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Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Introducing: Ancient Worlds Modern Beads

Ancient Worlds Modern Beads by Mortira Natasha vanPelt

The time has finally come to reveal the secret project that I’ve been working on for the past two years. There have been many bead teasers along the way, and I’ve dropped a few hints about the purpose behind the exciting designs that have passed through my workspace. At last I can say that it’s all been for the production of my first beading book: Ancient Worlds, Modern Beads.

I am very excited to present this collection of projects, all inspired by Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. Some of my all-time favorite designs are included with step-by-step instructions, along with oft-requested tutorials that will finally be available in full detail. There are lots of collars, bracelets, necklaces and rings to make using seed beads, glass, and natural beads. I’ve also bent my metal rules just a bit to include 4 earring projects that coordinate with many of the other pieces in the book. It was a tough decision to make, but ultimately I wanted to create the best selection of projects possible - and there were just too many great earring inspirations to pass up!

There are 30 projects in all – ten from each civilization. The projects are inspired by the culture, mythology, art and jewelry of the time. Many pieces recreate the look of actual ancient artifacts, while others capture an essence of each region and its legacy. The Egyptian projects were some of my favorites to create, of course. Greece and Rome offer up some pretty amazing inspirations of their own, and I can't wait to share them! It was incredibly fun to design each piece, and I hope that readers will love to recreate them as well. The book also includes some gorgeous handmade backgrounds, with textiles by Elaine Partington and glass by Matthew Durran.

Amarna Glass Earrings from The Met Amarna Beadwork Earrings from Ancient Worlds Modern Beads

Amarna Earring Project Inspired by Ancient Egyptian Relics


Ancient Worlds, Modern Beads will be published later this year by Barron's Educational Series. It is available now for pre-order from Indigo and Amazon.The official cover has not yet been revealed, and there are plenty of details still to come. I’m planning to release a full preview of all of the projects for you closer to release time. Meanwhile, I want to thank the creative team at Quarto for helping get this book off the ground, and for all of their hard work on bringing it together.

Roman Medallion Necklace from The Cleveland Museum of Art Juno Pendant from Ancient Worlds Modern Beads

Juno Pendant Project Inspired by Roman Medallion Jewelry


I also want to extend some very special thanks to every Inspirational Beading reader for your patience and support during these two hectic years. Being able to share my projects with you – if only as teasers – and reading your wonderful comments kept me going whenever I felt I couldn’t bead another stitch. Thank you for joining me here every week, and here’s to many more creative journeys!

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6 comments:

  1. Kudo's to you on this wonderful accomplishment! I'll have to check it out!

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  2. Very cool. Congrats

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  3. This is so awesome, congratulations!!!!

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  4. Can't wait to see your new book in person! How exciting for you. Congratulations.

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  5. Congratulations. I look forward to seeing your book with all its lovely projects! After all your generous tutorials that you share, it's time for your book.

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  6. Thanks, everyone! I'm super excited about the book and sharing some favorite projects.

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