by Ginke Root

This is my absolute favorite beading book. The Dutch and Diablo spirals are described here as well as my favorite "Necklace with Pearls". There is also a version of the ever popular "Hugs and Kisses" bracelet. Ginke gives the instructions needed to create all these things, and, in my opinion, many others. This book encouraged me to experiment with what was presented and come up with my own variations on stitches, mainly because I rarely had exactly the components she requires on hand. I highly recommend this book!

by Carol Wilcox Wells

But of course! This book is a must have for any beader. Most of the basic stitches are well described and illustrated here, and there is wonderfully inspiring examples of work too. I think this was the first beading book I ever owned and one of the ones that got me hooked. I tried the African Helix, and considered myself a pro beader (haha!). If you don't already have it, get this book!

by Ruth F. Poris

This is a great reference book for all sorts of techniques. Several different methods for finishing necklaces are demonstrated, and there are descriptions and construction techniques for most basic and some more advanced techniques. The illustrations are drawn in black and white, but they are very easy to understand and well supported by the text instructions. The color photos in the middle of the book are nice inspiration as well. A good addition to any beader's library.

by Horace Goodhue

I just bought this book for myself after hearing lots about it. It's chock full of interesting things to try. The illustrations are in black and white, but seem easy to follow, and from the tidbits I have read so far, there is some interesting history of the stitches described. I'd recommend this book for anyone who's interested in beadweaving history or just learning several new, useful stitches.

by Jeanette Shannigan

This book is by a very talented beader in Alaska. There's a lot of great embroidered cabochon instructions as well as an amulet bag and several other good projects. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. This is an excellent book for a beginner or someone with more experience. It was one of the first beadwork books that I ever bought and I've browsed it many times. The gallery at the back of the book is impressive as well, showcasing several more Alaskan beadist's art.

by Judith Durant, Jean Campbell

The Beader's Companion is THE reference book for beaders. It's chock full of the basic information you really need to bead such as all the basic stitches, how many beads can you string per inch in various sizes, which needle you use for what, definitions of beading terminology and a wealth of other information. My mom bought this one for me and it's a great little book to have around. It's even small enough to put in your purse, if you just can't stand to be caught off guard.

by Sara Withers

This book is great for anyone who is interested in bead stringing. There are 14 different stringing projects and one small loom work project. A great book for beginners, who are, I think, the target audience. Also a good introduction to different styles of finishing a necklace.

by Stefany Tomalin

There is a lot of extremely interesting eye candy in this book. It's kind of a tour of different cultures' beaded adornment around the world. There is everything from very primitive, rough-hewn beads to some very refined and intricate jewelry art. Definitely a great book if you need some inspiration to expand your "style". There are no instructions here, but the eye candy is worth it. I don't own this book yet, but I hope to soon!

by Wendy Simpson Conner

Here is a book that I've heard is an excellent resource. I have seen it several times in the bookstore, and it is certainly thick. One day it will be part of my beading library, I'm sure!

by Kathlyn Moss, Alice Scherer

Here's an "eye candy" book that I'd just love to have. I look at it every time I see it in the bookstore and I'm completely amazed by the time, effort and talent it represents. It's inspiration galore.

by Alice Korach

I don't own this book, but I've drooled over it a lot at the bookstore. It's a little more on the wild side of beading, but I'm inspired by lots of things, so I enjoy looking at it just for the "OOOOOh" value.