Beadwork Inspired by Art: Impressionist Jewelry and Accessories (Paperback)

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Key Phrases: one green pearl, braided beading thread, tubular herringbone stitch, The Street Lamp Framed (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Beadwork Inspired by Art is a series of beadwork project books, inspired by the colors, textures, and forms of historical art and craft traditions. The authors present full instructions for 12 one-of-a-kind beadwork projects inspired by their favorite masterpieces—by some of the world’s finest artists.

 

In this volume, working with a “canvas” of beads, thread, and a variety of techniques—from stringing to weaving—readers learn to recreate the jewelry and home decor objects of the Impressionist period, an art style known for its energetic brushstrokes of colors and sensual effects. The historical photograph that inspired each project and detailed step-by-step instructions and drawings are included, too.

About the Author

Jean Campbell (Eden Prairie, MN) is the founding editor-in-chief of Beadwork magazine. She has written or edited more than 30 books on beading—including Getting Started Stringing Beads (Interweave Press, 2005) and The Art of Beaded Beads (Lark, 2006).

Judith Durant (Lowell, MA) is the author of Ready, Set, Bead (CPi, 2007).  She is also the author of Never Knit Your Man a Sweater (unless you've got the ring), (Storey Publishing, 2006).  She and Jean Campbell are coauthors of the best-selling the Beader's Companion (Interweave Press, 1998).

 

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Creative Publishing international (September 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1589233875
• ISBN-13: 978-1589233874
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #829,669 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars My take on the content:, September 29, 2008

By	Nancy Johnston (Lansing, MI United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Lovely cover, but frankly, I was very disappointed in the lack of projects. No attempt to correlate any relationship between the content and impressionist art unless they were counting on the couple colors of beads used. I think they needed a catchy title, and that's what they came up with. Very sorry I pre-ordered without seeing any of it. Learned my lesson.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars so disappointed, November 4, 2008

By	Triz "Beading Mania" (Israel) - See all my reviews

I was so looking forward to this book, the idea is excellent, however the content is very disappointing. The projects are scarce and uninspiring.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Job Interpreting Classic Paintings into Stunning Jewelry!, January 22, 2009

By	Jean Yates "jean, jewelry designer, book and... (United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

The 19th century art movement, Impressionism, has a glorious beauty when viewed.. It is characterized by the distinctive style of the artists' brushstrokes. Additionally the frequent choice was to paint "en plein air (outside)" in order that the light of the sun and other aspects such as actual changing of time could be portrayed. Ordinary subjects and unusual angles were frequently employed.
I have many loves, and Impressionism is one of them. Those people who say "I don't know much about art but I know what I like!" usually, these days, DO recognize and like/love Impressionism. We cleave to it emotionally, from way inside. I could be talking through my hat. However this is something I believe and I think the prices paid by collectors for many of the Impressionists' paintings, when they appear, rarely, at the top auction houses, bear me out.
I was therefore VERY open to read this book, written by two top jewelry editors and authors, and to view their jewelry. Jean Campbell and Judith Durant have done something super fascinating: they have interpreted specific paintings by specific artists, each one explained first and then reinterpreted in beads and thread. This book,
Beadwork Inspired by Art
Impressionist
jewelry and accessories,
is, to put it simply, breathtaking both in concept and in execution. I love this book.
I think if you examine the cover you will see why I like this book so much. It is the "Landscape bracelet", after Vincent Van Gogh's "Landscape with Carriage and Train". How amazingly did the authors interpret this painting by Van Gogh! They essentially nailed it! I feel as if each one of the paintings which they chose has been equally as well defined and at times taken and brought to its essence. Successfully and movingly, frankly.

The authors begin by explaining why they chose to write this book and offer this homage to Impressionism. As a beader I deeply understand the desire to work with color, and then to challenge oneself by going beyond that to garner inspiration from painting or other artistic avenues. They discuss this and offer a list of Impressionist painters. They discuss their methods, what to expect, and then get on to the projects. Are they beautiful? Yes, they are! I strongly recommend this book. I believe there is not a single piece in this unique jewelry design book by Jean Campbell and Judith Durant which doesn't hit the nail on the head, grab the reader's attention, and, amazingly, encourage the reader to grasp more from the painting as well as the piece of jewelry inspired by it.

Projects from this book, which also offers a cool framed woven piece, which I particularly loved, and wish to point out were:
"The Banana Plantation Necklace", after a painting by Pierre August Renoir, which has mindblowing colors and an exuberance of branch fringe with a matching focal bead, all in the colors of the painting...greens, oranges, blues, topazes,--You are sooo there! It is great!
"Mango Woman Pendant", after a painting by Paul Gauguin, "Woman with a Mango", which offers a spare and lovely circlet of gold for the neckpiece, and a seed beaded spiral focal of a fabulous inky blue, finished with gold and a mango colored Swarovski briolette drop, with a matching drop at the back as well. This has the use of space which delights me as a designer.
"The Dancers in Blue Earrings", inspired by Degas' painting "Two Dancers in Blue" -- sweet blue seed bead earrings with Swarovski rounds which just flounce and enchant completely!

You owe it to yourself to get this book. If you are transported by the Impressionists, as I am, or just like really intelligent and really artistically creative projects, I believe you will find this book amazing.