8 ½ by 11, continuous ring bound, soft cover, black and white illustrations, 121 pages.
Available from the author for $22.95 plus $1.25 S/H. California residents add 8.25% sales tax. Make checks or money orders payable to: Delinda V. Amura. Send to: Fairy Wing Press, P. O. Box 973, South Pasadena, CA 91031-0973.
Web site of the author: http://www.delinda-v-amura.net/

Although it is titled Book II, this is the first beading how-to book from Delinda Amura, a popular and well known beading instructor in Southern California. It is a self-published book in a very friendly, chatty style of writing that is reminiscent of taking a class from her. It has a wealth of information about looming techniques and tricks that reflect the author’s own experience. The ring bound book lies flat for easy reference. There is a table of contents but no alphabetical index to the topics in the book.

Looms: The overview of loom types is limited to a relatively few inexpensive looms, but the author gives enough workarounds to extend their usability. The discussion of threads is weighted towards the author’s personal preference and she likes silk thread and beeswax for loom work for the soft and fluid fabric they create. Those looking for a scientific discussion of nylon threads should look elsewhere.

Warping: The discussion of warping bead looms is one of the strong points of the book; it tells how to warp for later pull through of warps, and how to extend the warp length on non adjustable looms in addition to the cut thread and continuous looming techniques.

Weaving: Discussion of weaving the beads includes good tips on how to avoid missed warps and how to fix mistakes.

Cleaning the Warp Threads: Finishing the warp threads is a complete discussion of how to weave in, glue back, tie, pull through, and couch (sew down) the warps on the back side of the bead fabric.

Advanced techniques: Increasing, decreasing, using beads on the warp threads with a neat trick on keeping count of the warp beads with markers, making lattice work, weaving different shaped openings and slits, splitting the work, twisting sections of work are some of the techniques covered.

A section on embellishing the surface of the beaded fabric with appliquéd beads connecting sections with gussets, decorative strands, and adding off-loom stitches such as peyote and brick stitch to the loomed piece cover rarely discussed techniques.

Many decorative techniques such as suspending beads in openings in the beaded fabric, using warp beads in decreases and increases, using the pull through method in making sides for a 3D piece using warp beads are also welcome new additions to many people’s beading skills.

A section on applications for loomed pieces suggests items ranging from the typical hair barrettes to the rare window hangings. Decorative edgings such as picots, scallops and fringes are also covered.

Findings: Practical finishing techniques such as button and loop closures, ties, clasps, hook and eye closures are discussed.

This is a book for all levels of loom beaders who want to learn any of the topics listed in this review from holistic descriptions with diagrams rather than step by step instructions. There is a wealth of information in this book if you are willing to read it cover to cover.

Review by Sylvia Sur