|  The
Art and Soul of Glass Beads
Edited by Susan Ray and Richard Pearce.
Published by Krause Publications, 700 East State Street, Lola, WI 54990-0001,
2003.
Soft cover, color photos and illustrations. 11" x 8-1/4". 144 pages.
$24.99. ISBN: 0-87349-565-9.
Reviewed by Theresa Guthrie.
Susan Ray and photographer Richard Pearce enlighten the bead maker and
jewelry designer, both professional and amateur, in this comprehensive collection
of stories and projects. Sixteen artists’ works are highlighted in captivating
photographs, insight into the creative process and detailed instructions for creating
pieces using their beads. What a treat not only to see the art and read the story
behind it, but also to have contact information for each artist, including Tamara
Knight (horse beads), Lynn Nurge (trapped beads), and Julie Suchy (vessel beads),
to name a few.
Most of the artists look to the creation of the bead rather than creating a
piece of jewelry as their goal. The reader gets a glimpse of the fascination with
the process and how each bead is a result of a bit of a personal life. For those
readers who wonder if they are the only ones who eat, drink, and sleep beads —
they will find that they are not alone.
Experienced bead makers will find comfort in learning how some of the best
bead artists integrate their obsession into their family life and other personal
obligations. Amateur beaders will learn from the pros about the dreams and dedication
involved in creating the perfect bead. This book will surely become a much-read
reference and inspirational guide.
When the reader is ready to experience the transformation of a rod of glass
into a work of art, a generous offering of suppliers, tips of the trade, techniques,
resources, and places to visit and learn about glass bead making is included.
In this day of guarded trade secrets, these artists allow you to learn from their
mistakes and successes.
The photographs are inspiring and informative, guiding the reader through the
bead making process and jewelry creation. With the inclusion of a detailed “Elements
of Stringing,” bead charts, and a full-color appendix with all one needs
to know about tools, findings, jewelry lengths, bead shapes, and finishes, the
reader has all the information needed to light the torch and start her own adventure
into the world of glass bead making.
Theresa Guthrie has been beading for about 18 years and is also a wearables
artist who creates in fabric and fiber. She developed the “No Warps!”
bead loom technique and teaches this and other bead classes nationally for bead,
quilt, and weavers’ conferences, groups, and shops. She is also the owner
of the online bead store www.moondancedesigns.com
|
Check out Reference Shelf, our experts' picks of recommended books in different fields.
Visit the Interweave Store for more books on Jewelry Making, Beading, Gems, Minerals and more
|
