Book Review
Beading will never go out of style and even though Easy-to-Do Beadwork
was originally published in 1954 most of the ideas are still popular
today. What I like about this book is that for a thin book it is
jam packed with information on beads, beading and a large number
of projects you can do with beads. And if you are an enthusiastic
beader, you can take these beading projects and turn them into gifts
for friends or make your own unique jewelry.
Easy-to-Do Beadwork is divided into 10 chapters that cover everything
from Types of Beads, Bead Weaving, Bead Embroidery, Tile Bead Table
Mats and Coasters, Necklaces and Bracelets, Rings and Earrings,
Handbags and Purses, Various Articles, Flowers and All Kinds of
Beads. After reading the important information on beading and weaving
and looms in the first chapters you are ready to get started. Some
of the projects are more general description of the technique (i.e.
bead embroidery) rather than sstep-by-stepinstructions to make the
craft so you would already need to know how to do embroidery for
these projects. Other projects such as tile bead table mats and
coasters cover in great detail the techniques and methods for making
these projects as well as the detailed drawings of the patterns
and complete instructions for the process.
I like Easy-to-Do Beadwork because for an experienced beader the
ideas are interesting and fun. I wouldn’t recommend this book
for beginners unless they are really motivated and quick learners
because some of the techniques are somewhat complicated.
The only things I didn’t like about this book were the lack
of color photos of finished projects (but remember this book was
originally published in 1954!) to see the possible color combinations
and overall look of the beadwork included in this book. Only a few
of the project ideas are dated but everything comes back in style
at some point and beading is always popular |
