A Treasury of Beaded Jewelry: Bead Stringing Patterns for All Ages [Paperback]

Mary Ellen Harte (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1999

Beadazzled by the beautiful beadwork of far-off lands? The rich mix of culturally diverse seed bead patterns found in this book will satisfy the young beginner, the advanced worker and the holiday giftmaker. Projects result in elegant, beautiful and surprisingly fashionable pieces of jewelry you would be proud to wear on any occasion. From Zulus to Guaymis, from Guatemala to Egypt, here are large graphic illustrations of the threading patterns for a wide range of beautiful seed bead jewelry, from simple Y necklaces to elaborate Romanian collars; several original designs are provided as well. This book is a must for crafters working with seed beads, providing many useful design concepts in its patterns for necklaces, chokers, bracelets, earrings, belts, pouches and headbands. The Methods and Materials section is comprehensive and full of useful hints for working with seed beads in general, from how to set up a workspace and lay out a design, to what to do when ! a flaw is found in a finished piece. Clear concise instructions alongside the diagrams ensure a good understanding of each project.

The book starts out with two simples necklaces, then zooms into space with starry holiday patterns for 10 minute earrings, a necklace and bracelet. Then it's on to snowflake patterns that show how to incorporate medallions into earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Next are simple chain link patterns that turn into beautiful flower chokers. Native American patterns for flower and leaf necklaces, as well as friendship bracelets and a flowing ripple necklace, follow. After a braided headband, simple daisy chain patterns are presented, along with showing how to turn them into wide flowery band bracelets and a daisy purse. Elaborate patterns for a very regal necklace and colorful Romanian collars follow. The last patterns of the book show how to make a wide colorful Guaymi collar, a Zulu belt, a Princess necklace that will enchant little and big girls alike, netted triangle necklaces, and a Moorish necklace of netted diamonds. A cultural cornucopia of jewelry truly to be enjoyed!

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

The beauty of America's cultural diversity is that beadwork artists can incorporate so many wonderful ideas presented in the beadwork worn by its citizens. I continue to be fascinated by cultural diversity, and am working on a third beadwork book that will focus on using many of the techniques I've described in my first two books to create designs that mimic glamorous, fashionable, faceted jewelry . . . keep a lookout for it!

About the Author

Mary Ellen ("Mel") Harte is a biologist, mother and craftsperson whose passion for pattern overflows into her other passions, beadwork and folk dancing. An avid collector of ethnic textiles and crafts, she continues to create new beadwork designs as she borrows from the richness of other cultures. Mel migrates between Berkeley, CA and the Colorado Rockies.

Product Details

• Paperback: 42 pages
• Publisher: Eagles View Publishing (June 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0943604583
• ISBN-13: 978-0943604589
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.5 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #72,038 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #1 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Arts & Photography > Art > Museums & Collections
  • #2 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Beadwork
  • #2 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Jewelry

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for the first time beader!, April 3, 2003

By 

"cwolfram" (Kent, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Treasury of Beaded Jewelry: Bead Stringing Patterns for All Ages (Paperback)

This book has easy to read diagrams. The projects start simple and expand into a more complex types of projects. (daisy chains to wide bead woven laces) Great for any beginner!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars For Novice, Intermediate and Advanced Beaders Alike, February 25, 2002

By 

V. Wilson "vickybeads" (Justin, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Treasury of Beaded Jewelry: Bead Stringing Patterns for All Ages (Paperback)

I found the book to be well organized and the illustrations helpful.

I would suggest a basic knowledge of beading, but it's not necessary. A lot of patience for beginners is helpful.

I have completed 1 project from the book and it was well received as a gift for a family member.

I highly recommend her other book too.

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for beginners to intermediates, March 22, 2004

By 

Jennifer Hudacek (Mystic, CT, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Treasury of Beaded Jewelry: Bead Stringing Patterns for All Ages (Paperback)

I really liked this book. I dot this book near the beginning of my beading career and find that I still refer to it regularly to refresh my memory on beading methodology. It is an easy to follow guide that has easier projectss for beginners, as well as more time-consuming and difficult projects for the more advanced beader. I love these designs, and one design can be used over and over in different bead colors. As you become more comforatble with them, you can make your own variations and build upon what they have shown you. I definetly recommend this book to everyone interested in jewelry beading.