Lifestyle Book Reviews

Book Review: Masters Beadweaving

By Sandy Amazeen Apr 23, 2009, 2:21 GMT

Filled with serious eye-candy, this is not a how to book but rather a source of inspiration for beaders looking to kick start their own creative juices. Well respected bead artist and author Carol Wilcox Wells acts as curator for the work of thirty-six artists including Diane Fitzgerald, Sharmini Wirasekara, Don Pierce and Karen Paust. Readers will notice several of the pieces have been previously shown in assorted bead periodicals and books throughout the past fifteen years so although much of the work showcased is not new, it is spectacular.

Wells introduces each artist with a brief synapses of the style, techniques and design considerations plus some artist quotes about what drives their work. The photography is crisp, clean and focuses on the beadwork without interfering backdrops or contrived settings. Photo captions include the title, dimensions, materials and frequently, the types of stitches used, a real boon when attempting to figure out how a piece was made. The ingenuity displayed in this collection is well worth the price as it will likely inspire beaders around the world to pick up their needles and thread and get busy.