Beadweaving: New Needle Techniques & Original Designs [Hardcover]

Ann Benson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1993

A crystal cross pin, a flapper necklace and a mosaic belt are just a taste of the sparkling bead projects contained in this new collection.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Employing seed and bugle beads in two different basic techniques--needleweaving and card stitching--Beadweaving presents 50 beautiful projects, each with full step-by-step instructions and patterns. The needleweaving method is worked in counted rows from a gridded pattern, resulting in interesting geometric-based designs. In card stitching, the beads are sewn directly onto a lightweight cardboard or manila folder; because a geometric grid is not necessary, the designs can be more freeform and curvilinear. Ranging from contemporary to traditional, the attractive projects include necklaces, pins, earrings, belts, barrettes, and small purses, all accompanied by color photos of the finished pieces.

From Booklist

Benson capitalizes on a renewed interest in bead craft in this beautiful book that turns craft into wearable art. Using black-and-white diagrams to clarify procedures, she introduces two types of beadwork--needle weaving, in which beads are threaded together, and card stitching, in which beads are sewn directly on to a backing of lightweight cardboard or construction paper. But techniques are only a small part of this book. More than 40 gorgeous projects--mostly jewelry and decorative accessories--are included, with graphed or gridded patterns, step-by-step instructions, and a complete list of materials right down to bead size and color. It's a splendid book for the patient craftsperson. Stephanie Zvirin

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Sterling Pub Co Inc (September 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806904003
• ISBN-13: 978-0806904009
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,622,420 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars nice cover, but, August 2, 2002

By 

Riolama - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Beadweaving: New Needle Techniques & Original Designs (Paperback)

I have been beading for more years than I care to admit, and I also teach beading. Of my extensive bead book collection, I rate this one at the bottom! The cover is very nice, which drew me in, in addition to the fact that there are few good books on bead embroidery. I hoped this book would fill the gap, but the content is seriously lacking. Not only is it not innovative,as advertised, but the instructions leave large holes. I'd say, go back to the drawing board. An illustration of a process really does require clear words to go with it. The problem begins in chapter one and does not get much better as the author continues on.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Somewhat disappointing, February 15, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Beadweaving: New Needle Techniques & Original Designs (Paperback)

This is basically a project book, with only brief explanations of the author's beadwork techniques. Since the book reviews emphasized the innovative aspects of her work, I was somewhat disappointed to see how little creative exploration was actually presented.

Unfortunately, the projects themselves aren't to my taste. But that's not a criticism -- just an observation of personal preferences.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A clear and concise book on beadwork., November 19, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Beadweaving: New Needle Techniques & Original Designs (Hardcover)

I enjoyed this book. I found it beautiful to look at. It offers a wide variety of projects in beginner to experienced skill levels. The projects offered gave clear instructions and materials are readily available at craft or bead shops. I would recommend this book for someone just beginning to work with beads as well as the more experienced beader.