The Art of Beadweaving: Exquisite Beaded Jewellery

Every Technique for On- and Off-Loom Beadweaving and Beadwork with Cylinder Beads, Rocailles, Czech Glass, and more. The definitive reference book for everything beadwork, offering a compendious collection of techniques, both on- and off-loom, for creating exquisite pieces using tiny beads. Each of the many techniques is illustrated with large how-to photographic steps (and inset diagrams for any especially tricky bits) and plenty of inspirational finished examples that use the techniques. There’s a Stitch Dictionary as well as definitions of the myriad types of beads: their composition, sizes, shapes, and finishes; and how to use them, with clear guidance on principles of colour and design, and jewellery construction. Includes a unique collection of projects by different designers to showcase techniques and encourage readers to try out new skills.

Table of Contents:
PRELIMS ( 5pp ) INTRODUCTION ( 4pp ) CHAPTER ONE / GETTING STARTED ( 14pp ) • Seed beads, crystals, and semi-precious stones: Their countries of origin, shapes, sizes, finishes, terminology • Tools, needles, pliers, looms, mats, storage: Identification, uses, terminology • Threads, nylon, silk, monofilament, wires, and findings: Uses, the right thread and finishes for the job • Workplace and storage: Beading in comfort, lighting, surfaces, keeping a steady hand • Following a beading pattern CHAPTER TWO/ TECHNIQUES ( 92pp ) Off-Loom Beadweaving Stitch basics: • Ladder stitch • Square stitch • Brick stitch • Peyote stitch • Herringbone stitch • RAW and CRAW (right angle weave and cubic right angle weave stitches) • Netting stitches Stitch variations: • Spiral stitches • Ropes and chains • Bezels and beaded beads • Combining stitches • Beading shapes • Frills and furbelows Loom work: • Individual warp method • Continuous warp method • Loopholes and buttonholes More beadwork • Bead embroidery • Crocheting with beads • Knitting with beads • Knotting: Traditional and modern Putting technique into practice • Design and colour principles • Wearable beadwork: Guides for making jewellery • Taking care of your finished work Troubleshooting • How to cope with a broken needle, fraying thread, and staying calm CHAPTER THREE/ PROJECTS TO TRY ( 20pp ) Each project is presented with: • List of tools and quantity of beads (including ideas for bead substitutions, if you can't get the exact ones used in the project) • Written instructions • Graphic diagrams • Beautiful photography of the finished sample CHAPTER FOUR / BEADWORK IN CONTEXT ( 16pp ) Traditional beadwork across the world • Who beaded, why they beaded, and the materials they used. What we can learn from our beading ancestors. Modern beadwork • Jewellery and beading as an art form • A gallery of beadwork masters Ethical beading • Fair use of designs: It is impossible not to be inspired by the work of other beaders, but when is it okay to claim a design as your own and when should you acknowledge the influence of another designer? • Fair trade and recycled beads GlOSSARY ( 2pp ) RESOURCES( 2pp ) INDEX AND CREDITS ( 5pp )

About the Author :
Jane Lock is a jewellery designer and writer with a background in knitting and museum-licensing. She is obsessed with small beads and beadweaving techniques, and loves to share this passion via workshops and her published designs.

Review :
Sept 13 This is a great reference book for anyone interested in beadwork. There are numerous techniques including off the loom ones. If you are ever stuck for technique know-how, this is a good book to find the answer to your problem. Each technique is illustrated with how to steps with clear photos and diagrams for clearer viewing. There is a directory of bead types, guidance on colour and design and a beautiful gallery of work. There are also detailed projects for necklaces and bracelets. This book is suitable for beginner and intermediate users. Autumn 2013 A lot of hard work has gone into this book, with many clear diagrams and pictures for all the techniques and projects. It takes the beader through 13 different techniques plus variations and corresponding projects. Other sections contain details on getting started, design and colour, core techniques, beads, tools and threads plus much, much more. There are also guest designer projects to stretch and extend the skills learnt as well as a designer gallery of inspirational finished pieces – 'Beady Eye Candy'! A tools and materials list is given for both samples and projects but I would have liked the suppliers list for the UK at the back to have included a bigger selection, although most established beaders have their favourite suppliers and know how to use the internet to search for more. This is a book for beginners and the more experienced alike – one to dip in and out of at will since there is so much information in it that you can well overdose in one sitting! While I would do some things differently, since we all develop our own habits and ways, nonetheless you certainly won't go far wrong in using this book to learn the craft of beading. It will be a great addition to the bookshelf of anyone interested in beading, especially if they cannot get to a class.