Seed beads are basic, essential materials in a beader's stash, and this handbook gives beginning crafters a full course in how to work with them for great results. Seed beads come in a plethora of colors and materials and can be worked in an endless variety of stitches, which are taught in chapters that progress from introductory to more challenging. The more than 20 projects teach and then combine techniques in projects guaranteed to impress?from a simple beaded tin to a ladder ring to a tubular peyote-stitch rope of beaded beads. There is also a section on shopping for beads and equipment th.

Table of Contents Making a Basic Bead Preparing Mandrels 27 Igniting the Torch 28 Forming a Bead 30 Extinguishing the Torch 34 Removing Your Bead from the Mandrel 34 Finishing Touches 36 Simple Variations Shaping Your Beads 38 Overwraps 43 Multicolored Beads 44 Spots, Dots & Eyes 45 Stripes & Trails 47 Pulling Stringer 49 Fun with Stringer 53 Raked Patterns 56 Taking the Next Step Mixing Colors 59 Ribbon Cane 60 Twisties 61 Making Your Own Filigrana & Cased Stringer 64 Combing, Feathering, Side-Shifting & Furrowing 68 Pinching, Poking, Snipping & Plunging 71 Adding Metals 74 Inclusions & Surface Treatments 77 Commercial Millefiori 78 Advanced Techniques Making Your Own Millefiori 82 Cased Beads 87 Dichroic Glass 90 Sculpted Beads 91 Hollow Beads 98 Buttons 99 Marbles 101 Core Vessels 102 Appendix A. Jewelry-Making Basics 105 Appendix B. The Nature of Glass 108 Appendix C. Troubleshooting 110 Contributing Artists 111 Acknowledgments 112 Index 112.

With a sense of humor and creative abandon, this guide shows how surprisingly easy it is to turn fabric, paper, stitch, and embellishment into artistic treasures to keep and share. Step-by-step instructions for making projects such as greeting cards, wall hangings, and books are provided, while the latest mixed-media products and techniques are also used, including embroidery stitches, etching, burning, metallic threads, paints, embed fibers, and found objects. Basic design principles are also employed, such as layering, highlighting motifs, and creating grids to give art depth and meaning.

Featuring 18 exciting projects presented with detailed step-by-step photography, color variations, and practical illustrations, this fresh approach to seed bead jewelry teaches crafters how to combine materials, techniques, colors, inspiration, and design ideas for jewelry with a contemporary edge. Inspired by a wide range of sources--from Indian Punjabi folk costumes to Native American beading--the designs in this inventive resource fuse materials such as silver, copper wire, seed beads, Czech glass, and crystals into these traditional arts in order to achieve a unique outcome. All of the basic beadweaving stitches, wirework, and stringing techniques are explained and illustrated.

Learn how to create a full-sized, glittering Christmas wreath out of glass seed beads and wire using the French Beading method. This title contains patterns for Poinsettia, Pine Cone Spray, Amaryllis, Holly Fir Branches, Berry Stems, Baby Eucalyptus, and a Gigantic Bow. It will also walk you through assembling the wreath for professional results. Each pattern contains a plethora of quality photographs and detailed written instructions to guide you in making each piece. Lauren Harpster is a popular designer in her field. Her designs are widely regarded as top of the class.

Bead stitchers looking for information and instructions for the major bead stitches will find it all in Bead Stitching Handbook. This complete reference to bead stitching techniques — the only one of its kind just for stitching — includes clear, step-by-step illustrations and instructions for 15 different bead stitches, plus variations and lots of tips. Ideal for advanced beginners and experienced bead stitchers looking for accurate, in-depth information, this all-in-one resource also covers other stitching-related techniques like bead embroidery, soutache, and loomwork. Finally, the book includes information on beading materials, beads, thread, tools, weaves, knots, and much more. Each stitch is demonstrated with easy-to-follow instructions and illustrations, then demonstrated in a sample project so bead stitchers can see and understand how each stitch is applied. All instructions and projects are written by the contributors and editors of Bead&Button magazine, the original and most comprehensive beading magazine available today. This well-organized, 128-page, 7.25" x 9.4" reference manual is the perfect size for beaders to keep in their workspaces. They'll turn to it again and again!

More and more sewists and quilters are adding embroidered details to their work. While there are a bevy of stitch dictionaries currently available, Bead Embroidery Stitch Samples goes beyond basic and traditional embroidery stitches to incorporate beads, allowing readers to create delicate and striking trims and embellishments. Stitch patterns range from elegantly simple single motifs, to complex all over patterns to three-dimensional designs. Along with step-by-step instructions are numerous examples of how to use and place the motifs on hems, pockets, cuffs, collars and handbags; or as home decor trim on pillows, curtains, or lampshades. Patterns emphasize beaded edgings and trims, as opposed to heavy, solid beaded fabric motifs found in other beaded embroidery books. Using nothing more than embroidery threads and simple beads, Bead Embroidery Stitch Samples offers beginner and advanced embroidery enthusiasts alike new ways to set their work apart.