The Art of Beadwork is the definitive reference guide for everything beadwork, offering crafters a compendium of techniques for creating exquisite pieces of jewelry and accessories using beads, as well as instruction on a multitude of inspirational projects. This lavishly illustrated book is a complete manual of techniques for on- and off-loom beadweaving and beadwork, from using cylinder beads to rocailles, and czech glass; knitting and crocheting with beads; and much more. The descriptions for each technique includes instruction, step-by-step photos, diagrams, and (in many cases) life-sized swatches for crafters to compare with their work in progress. The book includes a “Stitch Dictionary” as well as definitions of the myriad types of beads; their composition, sizes, shapes, finishes, and how to use them. Clear instruction and step-by-step photos guide the reader through the steps of jewelry construction. Throughout the book is a unique collection of projects by author Jane Lock and other artists from around the world, showcasing beading techniques while inspiring both aspiring and advanced crafters to test their skills.

A former professor and museum director offers a fascinating, in-depth look at the culture and history of beaded objects around the world. From a beaded dress found in an ancient Egyptian tomb to the beaded fringe on a 1920s Parisian flapper’s hem, humans throughout history have used beading as a way to express, adorn, and tell a story. Bol explores beadwork across the world and through the ages, showing how beading has taken on many different styles, forms, and purposes for different cultures. She looks at children’s clothing, puberty ceremonies, burials, emblems of social status and leadership, festivals, and many other cultural occasions that involve the use of beadwork. Images of artifacts and heirlooms as well as photography of people and their beadwork enhance the scholarship of this book for a beautiful, enlightening addition to art, history, multicultural collections everywhere.

Beaders everywhere are discovering the extraordinary creative potential and pleasure of making unique, one-of-a-kind beads from existing beads themselves. This lushly illustrated guide. now in a paperback version, offers them a blast of inspiration, with 40 fabulous designs from today?s finest beadwork artists. Ranging from understated to pure dazzling glam, these projects showcase a range of innovative techniques. Among the standouts: a peyote-stitched Tetrahedron Beaded Bead; a Peek-A-Boo Bead, using steel nuts from the hardware store; and a cylinder-shaped Pi?ata Bead, decorated with smaller beads resembling tiny, colorful party balloons.

Sunset. Fire. Rainbow. Drawing on such common occurrences of light, Navajo artists have crafted an uncommon array of design in colored glass beads. Beadwork is an art form introduced to the Navajos through other Indian and Euro-American contacts, but it is one that they have truly made their own. More than simple crafts, Navajo beaded designs are architectures of light. Ellen Moore has written the first history of Navajo beadwork—belts and hatbands, baskets and necklaces—in a book that examines both the influence of Navajo beliefs in the creation of this art and the primacy of light and color in Navajo culture. Navajo Beadwork: Architectures of Light traces the evolution of the art as explained by traders, Navajo consultants, and Navajo beadworkers themselves. It also shares the visions, words, and art of 23 individual artists to reveal the influences on their creativity and show how they go about creating their designs. As Moore reveals, Navajo beadwork is based on an aggregate of beliefs, categories, and symbols that are individually interpreted and transposed into beaded designs. Most designs are generated from close observation of light in the natural world, then structured according to either Navajo tradition or the newer spirituality of the Native American Church. For many beadworkers, creating designs taps deeply embedded beliefs so that beaded objects reflect their thoughts and prayers, their aesthetic sensibilities, and their sense of being Navajo—but above all, their attention to light and its properties. No other book offers such an intimate view of this creative process, and its striking color plates attest to the wondrous results. Navajo Beadwork: Architectures of Light is a valuable record of ethnographic research and a rich source of artistic insight for lovers of beadwork and Native American art.

Mastering the Art of Beading will do for jewelry making what Julia Child did for French food. In this definitive guide to all things beads, expert jewelry maker Genevieve A. Sterbenz covers all of the terms, tools, skills, and shortcuts necessary for creating beautiful beaded jewelry. With more than 800 how-to photographs, detailed and illustrated techniques, a photographic glossary, and useful resources, this book is packed to the brim with beading essentials. In addition, Sterbenz presents step-by-step instructions for 50 stunning projects in a range of techniques and styles. An accessible compendium dissecting every aspect of this popular craft, Mastering the Art of Beading will be the resource craftersdabblers and experts alikewill want on their bookshelf for years to come.