Getting Started With Seed Beads

by Dustin Wedekind

Seed beads are basic, essential materials in a beader’s stash, and this handbook gives beginning crafters a full course in how to work with them for great results. Seed beads come in a plethora of colors and materials and can be worked in an endless variety of stitches, which are taught in chapters that progress from introductory to more challenging. The more than 20 projects teach and then combine techniques in projects guaranteed to impress—from a simple beaded tin to a ladder ring to a tubular peyote-stitch rope of beaded beads. There is also a section on shopping for beads and equipment that will make new initiates comfortable as they explore the potentials of beading with seed beads. Filled with information and inspiration, this clear guide is a catalog of colorful and creative possibility.

Genres: Beading, Crafts, Art, Jewellery

128 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2007

Reviews

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed this book's easy to understand instructions as well as versatile projects. Clearly drawn diagrams help as much as the text, and the color choices for projects are inspirational. The bead-covered tins are especially fun, and other projects cover bead weaving stitches in detail, followed by a project using that stitch. Although I am not likely to complete many of the projects in the book as written, I've found this to be a great resource for stitches to which to apply by own aesthetic.

[Flora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Looks excellent. I need something to help me make an extension to my necklace of black seed beads. It worked!

[Punk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Crafts. I think I can now safely say that bead weaving is not for me. The whole thing puts me on edge, and few of the projects appeal to me. But the diagrams in this book seem easy enough to understand, if I could look at them without my eyes crossing.

Has a nice introduction to seed beads and the materials required to work with them. Plus it's not entirely about bead weaving or embroidery. It also has projects that rely on glue or wire to hold the beads together, like sequined Easter eggs or beaded tins, which I would totally do, if I celebrated Easter or wanted to spend a hundred hours fiddling with beads and glue.

Three stars. Nicely put together book with an index, color photographs, and friendly color diagrams. Would definitely get you started with seed beads, if that's what you wanted.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book for those who know little to nothing about beadweaving. Good refresher for me and a few interesting projects for me.