A Beadwork Companion: A Step by Step Illustrated Workbook for Beading Projects

Following the success of her first book, "A Quillwork Companion", Jean Heinbuch brings her sound, practical advice to the craft of beading with a series of step by step illustrated projects designed to teach the beginner and challenge the experienced. The book progresses from simple to complex projects, from barrettes to fully beaded belts, adding new concepts and skills each step of the way.

The reader learns not only beading skills, but design layout and leather or fabric construction techniques as well. Detailed and exciting beading designs are provided for each of the 11 projects, along with seven additional designs at the back of the book. The beautiful designs and project items are Native American in origin. They are naturals for those interested in Native American culture, but their appeal and uses are much broader and are limited only by the imagination of the crafter. Projects described include: Hair Ornaments - Large Barrette, Heart Shaped Barrette and Rosette Hair Ties; Beaded Bags - Ration Ticket Bag and Strike-A-Light Bag; Round Floral Belt Buckle; Knife Sheaths - Neck Knife Sheath, Large Old Style Knife Sheath and Wrap Around Knife Sheath; and Beaded Belts - Geometric Pattern Belt and Floral Pattern Belt. Beading techniques explained and used in these projects include the Return Stitch, Lazy Stitch and Gourd Stitch. Beaded edgings described are Oblique, Loop, Lazy Stitch and Gourd Stitch. Each step is fully explained with clear, easy to follow instructions. The entire book is fully illustrated (over 200 drawings!) and photos of each project are provided in color and black and white. Projects are made from leather or fabric and decorated with seed beads. The introductory section provides a fine explanation of materials, beading techniques and construction stitches. Everyone who enjoys creating and wearing beautiful craftwork will want a copy of this book!

205 illustrations; 13 B&W photographs; 4 pages in full color.