From Booklist
It is far easier these days to extract ideas and patterns from specialty crafts magazines than it is to compile a book without previous editorial references. In these two new offerings from Interweave, the muse is Beadwork magazine and its talented contributors.Designer Campbell acts as selector for 30 unusual beaded bag patterns, one in a series sponsored by the magazine. More than a dozen artists draw upon a variety of techniques, including knitting and crocheting, to produce purses in different design styles. There's a bead-decoupage plastic box, with decorations applied on top of special tape. Existing fabric purses are embellished with abstract art deco-like motifs or enhanced by highlighting existing patterns with beads for a three-dimensional impact. Directions are flawless, with all the requisite information and visuals, yet only a few explained techniques (appended) and the absence of "difficulty" designations make this collection one for experienced beaders only. In contrast, Minneapolis artisan Fitzgerald strives to attract a broader audience, including a chapter on the basics as well as an intriguing cultural survey of Chinese, Indian, American European, African, Egyptian, and Greenlander beading traditions. What's more, the dozen and a half projects act as a far better definition of netted beadwork than the half paragraph proffered by the author; these connected bead fabrics range from a 1920s-inspired flapperlike bead necklace to an ultramodern ruffle bracelet or sea moss necklace. Instructions for each are detailed enough that, in combination with the explanation of fundamental stitches, novices might feel confident to tackle the projects. A 15-page gallery showcases the best of beadwork at the hands of artisans. Barbara Jacobs
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


Shuttle, Spindle & Dyepot magazine
"Consider this compact volume a take-along book of projects to dream upon."


Embroiderers’ Guild of America
"If you never thought about creating a beaded bag, the ideas shown within these 134 pages should spark a desire."


Book Description
These designs for a wide variety of bags from the beading world’s top designers will amaze beginners as well as advanced beadworkers. These 30 projects include clutches, drawstring purses, wrist bags, amulet bags, and even a market bag. Featured are a variety of techniques leading to bags that are not only beautiful, but can often be completed in an evening or weekend, providing instant gratification. Included are tips to help start each project and clear demonstrations of each stitch used in the book. Each project includes information about the designer, giving a feel for the people in and the bead buzz surrounding this interesting and accessible community.



About the Author
Jean Campbell is the editor of Beadwork magazine and of the books Beadwork Creates Beaded Beads, Beadwork Creates Bracelets, and Beadwork Creates Necklaces. She is the author of Beader’s Companion, Beaded Cords, Chains, Straps, & Fringe, and Beaded Gifts. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

These designs for a wide variety of bags from the beading world's top designers will amaze beginners as well as advanced beadworkers. These 30 projects include clutches, drawstring purses, wrist bags, amulet bags, and even a market bag. Featured are a variety of techniques leading to bags that are not only beautiful, but can often be completed in an evening or weekend, providing instant gratification. Included are tips to help start each project and clear demonstrations of each stitch used in the book. Each project includes information about the designer, giving a feel for the people in and the bead buzz surrounding this interesting and accessible community.

About the Author:Jean Campbell is the editor of Beadwork magazine and of the books Beadwork Creates Beaded Beads, Beadwork Creates Bracelets, and Beadwork Creates Necklaces. She is the author of Beader's Companion, Beaded Cords, Chains, Straps, & Fringe, and Beaded Gifts. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

FROM THE CRITICS

Spindle & Dyepot magazine Shuttle

Consider this compact volume a take-along book of projects to dream upon.

Embroiderers' Guild of America

If you never thought about creating a beaded bag, the ideas shown within these 134 pages should spark a desire.

Spindle & Dyepot Shuttle

Consider this compact volume a take-along book of projects to dream upon.

Library Journal

These two selections from the publisher of Beadwork magazine will please beadworking enthusiasts. Campbell (coauthor, The Beader's Companion) offers step-by-step projects for beaded evening bags and novelty totes in a great variety of styles, both antique and modern. Several involve techniques from other crafts such as Native American quillwork and crochet. Fitzgerald (Beading with Brick Stitch) provides projects for jewelry and accessories in joined single strands of beading that often resemble fishnet. The necklaces and bracelets are entirely made of beads, while the bags and ornaments have opaque liners. Both books have imaginative new material and would be welcome in public libraries. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

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