Beading for the Soul: Inspired Designs From 23 Contemporary Artists [Paperback]

Deborah Cannarella (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2005

This collection of projects inspired by myth, symbolism, religion, and personal beliefs is designed for beaders and artists interested in imbuing their work with meaning. The 26 designs range from necklaces and bracelets to wall hangings, bags, an heirloom box, and even a mobile. Each piece has a distinct focus and specific purpose that is elaborated on by its designer, who writes about the significance beading plays in his or her life. The designs are divided into chapters focusing on different aspects: protection, healing, strength, good fortune, prayer, bonding, and remembrance. A wide range of techniques is offered for beadworkers, with some as basic as knotting, seed beading, peyote stitch, brick stitch, ladder stitch, and bead embroidery stitches. More specialized techniques include bead weaving, beading on screen, and painting on glass. Beyond the projects inside, this guide is a starting point for an artist's own creativity and self-expression.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I'm just in awe of the gorgeous work in this book." — BellaOnline

"Inspires reader[s] to add spirit as a main element when beading...meaningful project ideas for every skill level and personality." — The Arizona Republic

"This is an excellent book." — Workshop on the Web

"The stories provided by each artist add that 'little something extra' to this book." — About.com Guide to Jewelry Making

"An excellent guide for any bead lover." — Vision Magazine

About the Author

Deborah Cannarella is one of the founding editors of Threads magazine and a former editor of PieceWork magazine. She has been crafting for more than 20 years and is the author of several historical biographies for children, including volumes on Zora Neale Hurston, James Baldwin, and Harry S. Truman. She lives in Roxbury, Connecticut.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press (October 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931499462
• ISBN-13: 978-1931499460
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #946,634 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Remarkable and Uplifting . A Must Have for Your Beadbook Library!, February 4, 2006

By 

Jean Yates "jean, jewelry designer, book and... (United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Beading for the Soul: Inspired Designs From 23 Contemporary Artists (Paperback)

If you, like me, find that when you are creating pieces of jewelry you are released from everyday cares and nourished by what you are doing, then you will understand instantly what makes this book special.

I have been making jewelry for some time now, but I have never consciously tried to figure out what it is about the process of creating the things that I make that I find so replenishing.

Beading for the Soul explains in separate sections (for example: "Beading for Protection", "Beading for Good", Beading for Prayer") what it is that we are doing when we pick up a bead and SAY something with it. I was wowed by this book. I finally understood why someone like me, who has a love of beauty but also has a need for quiet, introspective time (as a parent of children with disabilities) would want to really come forward and express myself. Put me under the heading of "Beading for Healing". The author, Deborah Cannarella, has a chapter titled that. Yes, put me there, and put this book in your cart if you wish to understand why you are doing what you do when you bead. It is a beautiful book in every sense of the word, anyway. Lovely photos, moving stories from the artists, and inspiring projects. I am grateful I chose this book as one of my New Year's gifts to myself.

44 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beadwork that heals, uplifts, and inspires..., November 3, 2005

By 

Sharilyn Miller (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beading for the Soul: Inspired Designs From 23 Contemporary Artists (Paperback)

Some artists derive simple pleasure from their beadwork; others find a much deeper meaning in the craft. In Beading for the Soul, you will find not only a fine selection of beautiful beaded projects to make, you'll also discover ways to infuse your creations with depth and spiritual substance.
You will also gain from the insight offered by the contributing artists, who share the personal experiences, emotions and thought processes that support their creations.
For instance, a visit to an anthropology museum in Peru led artist Susan Guagliumi on a quest to make a "votive offering" to her craft: a mesh bag with an ancient cat motif. Other artists work through health issues, celebrate our environment, harness energy, and reconnect with their faith through beadwork.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Inspirations, January 7, 2006

By 

R. Brinson "rozziebear" (Jamaica NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beading for the Soul: Inspired Designs From 23 Contemporary Artists (Paperback)

Just received this book yesterday and can barely put it down. The photos are crisp, illustrating the details of each piece. It's refreshing to discover how an artist is inspired and not just what stitch or thread to use. Great gift for a beader!