Beading For The Soul Questions And Answers with Deborah Cannarella

Well, the decision as to where to begin is a very personal one. Each artist’s piece in the book also has an accompanying artist’s statement, and as you read them, you'll see that every designer finds a different starting point.

Some, like Mary Walker, who created the bead-embroidered Black Madonna, and Eleanor Walker, who created prayer beads, work out of their personal response to a traditional religious belief system.

Others, like Laura McCabe and Stephanie Sersich, who both created eye bead pieces, give new meanings to historic traditions.

Still other - like Robin Atkins, who created a healing journal, and Diane Fitzgerald, who created a neckband encoded with personal symbols - find inspiration in their own deep emotions, experiences, and relationships.

Designer Victoria Hughes actually outlines the steps of her creative process to encourage readers to explore ways to "work from within."