The Art of Beaded Beads: Exploring Design, Color & Technique (Hardcover)

~ (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

This is a return to basics, so to speak, by taking the foundation of bead art, the bead, and re-creating it with itself. "What is a beaded bead?" editor Campbell asks, then answers through the creativity and vision of 23 designers. Most of the projects use seed beads to create "larger" beads. Few finished projects are bigger than an inch, making them ideal for beaders who want to begin learning off-loom, free-form bead construction. Each project is illustrated with a macro-color photograph of the finished bead and several graphics of how the beads are stitched together. All the basic tools, materials, knots, and stitching techniques are explained in the beginning of the book as a quick reference for readers who have some experience with off-loom bead weaving and stitching. The gallery sidebars showcase beads by bead artists to encourage readers to experiment on their own. An inspiring collection of projects for beaders who want to go beyond the basics. Jennifer Palmer
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Description

Beaders everywhere—from rank beginners to top-level artists—are discovering the extraordinary creative potential and pleasure of a seemingly simple craft: making unique, one-of-a-kind beads from existing beads themselves. This lushly illustrated guide offers them a blast of inspiration, with 40 fabulous designs from some of today’s finest beadwork artists. Ranging from understated to pure dazzling glam, these projects showcase a range of innovative techniques. Among the standouts: a peyote-stitched Tetrahedron Beaded Bead that can be produced in varying sizes; a Peek-A-Boo Bead, using steel nuts from the hardware store; and a cylinder-shaped Piñata Bead, decorated with smaller beads resembling tiny, colorful party balloons. Detailed instructions and photos make the crafting easy, and there’s encouragement for readers eager to incorporate their own design ideas.A Selection of the Crafters Choice Book Club.

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Product Details Hardcover: 144 pages Publisher: Lark Books (October 28, 2006) Language: English ISBN-10: 157990825X ISBN-13: 978-1579908256 Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.8 x 0.8 inches Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies) Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews) Amazon.com Sales Rank: #226,060 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

	51% buy the item featured on this page: The Art of Beaded Beads: Exploring Design, Color & Technique 4.3 out of 5 stars (21) $16.47
	16% buy Diane Fitzgerald's Shaped Beadwork: Dimensional Jewelry with Peyote Stitch (Beadweaving Master Class) 4.7 out of 5 stars (49) $16.47
	14% buy Peyote Stitch: Beading Projects 4.4 out of 5 stars (11) $13.57
	10% buy Marcia DeCoster's Beaded Opulence: Elegant Jewelry Projects with Right Angle Weave (Lark Books Beadweaving Master Class) 4.8 out of 5 stars (24) $16.47

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Customer Reviews

21 Reviews 5 star:  (11) 4 star:  (8) 3 star:    (0) 2 star:  (1) 1 star:  (1)           Average Customer Review 4.3 out of 5 stars (21 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews 21 of 23 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars The Art of the Beaded Bead, January 11, 2007 By  Tamara Hawks (Winston Salem , NC USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    I learned to make a beaded bead from a friend and for a while did just what I learned. But I yearned for more ways to make beaded beads. I'll never forget the day another friend brought this book to show me. We were ordering lunch when she brought it out and needless to say I hardly ate my lunch at all. It was like opening a whole new world to the Beaded Bead. I use this book almost every day for one bead or another and continue to learn more and more about the wonderful world of Beaded Bead. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who want to learn something different to do with beads and have a book that continues to teach you more every time you look at it 23 of 26 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Book!, January 6, 2007 By  Diane Fitzgerald (Minneapolis, MN USA) - See all my reviews In contrast to the single-star review of this book, I rank this book much higher. Not everyone can travel to bead shows to take classes and because many of the projects in this book are derived from classes, this book offers a stay-at-home beader a chance to learn from the pros at a fraction of the cost. These tiny projects give beaders a chance to do a quick little project and to play with color without investing hours of time. In addition there are several new projects in this book, among them are three polyhedron beaded beads (tetrahedron, dodecahedron and cube) which I contributed which have never been published before. As to learning and being stimulated by this book, let me say that the photography is superb and the beads are shown clearly and without distraction. Similarly, the instructions come with large clear diagrams which even a beginner could follow. As to the exploration of color that the title of the book hints at, that may be the books weakest point. Portraying the beaded beads in several different colorways would have made this a stronger book and provided what was offered in the title. I review almost every bead book that comes on the market to track what is being written and whether anything new is being offered. For the discount price offered on Amazon.com, this hardcover book is a bargain and should provide many hours of enjoyment. It is on my bookshelf! 5 of 5 people found the following review helpful: 4.0 out of 5 stars Recommended for Beginners and for Quick Success, March 2, 2008 By  Leserin (Schweiz) - See all my reviews This is a very good book in almost every respect. Many of the beaded beads are beautiful and unusual in shape, and there is a wide variety in design. Don't judge the book by its cover photograph. If you have never beaded before and plan to start from zero like I did, you will learn at least five different beading techniques by making a handful of different beaded beads. The instructions include diagrams with thread paths, and I found them clear and easy to follow. All instructions are accompanied by photographs which show what the finished bead will look like. There is also a short but concise chapter on basic tools and techniques. Between the various instructions, there are gallery pictures which are artistic and a pleasure to look at. The book has thick and glossy paper with large print, and it lies flat when opened. And it's the perfect book for those of us with short attention spans: The individual beaded beads are small and don't take long to finish, and they don't require too much tedious repetition. If you notice a mistake too late or if a beaded bead doesn't turn out as expected, it's no great loss. And if you use a consistent colour scheme for working your way through the book, you can string your little practice projects afterwards and make a striking necklace. Just put the uglier lumps in the back ;-) On the downside, there is hardly anything on colour even though the title claims it. Many of the colour combinations used in the various beaded beads are downright awful. I am also not sure whether the book has a lot to offer to the advanced beader. Here are some additional hints based on my experience with the beaded beads (I used seed beads only): - The author uses mostly size 14°, 11° and 8° seed beads. If you can't get these exact same sizes, just use any "small", "medium" and "large". If you don't have triangle-shaped or cylinder seed beads, it doesn't matter either. Round beads work just as well, except maybe for the polyhedrons. - Don't make the thread too long, and NEVER double the thread even if it says so. It will tangle horribly if you do. It's much easier to attach a new thread now and again. - Limp or crooked beaded beads get in shape if you pass the thread through the beaded bead again "on your way back" and pull a little harder. - Good starter projects which really can't go wrong are the Lava Lamp Bead and Baroque Bead (both use herringbone stitch and are very pretty), and the Bird's Nest Bead (use of netting stitch). All in all, the book is good value for money. If you want to try your hand at beading, get the book, get a few tubes of seed beads, and enjoy!		Ad feedback   Most Recent Customer Reviews 5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Books These books were delivered so fast and are just like new. No need to shop anywhere else! Published 2 months ago by Jimmie L. Boatright 4.0 out of 5 stars much inspired Good instructions, bead patterns added, I' ve already made three different beads and look forward to making many more. Published 2 months ago by Lucie Bee Bee 2.0 out of 5 stars Bad on basics I bought this wanting to make beads like the ones on the cover--just a round bead covered in seed beads. Read more Published 5 months ago by J. Sloane 4.0 out of 5 stars Fun uses for a weaver's leftovers! A neat book for weavers and/or beaders. Covers a lot of stitches, and since they're just beaded beads, each project can be done pretty quick and using those pesky bits of leftover... Read more Published 19 months ago by N. Smith 5.0 out of 5 stars The book is beautiful and looks brand new. Arrived very quickly ,Great service. Thank you I am very happy with the prompt service and the excellent quality of the book. Thank you again Published 20 months ago by Arlette R. Peterson 4.0 out of 5 stars good book wonderful help from designers I BOUGHT THE BOOK DIRECTLY FROM MY BOOK-SHOP IN ISRAEL& I LOVED THE BOOK! WONDERFUL DESIGNES!! Read more Published 22 months ago by Louise rosenfeld 4.0 out of 5 stars Nice beads but several pattern mistakes I love beaded beads, and this has quite a few that I enjoyed making. I would caution beaders that at least 3 beads had significant mistakes either in the drawing or written... Read more Published on November 10, 2007 by vickib 5.0 out of 5 stars The Art of Beaded Beads I have enjoyed this book. It is a treat for the eyes as well as for the creative spirit. The instructions are good and the projects are designed to answer the needs of bead... Read more Published on November 1, 2007 by B. Claytor 4.0 out of 5 stars The Art Of Beaded Beads Very informative and creative. Opens up so many possibilities and designs. Well written and easy to follow. Published on July 23, 2007 by Jean C. Limakeyte 5.0 out of 5 stars Beads of a Feather Wonderful book. Great project ideas and techniques. Not for the very beginner, however. But the photos alone will inspire you to learn Published on July 9, 2007 by S. M. Semkiw Search Customer Reviews Only search this product's reviews

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Lark Books (October 28, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157990825X
• ISBN-13: 978-1579908256
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #226,060 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Art of the Beaded Bead, January 11, 2007

By	Tamara Hawks (Winston Salem , NC USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I learned to make a beaded bead from a friend and for a while did just what I learned. But I yearned for more ways to make beaded beads. I'll never forget the day another friend brought this book to show me. We were ordering lunch when she brought it out and needless to say I hardly ate my
lunch at all. It was like opening a whole new world to the Beaded Bead.
I use this book almost every day for one bead or another and continue to learn more and more about the wonderful world of Beaded Bead. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who want to learn something different to do with beads and have a book that continues to teach you more every time you look at it

23 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Book!, January 6, 2007

By	Diane Fitzgerald (Minneapolis, MN USA) - See all my reviews

In contrast to the single-star review of this book, I rank this book much higher. Not everyone can travel to bead shows to take classes and because many of the projects in this book are derived from classes, this book offers a stay-at-home beader a chance to learn from the pros at a fraction of the cost. These tiny projects give beaders a chance to do a quick little project and to play with color without investing hours of time.

In addition there are several new projects in this book, among them are three polyhedron beaded beads (tetrahedron, dodecahedron and cube) which I contributed which have never been published before.

As to learning and being stimulated by this book, let me say that the photography is superb and the beads are shown clearly and without distraction. Similarly, the instructions come with large clear diagrams which even a beginner could follow. As to the exploration of color that the title of the book hints at, that may be the books weakest point. Portraying the beaded beads in several different colorways would have made this a stronger book and provided what was offered in the title.

I review almost every bead book that comes on the market to track what is being written and whether anything new is being offered. For the discount price offered on Amazon.com, this hardcover book is a bargain and should provide many hours of enjoyment. It is on my bookshelf!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Recommended for Beginners and for Quick Success, March 2, 2008

By	Leserin (Schweiz) - See all my reviews

This is a very good book in almost every respect. Many of the beaded beads are beautiful and unusual in shape, and there is a wide variety in design. Don't judge the book by its cover photograph.

If you have never beaded before and plan to start from zero like I did, you will learn at least five different beading techniques by making a handful of different beaded beads. The instructions include diagrams with thread paths, and I found them clear and easy to follow. All instructions are accompanied by photographs which show what the finished bead will look like. There is also a short but concise chapter on basic tools and techniques.

Between the various instructions, there are gallery pictures which are artistic and a pleasure to look at.
The book has thick and glossy paper with large print, and it lies flat when opened.

And it's the perfect book for those of us with short attention spans: The individual beaded beads are small and don't take long to finish, and they don't require too much tedious repetition. If you notice a mistake too late or if a beaded bead doesn't turn out as expected, it's no great loss. And if you use a consistent colour scheme for working your way through the book, you can string your little practice projects afterwards and make a striking necklace. Just put the uglier lumps in the back ;-)

On the downside, there is hardly anything on colour even though the title claims it. Many of the colour combinations used in the various beaded beads are downright awful. I am also not sure whether the book has a lot to offer to the advanced beader.

Here are some additional hints based on my experience with the beaded beads (I used seed beads only):
- The author uses mostly size 14°, 11° and 8° seed beads. If you can't get these exact same sizes, just use any "small", "medium" and "large". If you don't have triangle-shaped or cylinder seed beads, it doesn't matter either. Round beads work just as well, except maybe for the polyhedrons.
- Don't make the thread too long, and NEVER double the thread even if it says so. It will tangle horribly if you do. It's much easier to attach a new thread now and again.
- Limp or crooked beaded beads get in shape if you pass the thread through the beaded bead again "on your way back" and pull a little harder.
- Good starter projects which really can't go wrong are the Lava Lamp Bead and Baroque Bead (both use herringbone stitch and are very pretty), and the Bird's Nest Bead (use of netting stitch).

All in all, the book is good value for money. If you want to try your hand at beading, get the book, get a few tubes of seed beads, and enjoy!