Book Review: The Art of Beadwork: Historic Inspiration, Contemporary Design

My first thoughts while reading this book were "Where have you been all this time?" and "Boy, this was well worth the wait!"

Many of the beading books available today are for beginning beadworkers who are just beginning to explore the art form. This is not - it discusses beading in a social, historical and geographic context, and each chapter contains one or more projects that illustrate the topics being discussed. The directions for the projects are good, and the diagrams are clear. However, this book is not for the person who sat down yesterday with a tube of beads and expects to make a masterpiece, or for the person who wants to make identical copies of a craft pattern diagrammed by another.

With the help of other talented bead artists, Ms. Hector teaches some advanced techniques and gives suggestions on making your own masterpieces using those techniques. It is not a "how to" book in the traditional sense, as it does not assume that you will follow the instructions to the letter, making copies of the illustrated projects. Rather, it is like having an instructor who helps you with the skills you'll need to create your own art.

Beads are truly universal, and are among the oldest items manufactured by humans. Ms. Hector understands that and this book illustrates ancient techniques that are still indispensable, fresh and relevant to today's bead artist. It also provides a bit of humility to anyone who thinks they've discovered a completely new beading technique - it's almost inevitable that a skilled bead artist beat you to your "invention," probably centuries ago!

Definitely a must have for those who want to know their art and elevate it to something more than a "cute hobby." I predict that this book will join a select few titles that have become indispensable to those of us who spend far too much time and money researching and using these addictive little items with holes in them.

A definite must have for anyone with a bead library and an interest in the thing that invade my husband's shoes, occassionally sneak into our foot and caused all sorts of racucous behavior on the plane ride home. While my mother bartered, we all stood, hands beside our sides all we cared about was getting out alive.

Must be something in the water in the mountains of Germany. My Oma and Tantes are exacty the same way.

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Kathy N-V - RCB