Book Review - Ondori Art of Antique Beading
Art of Antique Beading
You can make some incredibly beautiful beaded jewelry using the instructions in this book! The English translation of Ondori's book will help remove some of the guesswork you may have encountered if you tried to read the original Japanese. |
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First, this is not a book for a beginning beader. Success with this book will require experience with stringing, basic sewing, and fine wirework, including the making of French beaded flowers. This book will please beaders who have been trying to figure out Japanese beadwork from
Babelfish translations or have been trying to unravel Japanese diagrams. The translation appears to be faithful to the original version.
The first portion of the book, up to page 40, is a gallery of the pieces that are then described in the second half of the book (pp. 41-86), with two additional pages listing tools and materials (basic list of tools, findings, and adhesives). If you aren't in Japan, you can order most of these materials online from other countries, or you can substitute more familiar materials (e.g., Delicas for Toho). A variety of items can be made, including matched sets for necklaces, bracelets, hair ornaments, bags, pins, and rings. The items are evocative of flapper or Moga styles, but I tend to think the designs are targeted at younger women (tattoo-style necklace, using ribbons to fasten chokers). Subdued, romantic color schemes are used.
The diagrams are small, however, I found the labeling much more clear than that found in untranslated Japanese books. The materials lists include item numbers and bead counts for Toho/Mill Hill beads. Diameters are stated for cords and wires. The directions and thread paths assume you understand the basics of the techniques. I would recommend this book for an intermediate to advanced beader who is comfortable with multiple techniques and looking for fresh ideas.
