Features
- Cover Type: Paperback with 127 pages
- Published by: Interweave Press April 2001
- Written in: English
- ISBN 10 Number: 1883010721
- ISBN 13 Number: 978-1883010720
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Book Dimensions:
8.8 x 8.4 x 0.3 inches
- Weighs: 13.4 ounces
Book Description
Focusing solely on brick stitch, this unique guide presents ten exciting beading projects-from tassels to necklaces-along with detailed, illustrated instructions. The history of this elegant stitch-in tribal Africa, during the Victorian era, and its use by Native Americans-includes a look at brick stitch beadwork by contemporary artists. Descriptions of necessary tools and techniques including increasing, decreasing, and finishing offer beaders the expertise to create their own gorgeous brick stitch works of art.
About The Author
Diane Fitzgerald is the author of Beads and Threads, Counted and Charted Patterns for Flat Peyote Stitch, and Zulu Beaded Chain Techniques. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Reader Reviews
Diane Fitzgerald has tackled a brave subject with flair and refreshing approach. Brick stitch is the step-sister to the popular peyote stitch. Brick does not work up as quickly, has a slightly longer learning curve, and simply has not enjoyed the popularity of peyote stitch, perhaps because peyote is linked to the wildly popular amulet bags and brick stitch was the mainstay of hippie earrings. This doesn't seem to bother Fitzgerald at all. And long before the end of the book, it does not bother the reader either. Fitzgerald proves over and over that brick stitch has its own special uses-through increases and decreases, it can curve over uneven objects. It can be used to create three-dimensional forms that hold their shape and have an appealing look and texture. The possibilities are many and the techniques within the grasp of most beaders. Fitzgerald makes the most of both her audience and the contents of the book. ...the book is filled with projects with detailed instructions and pictures that make the most resistant beader reach for threaded needle and beads. The 30-page gallery contains not just wonderfully-photographed objects, but great ideas. Necklaces, pins, bracelets, vessels, sculptures, decorative beading, and objects of fascination all appear in the pages. Unique, different, enchanting. The book begins with a history of brick stitch, the different names, the origin of similar beadwork, and a focus on objects that defined the art. It moves into the obligatory tools and techniques, but with a twist: Fitzgerald assembled a group of beaders who tackled each project for difficulty and instructional sense. And their different results are shown. That raises this book head and shoulders above most how-to beading books. It's best to work through the book with an eye to the steps that you need to know before you tackle a project. Dedicated beaders can learn what they need to know as they work through a project, but it helps to learn the technique first. Fitzgerald deserves a prize for that idea alone. Far too many teachers cave in to student demands that the first attempt should result in a gift-quality result. Fitzgerald is not ashamed to get you to try the technique first on trial piece. But, if you are a gifted and advanced beader, she also shows you how to assemble those initial attempts into an impressive sampler. This book will become one of the "must have" books for the bookshelf. And it won't spend a lot of time there, either. Expect to have it on your work table almost all the time.
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