Book Spotlight: Beaded Collars

I can’t speak for all beaders, but for me, one of the most intriguing beadwork styles is the collar, and I’m always on the lookout for new methods and techniques for creating them. When I accidentally stumbled across a miss-filed copy of Beaded Collars by Julia S. Pretl at my library, I couldn’t believe my luck.

Each of the ten necklace projects in the book have the same basic elements: ladder stitch and bugle beads. After a quick look at the basics of beading, Julia gives readers a 20 page primer on constructing collars with ladder stitch, from cutting out a custom template to adding fringe and clasps. The techniques used are not quite what you would expect, but the effect is marvelous. These collars have an authentic look to them that is fit for queens.

The necklace projects offer plenty of direction and inspiration as well, with amazing variations on the basic ladder design. There are collars with netting and fringe of all kinds, lots of layers and stacked rows in different patterns and colors, and exotic and interesting accents. Some of the more advanced projects incorporate ladders of different lengths to create beautiful geometric collars.

Each of the projects and the beginner section includes step by step instructions and easy to follow diagrams, plus full color pictures of each finished design to inspire you. Beaded Collarsis an absolute must-read for beaders with a flair for tribal designs or elaborate beadwork.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and Creative Publishing International
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