Overview
Written by renowned jewelry designer Valerie Hector, this book introduces readers to the quality, diversity, and artistry of beadwork from around the world, from ancient to modern. Rather than providing instructions for simply copying designs, this book teaches beaders to translate one or more of a piece's characteristics-color, design, technique, and dimensionality-into innovative contemporary jewelry designs. This book guides readers through 24 exquisite projects-necklaces, earrings, pendants, pins, bracelets, hair ornaments, and bags-inspired by museum-quality beadworks from cultures in four geographic regions: Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.Synopsis
A leading US beadwork artist invited peers to fashion a wearable piece inspired by beadwork from another culture/era. E.g., beaded items from King Tut's tomb inspired earrings by Joyce Scott. In a beautifully illustrated tribute to this craft, Hector offers overviews of beading traditions and techniques, artist profiles, and how-to projects. Inspired by top-quality beadwork from diverse cultures, 19 projects contain complete instructions with diagrams. Lois Sherr Dubin, author of The History of Beads, provides the foreword. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
Library Journal
Beadwork designer and historian Hector commissioned 20 artists to design contemporary bead jewelry and accessories inspired by ethnic beadwork from around the world. These form the basis for the step-by-step projects in this book. Each project is accompanied by a photograph of the inspirational piece and a summary of the history surrounding it (the projects are not as difficult as the originals). This book also has extensive chapter notes and a bibliography, which make it suitable for academic art collections as well as public libraries. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.