Dimensional Bead Embroidery: A Reference Guide to Techniques by Jamie Cloud Eakin published by Lark Books ($26.95 US and $32.95 Can) demonstrates how to combine seed beads with embroidery to create jewelry that includes elements such as cabochons, fiber, and other types of beads.
While the book is more of a techniques book than a projects book, the author does provide a few projects using the techniques described in the book.
About the Book
The publisher describes this book as more of an encyclopedia style text rather than a step-by-step project style book. This means the bulk of the book goes over basic bead embroidery techniques as a way to build a foundation to get started making this style of jewelry. However, there are also a few projects included as well, so if you are the type that needs something a little more firm than just a techniques book, this provides a mix for you, heavy on methodology. In fact, the first 8 chapters cover what you need to know before diving into the projects: Materials and Tools, Basic Techniques, Getting Started and Designing, Using Components, Surface Stitches, Bezel Stitches, Edge Treatment Stitches, and Attachment Stitches.
About the Techniques
This part of the book, as I said, is the main focus of the book. It includes step-by-step instructions for the many embroidery stitches used as well as other methods you need to know such as how to connect items together and finish pieces. Along with the step-by-step text, illustrations and color photographs help guide you through various processes. I especially like the section on designing since not every bead embroidery piece can be made exactly the same depending on the components you use in them. Also included in this part of the book are lots of gorgeous photographs of finished pieces made using these techniques.
About the Projects
Considering the size of the techniques section, I was happy to see that there were still an additional 9 project included. These also have step-by-step instructions and illustrations plus some variation pieces. Obviously, the most intense project is the one pictured on the cover of the book, Ceremonial Dance Necklace, wow! However, there were some smaller pieces to tackle for those fairly new to bead embroidery such as the Traditions in Lavender Brooch and Classic Chic Earrings.
Final Thoughts
I happen to really like bead embroidery, so I could be a little bias when it comes to the jewelry pieces. Even though some of them are kind of large, I also thought many of the projects and sample pieces photographed throughout the book were something I could wear every day.
The author provides a lot of detail in this book, so I feel comfortable recommending it to beginning bead weavers. Of course, I always warn newbies when it comes to this kind of jewelry making that you should expect to spend a chunk of time learning the methods as well as making jewelry using these methods, but you will end up with some beautiful hand-stitched jewelry designs. Jamie Cloud Eakin deserves to be very proud of this book!
Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.
