I started receiving Bead and Button magazine when it was first published in 1994. I still have the premiere issue as well as all of the issues that have been published since then. I would never part with a single issue! At that time I was a bead hobbyist who enjoyed making beaded necklaces on the side. Alot has changed since then. We now have our wonderful bead store which gives us access to lots of interesting beads to use in beading projects.
Bead and Button is full of beading tips, projects, and luscious photos that are sure to inspire you. You'll also find interviews with bead artists and jewelry designers. You'll find these to be helpful if you're attempting to market your own design work as they often give good jewelry marketing tips. There's also a showcase of creations made by readers which often have surprisingly complex and sophisticated pieces. There's also a section in the back that shows you the basics of beading if you're new to the craft.
The beading projects are well described with clear instructions including a resource list where you can buy the necessary beads and components. The projects are described step-by-step usually with a series of small photos illustrating the steps involved. Each project has a beautiful, full-size color photo of the completed item. One criticism I may have is that the projects tend to be geared towards a slightly more advanced beader, although Bead and Button does include beginner projects. If you're a complete newbie to beading, you may want to refer to one of the newer beading magazines such as Bead Style which is geared more towards the beginning beader.
I use Bead and Button primarily as a source of inspiration for my own projects. The beading projects described can be easily adapted to create completely new projects. Plus, the photos keep you abreast of color and style trends in the field of beading.
The back of the magazine has a rather extensive section of advertisements. This has been a source of controversy. Some people love them while others hate them. Personally, I think they're an asset. I've found a variety of new sources of great beads from reading their ads. Plus, the photos are so colorful and well done that they also spark creative ideas.
If you're an intermediate to advanced beader, you'll find this Bead and Button to be a fantastic resource. If you're a beginning beginner, I would still recommend it but would suggest supplementing with a good beginning book on beading or a copy of one of the beading magazines geared towards beginners now on the market.
