When Diane Fitzgerald writes a book about beadwork, you expect it to be informative, inspirational and beautiful. This book meets all three criteria.
The book opens with several chapters all about the history and culture of the Zulu tribe of Africa. It includes anthropological information about the Zulu as well as some of Diane's own experiences in Africa. Great information about the Zulu beadwork include both contemporary and historical examples.
Most of the projects are tubes and chains, with wonderful variations for each technique. Diane gives great ideas for using different types and sizes of bead for each project once you have the basic technique down.
The directions are clear and concise, perfectly illustrated, and the photographs are beautiful. Diane also includes some blank graphs for the netting and stitching techniques so that you can design your own patterns for those particular techniques.
Basics include tools and supplies and some stitching techniques, so this book could be suitable for someone who has never done beadwork.
At the end of the book, there is a complete bibliography and a list of resources including museums and websites where you can find more information about the Zulu and their beadwork.
At $24.95 for 128 pages full of projects, techniques and history, this is a great book to add to any beaders' library.
"Zulu Inspired Beadwork: Weaving Techniques and Projects" can be purchased from the Interweave Press book store.