THE ART & ELEGANCE OF BEADWEAVING
By Carol Wilcox Wells
Search Press - July 2002
ISBN 1903975255 PB
How To Book / Crafts

Reviewed by Rachel A Hyde, MyShelf.Com
Buy a US || UK Copy


Opening this book is rather like opening a large box of brightly wrapped parcels. Which do you open first? There is so much to look at and some stunning photography that makes makes you want to grab some beads and get going right away.

This is of course what all craft books ought to make people want to do and this one actually does it…and then some. If you already own the author's famous primer Creative Bead Weaving, then you may be thinking that this is some kind of rehash for the UK market, but this is very far from the case. Of course, many, but not all, of the techniques are the same. Comparing the two, I find this book easier to follow and - joy of joys - it is far less a gallery book than its predecessor, packed full of projects and with Wells' inspirational writing that brings out the creative urge.

Bead weaving is a topic covered by many books which tend to center around amulet purses, or weaving on a loom. This book totally concentrates on off-loom stitches, like peyote and chevron chain with color-coded sections for the different techniques and you can learn how to make beads out of beads, ropes for necklaces and bracelets, cover items such as large beads and bottles and much more. All kinds of jewelry can be created - even rings - and various freestanding sculptures that are sure to be conversation pieces. You don't even need to buy much beyond the actual beads, findings, thread and needles, which is refreshing, and Wells urges the reader (or beader) that the methods can take people as far as they want to go.

If I bought only one book on off-loom beadweaving it would be this one - it's that good. A beautifully produced, easy-to-follow primer that would inspire a stone.

PS: To obtain those elusive beads (particularly the rocailles used so much) try these sites:
In UK: www.beadexclusive.com
Also www.beadmaster.com

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