Native American Beadwork: Projects & Techniques from the Southwest [Paperback]

Theresa Flores Geary Ph.D. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 28, 2006

Beadwork has been steadily gaining popularity among crafters, and no area of the genre garners more interest than the intricate designs of the Apache, Comanche, and Lakota peoples of the American Southwest, who use their designs to relate legends and pass down tribal lore. Here are 15 authentic projects using such traditional stitches as the flat and circular peyote stitches, the Comanche weave, free-form feathering, and more. Each project is accompanied by a rich explanation of how the colors, shapes, and combinations of materials interact to tell a story. Abundant color photographs and illustrations guide the reader through this unique art form.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Much beadwork today is derived from various ethnic customs and designs, using contemporary styles to update very traditional patterns. Geary, a member of the San Carlos Apache tribe, employs the best of her birthright in following this trend. This how-to is distinguished by a number of reader-friendly features: extensive background information on Native American beadwork, both in general and specifically about each design; 18 projects, each indicating level of difficulty and incorporating one new technique; and a photographic glossary that begs to be transformed into its own book. The Southwest dominates such projects as bear earrings, a kokopelli pin and amulet bag, a medicine wheel pendant or pin, and corn-stitch earrings. Each includes step-by-step illustrations, color photographs, charts when necessary, and possible variations. It's easy to see why the very act of beading can be a perfect relaxation therapy. Barbara Jacobs
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Theresa Flores Geary, taught by her mother and elders from the San Carlos Apache tribe, has been creating beadwork since the age of fourteen. Besides making jewellery and other beaded objects, Theresa has developed a line of bead kits that she sells to museums, gift shops, and retail outlets throughout the USA. She also teaches beadwork classes. The author lives in Arizona, USA. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (August 28, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 140274062X
• ISBN-13: 978-1402740626
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,179,967 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I am a retired clinical psyhologist with a long standing career in Tucson, Arizona. In my retirement, I am spending time writing books, beading and always looking for new bead art techniques. Another wonderful hobby is organic gardening and growing gourds, which I also love to bead. For the latest creative projects and gallery of friends, see www.beadbible.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-Have Resource for Beaders, March 27, 2004

By 

Lizbeth Archer (Raleigh, NC USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Native American Beadwork: Projects & Techniques from the Southwest (Hardcover)

I came upon this gem while searching for ideas for using a packet of porcupine quills which a friend had purchased for me during his travels. I ordered the book online, based solely on a review which sounded promising. Little did I know what a treat I was in for!

The photography is stunning and whets the reader's appetite for undertaking the projects. The photos of the projects in various stages of completion are very clear. There is no difficulty in counting individual beads or determining where one row ends and another begins. In addition to the photos, there are diagrams which illustrate traditional stitches, as well as project patterns. Written instructions are explicit and complete. Ms. Geary has added a beadwork glossary, again with crisp photos and easy-to-follow diagrams. This is an indispensable reference for beaders, offering information on beading topics, in general, and Native American techniques and components, in particular.

In addition to the eighteen projects in the book, Ms. Geary has provided a succinctly and elegantly written introduction to the role of beading in history and particularly among Native Americans, e.g., its spiritual, cultural, and economic significance. Each project offers a brief, but very informative, introduction on the geographical and tribal origin of the piece or technique, and suggested variations, designed to spark the reader's own creativity.

Within one week of receiving this book, I had completed three of the projects and designed a fourth, based upon one of the author's patterns. This is a resource I will return to over and over, both for specific information and as a springboard for my own imagination. In the meantime, I'll be looking for more of Ms. Geary's work!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, a book with more then one bead technique!, October 29, 2003

By 

Laura D. Moreno (Tucson, Arizona United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Native American Beadwork: Projects & Techniques from the Southwest (Hardcover)

I'm a beader from Tucson, AZ and have bought many books on beading throughout the years. I was very impressed by the completeness of the Beadwork Glossary that included photos in Ms. Geary's book, as well as the easy to understand directions for the different projects. Her different beading techniques make this book a must have for every beader! Can't wait for her next book! Inspired in Tucson.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Glorious Teaching, December 28, 2003

By 

Sylvia Elam (Tucson, AZ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Native American Beadwork: Projects & Techniques from the Southwest (Hardcover)

The author has indeed educated this anglo on some very interesting Native American traditions. Her writing is superb and the photographs of the completed projects are divine, thanks to Nancy Palubniak, photographer. Instructions are precise and very understandable. The step by step illustrations are also comprehensive and easy to read. I have been a collector of Beading Books for 12 years and this is my favorite, so far. I highly recommend every officianado of Native American traditions and beadwork purchase this book for their collection.