Tapestry Bead Crochet: Projects and Techniques by Ann Benson (Lark Books $22.95 US) includes a book as well as a DVD that shows you all you need to know about tapestry bead crochet. Benson takes a time-honored technique and shows how to make elegant old-style beaded pieces as well as updated designs. The book includes 18 projects and both photographed as well as illustrated instructions. Mat
Techniques and Materials Section
The first three sections of the book cover the materials and tools needed, which surprisingly isn't that much. Benson also discusses in some detail the beads used. She explains the difference between various types of seed beads and their finished.
The stitch section covers basic stitches used: chain stitch, single crochet, and slip stitch. All three of these are staple crochet stitches, and some of the easier ones to learn, so that was encouraging. Then after covering over the stitches, the explains how to add beads to the fiber, #12 perle cotton. The DVD also goes over this same information, and many of the images used in the book are also shown on the DVD, but for visual learners, it will probably be helpful to see and hear this information.The Projects
The projects in this book are pretty much jaw-dropping gorgeous. All of them look fairly intricate, but it is no surprise considering to make them you use a very small crochet hook and tiny seed beads. These are not instant gratification type of projects! However, I'm sure it is time well-spent, and while many of the project look pretty complicated, there are a few that I think beginners could attempt. For example, "ring quartet" shows how to make four napkin rings that use the same color of beads and fiber but create different patterns. These look small enough that beginners could get some practice in and actually have something useful afterward.
Final Thoughts
If you already know how to crochet and/or have bead weaving experience, then you will feel very comfortable with trying tapestry bead crochet. This is especially true if you are familiar with reading charts like those used in peyote stitch when making a specific pattern. Depending on your experience, you may be able to just look briefly at the first few chapters and dive right into the beautiful projects.
Those with no crochet or beading weaving experience may find this more of an inspirational text, something to aspire to someday. While there are some solid instructions demonstrating techniques like the crochet stitches used, I just know from my own experience these methods usually take considerable practice before someone who has never worked with seed beads or picked up a crochet hook would be successful. However, if you ever do want to learn and get the basics down first, this is the first book you should pick up.
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