80 Original Charms - Tapa blanda

Not long ago another item added itself to the must-have list of any self-respecting jewellery box - charms! Hang them on your cell phone, on your bags, from jeans and anywhere else you can hang something from. You can buy them of course, but it is so much more fun to make your own. Here is a whole book showing you how. Most of the items you need are shown on a two page spread, and these not only include all the ordinary items you use when making jewellery (i.e. pliers, beads, findings, etc.) but things like chain, special clasps like karabiners and some larger fun items such as feathers, pom-poms, felt or leather shapes and tassels. One page is given to the basics of matters such as assembling crimps, making wire loops or even chain tassels. More would have been a good idea in my opinion, as beginners might want to start their hobby with making charms and a few more helpful hints would have made a good book even better. Then it is on with the projects themselves, shown on one half of a page in glorious color with the instructions beside. I like the diagrams in black and white, showing what is attached to where, and all but the greenest tyro ought to be able to understand these and the succinct instructions. The pieces are all designated by a girl s name, and are grouped in colors. They make use of some delightfully unusual items and there is even a Christmas page so you can make holiday charms (great when making your own crackers). No suppliers are given, but this is translated from the French so this is not surprising. All in all, a most useful book for anybody who enjoys fashion and making things. With a few beadwork essentials it would make a great gift. --Rachel Hyde, MyShelf

This book by Martine Routier is packed with inspiring and original ideas for eighty charms that you can use to personalise your bags, mobile phones and clothes. Crafted in a wide range of colours and materials, including beads, buttons, feather, ribbons, and miniature accessories, these charms are a fun way of reviving the ancient idea of a talisman or lucky charm as a protector and bringer of good luck.