Book Review - Beautiful Beaded BagsOver 25 Dazzling Bags and Accessories
~ Anne Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Beautiful Beaded Bags - Over 25 Dazzling Bags and Accessories
by Dorothy Wood
Paperback: 112 pages
David & Charles Publishers (August 15, 2004)
ISBN: 071531792X
Learn beading and bag construction techniques and then work through over 25 projects for beaded bags and accessories such as a bridal tiara and shoe rosettes. All of the pattern templates are full-sized and the techniques are easily adaptable to your own original designs. |
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I own several books on making bags and beaded bags, but this is definitely my favorite because it goes into great detail about the techniques used to construct the bags and the beading stitches used to make or ornament them. The book starts with an introduction to the tools used in making different types of beaded bags. This is followed by an overview of bead types and finishes, fabrics, and fasteners for the bags. Beading techniques are covered next. There are step-by-step written instructions, color diagrams, and photos demonstrating how to being a piece of beadwork, tie important knots, execute several embroidery stitches, do brick stitch, make netting, and knit and crochet with beads. Note that peyote is not discussed. All of this introductory material is presented such that a reader can easily adapt the techniques to original projects. This is an excellent reference section.
The next and largest section of the book covers projects. Each project is accompanied by a materials list (actual suppliers listed in the back of the book), numbered instructions, and clear color photos of the steps. Actual-sized templates are located at the back of the book. Specials tips and tricks are given in text boxes for easy reading. The projects include a flower beach bag, beaded gift bags, a blanket bag, organza tote, tasselled suede handbag, woven ribbon bag, lattice purse, crochet shopper, bridal bag, knitted pouch, amulet purse, and evening bag. Instructions for making additional matching accessories are given, such as for a bridal tiara, a notebook cover, mirror case, eyeglasses case, makeup bag, tassels, small purses, and beaded shoe rosettes. In some cases, you could adorn a purchased bag, but the instructions for constructing the bags yourself are always given.
I very highly recommend this book for the range of projects, beautiful and tasteful designs, and clarity of the instructions. It is more suited for people who have some prior beading and probably sewing experience. As I have said, the instructions are clear, but the projects do combine both beading and bag construction. Fabrics such as silk organza, suede, and velvet are easier to work with if you have some previous experience. This will make an excellent addition to a beading/bag library or a great gift for anyone who loves beads and bags and wants to make luxurious accessories.
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