One of my personal favorite bead embroiderers, Jamie Cloud Eakin, has a new book published by Lark called Dimensional Bead Embroidery. What I really really like about this book is the exact thing that I've heard others criticize about it: it is a reference guide, almost an encyclopedia of techniques, and not so much a project book. Oh yes, there some projects in it, of course, and they are lovely. But they are not really the main attraction, in my opinion.
Jamie has eight chapters full of information on everything you'll need to know to add focus and interest to your basic back stitch. She covers materials and tools, basic stitches, basics of design, adding components, dimensional surface stitches, bezel stitches, edging techniques, and attachment stitches. Although she covers some of the same topics as in her very popular book Beading with Cabochons, all of the techniques in Dimensional Bead Embroidery are new. If you already own Beading with Cabochons, you will no doubt want this book as well. I think that the methodical way that Jamie takes you through each topic is excellent, and it will make it extremely easy for you to find exactly the portion that you want to refresh on in the future as you create your own works of art!
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Comments
Merry Christmas!
I love the idea of a technique-based book instead of a project-based one, because I've never been all that excited about recreating other people's work -- more about taking things in my own direction. I wish there were more jewelry reference guides!
Thanks for the great review! :)
Marcy