Book Spotlight: Creative Native American Beading

Most beaders know about the historical origins of their favorite stitches, but it’s not often that we really consider how much of our craft comes from the innovation of generations past. In her beautiful book, Theresa Flores Geary brings traditional techniques and motifs together with modern design styles in a way that will appeal to any beadweaver.

Creative Native American Beadingisn’t just a collection of traditional projects, but an excellent guide to the basics of beadwork, with a focus on the origins of stitches and materials. Although the projects featured use modern beads like Delicas, the heirloom quality of the designs is unmistakable. Bead lovers will recognize familiar patterns such as the Kokopelli, and designs like the beaded hatband or amulet bag.

The book begins with an brief guide to traditional beadwork and getting started with the craft, including details on choosing the right beads and materials for your projects. Next, readers can dive right into the 19 gorgeous projects, ranging from very simple jewelry to elaborate décor items. The techniques explored include Apache weave (brick stitch), appliqué bead embroidery, tubular netting, Huichol-lace netting, and ladder stitch, plus odd-count, sculptural, tubular, and freeform peyote stitch.

Creative Native American Beading is an ideal guide for new beaders looking to start with an historical approach to beadwork. Experienced beadweavers will love the back-to-basics themes that are anything but ordinary.

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading
Theresa Flores Geary and Lark Crafts
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