermediate level beadweavers. There is lots of inspiration here for the novice, but for those with experience, I feel the projects are very doable." [5-star review] - About.com Jewelry Making "Gorgeous projects and solid technical information ... this book is inspirational in all the right ways!" - Beading Arts
