Beadwork Creates Beaded Bags: 30 Designs (Beadwork Creates series) [Paperback]

Jean Campbell (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

It is far easier these days to extract ideas and patterns from specialty crafts magazines than it is to compile a book without previous editorial references. In these two new offerings from Interweave, the muse is Beadwork magazine and its talented contributors.

Designer Campbell acts as selector for 30 unusual beaded bag patterns, one in a series sponsored by the magazine. More than a dozen artists draw upon a variety of techniques, including knitting and crocheting, to produce purses in different design styles. There's a bead-decoupage plastic box, with decorations applied on top of special tape. Existing fabric purses are embellished with abstract art deco-like motifs or enhanced by highlighting existing patterns with beads for a three-dimensional impact. Directions are flawless, with all the requisite information and visuals, yet only a few explained techniques (appended) and the absence of "difficulty" designations make this collection one for experienced beaders only.

In contrast, Minneapolis artisan Fitzgerald strives to attract a broader audience, including a chapter on the basics as well as an intriguing cultural survey of Chinese, Indian, American European, African, Egyptian, and Greenlander beading traditions. What's more, the dozen and a half projects act as a far better definition of netted beadwork than the half paragraph proffered by the author; these connected bead fabrics range from a 1920s-inspired flapperlike bead necklace to an ultramodern ruffle bracelet or sea moss necklace. Instructions for each are detailed enough that, in combination with the explanation of fundamental stitches, novices might feel confident to tackle the projects. A 15-page gallery showcases the best of beadwork at the hands of artisans. Barbara Jacobs
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

"Consider this compact volume a take-along book of projects to dream upon." -- Shuttle, Spindle & Dyepot magazine

"If you never thought about creating a beaded bag, the ideas shown within these 134 pages should spark a desire." -- Embroiderers’ Guild of America

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Product Details

• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press (September 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931499349
• ISBN-13: 978-1931499347
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 4.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #408,189 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exquisite and artistic bags, December 12, 2004

By	S. Brand "sandra807" (United States) - See all my reviews (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Beadwork Creates Beaded Bags: 30 Designs (Beadwork Creates series) (Paperback)

I agree with other reviewers that this shape of book is not the easiest to read, but I flattened my copy and put a weight on it to hold it open while working... no big deal. It's what's inside that counts!

The 30 exquisite purse and bag designs in the book, shown in full color photographs, are contributed by different artists, and each is extremely unique in its design and method. Several of the purses are knitted, and some are crocheted. Some have strands of beads couched onto fabric. Some are created with peyote stitch or on a bead loom, then sewn together. One is sewn onto a metal purse frame. One I partricularly like has strands of beads glued (using special sticky tape) onto a purchased tote in a gorgeous design. Some are large and shopping-baggish, and others are small amulet bags or clutches. Every one of them is gorgeous, and you will not find anything like them in any store, unless it is an expensive boutique. They look like collectors' items.

There are no quick and easy projects here. They require time, commitment to read through the instructions and follow them step by step, and skill with the hands. The written instructions are fairly easy to understand, but experienced crafters will follow them more easily. There are illustrations, but a few more would be helpful.

The last section of the book shows how to do all the different stitches and techniques used in the projects, but for knitted bags, you will already need to know how to knit. Hand and machine sewing skills are required for some of the projects.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars great stuff, bad format, June 25, 2004

By	Amy E. Henry (Nipomo, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Beadwork Creates Beaded Bags: 30 Designs (Beadwork Creates series) (Paperback)

I have to first say that the photos and projects in this book, as well as the others in the Beadwork series, are gorgeous. They are not your typical jewelry items: they show unique colors and mixtures and ideas. Love that part. What I hate about the book is the format...it is long and skinny with a tough spine. In other words, extremely difficult to hold, much less do a project from. It's so narrow that the inside page closest to the spine often cuts off certain words. I tried going to office max to have one drilled to be loose leaf, with the spine cut off, but it still makes for awkward work. Why they couldn't make this a full size book with a lay flat spine is beyond me.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Designed to appeal to all levels of beadworkers, March 5, 2004

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beadwork Creates Beaded Bags: 30 Designs (Beadwork Creates series) (Paperback)

Jean Campbell edits Beaded Bags, a survey of 30 bag projects designed to appeal to all levels of beadworkers. These aren't just the usual rectangular bags; they are especially notable projects in presenting a diversity of bag styles and designs, from clutches and drawstring purses to wrist bags and market bags. Techniques range from embroidery and loom weaving to bead crochet, with plenty of colorful photos and step-by-step clear instructons.