A book for both the historical scholar with a love of beadwork and the beader with a love of ancient beadwork. This book has something for each of these readers - in-depth research into the history of a variety of beading techniques plus interpretations of these techniques in projects for beaders today.
Scholarly Research, Beautiful Beadwork
A perfect combination - historical research, gorgeous photographs of beadwork old and new, plus projects by and profiles of many of the top beadwork artists today.Each chapter covers a geographic location and includes a carefully researched, well-written history of the indigenous beadwork technique and how it is used today. The local customs and traditions surrounding the beading and beadwork are also covered, giving us a glimpse into the lives and cultures of beaders the world over, now and in ancient times.
The chapters are lavishly illustrated with photographs of both the ancient beadwork and various modern interpretations of the technique and style. There is then a project based on the beadwork style for that region. The projects use the traditional technique and design motifs as a starting point for a bead pattern using modern materials.
The projects are beautifully photographed and the tutorials and instructions are very well written. Examples of finished beadwork using the historical beadwork as inspiration abound, giving the reader not only a project to work, but vast inspiration for further beadwork using these ancient and regional muses.
An excellent book for a new and experienced beader alike.
