ISBN 0-935603-06-9, Softcover, 144 pages $14.95, North Light, 9933 Alliance Road,Cincinnati, Ohio 45242

This is the best book I know of for people who do not want to learn the whole world of color theory but need instant help. Chijiwa has made it very easy for anyone to pick color combinations that are not only harmonious but reflect moods such as romantic, tranquil, or striking! Everything is at your fingertips with this book. As bead and fiber people, you do have to work with colors you have available in comparison to painters who just mix up what they need. Some fiber artists dye their own fibers but many do not. Those of you using beads or fibers you do not dye, can take samples and set them right next to the color guides in the book. You do not have to read a map or formula to pick colors. Everything is color grouped in little harmonious swatches to choose from. Hideaki begins the book with instructions on how to use it and includes the basic colors, color wheel and living palette. Then the colors are broken into warm colors, cool colors, light colors, dark colors, vivid colors and dull colors. This section is followed by the chapter on color schemes by mood. The next color combinations are explored with same hue, similar hues, contrasting hues, complementary hues, achromatic hues, four-color combinations, color progressions, natural colors, Japanese colors, national colors, and finally pink and blue. Chijiwa offers practical applications such as interior design with color, patterns and packaging. The last pages include choosing colors, color conversion chart and color cards. Don't let any of the terminology put you off. If you just flip to a page such as page 40, the subject is Feminine Colors, and you see several combinations that work when grouped together. You just pick the combination you want and match up your material. If you are missing a color then you may have to visit your local bead or fiber store and purchase what you need. This book also offers examples of what does not work. If you read the caption at the bottom of each page, you will find notes and numbers that correspond with some of the color combinations and a statement as to why it does not work. This is a painless way to learn a little more about color. Helpful hints are given as to what will make a color more harmonious such as separating vivid colors with a light color. There are many pages of photo images with whole rooms set up in harmonious colors. You will find page after page of colorful combinations and choices. This book has been on my bookshelf for a long time and is a favorite. The book is small enough to carry in your purse or carrying case. I take Color Harmony to most of my workshops to show students this excellent color resource.