Seed Bead Stitching

I love beads; that's why I am on a steep learning curve to do seed bead stitches. I also admit to looking at beaded jewelry and saying to myself, "that looks easy"!; as it was that reaction when I first looked at Beth Stone's book: Seed Bead Stitching. Self teaching beading stitches is not easy. A humbling experience with the project I wanted to copy on p39. I fell in love with the 2x4 column bead bracelet on page, 39. The geometry of the design and the colors of the beads caught my eyes. I love the colors and the way Beth approaches bead embroidery. Anyway, I knew how to do peyote stitch, and thought I knew brick stitch; turns out I did not know how to do brick stitch, nor did I know how to transition from the beginning instruction Beth refers to on page 34 to begin my chosen project on page 39. ALAS, several hours later; many re-do, and many unstringings, and several YouTube videos; I made a bracelet of diagonal brick stitch blocks. I had started the project with several different bead colors and sizes, trying to copy the design on p39. I learned the hard way that I should start with the same size beads in different colors when practicing and learning a new technique. This isn't the first beading book I bought. I've spent a small fortune on books, supplies and hours watching YouTube. i haven't found a book yet that doesn't completely tell the reader everything that is needed for a stress free project. This book wasn't any different. What is different about Beth's book is her absolute love of experimentation. She imparts a "freedom" that appeals to me. She showcases how stitches & different size beads can be combined. That is why I love this book. But first, I have to learn the basic stitches.

Bought this book used after having borrowed it from the library. I was happy to find a used copy that was in great condition. It was noted as only having writing on the back of the front cover. Unfortunately, 1 other page was quite a bit marked up and it wasn't noted but I'll let that go. The book has lots of great ideas with instructions for the somewhat experienced beader. Very inspirational for what I am into these days in my personal beading journey. Highly recommended.

I have a LOT of beading/jewelry books..... that said I LOVE this book. I was looking for some designs to use the tons of seed beads I've accumulated and this was just what the Dr. ordered. While simple looking the patterns create beautiful jewelry and the number of variations she provides is incredible. I've only had this book for a month and I've already made several pieces and already have several more bookmarked to start. While some people were put off by the designs that she does with bead soups, that is precisely what I was looking for and they are great. I was surprised that something as simple as two different color seed beads mixed in a twisted brick stitch could come out so elegant. The best part about all of these is that you can create clasps out of the same seed beads with no additional investment! I was so impressed that I've just ordered two additional books by her.

Introduction is kept to a minimal 6 pages which includes very helpful material on seed beads. Chapters are peyote, brick, right angle weave, tri and quad stitches, daisy chain, spiral rope stitch and Russian stitches. Each chapter has a good basic project followed by variations that would interest the more experienced beader. Also there are many suggestions for changing the project perhaps from earrings to also a bracelet and necklace. All the steps in a project are shown with color photos. Steps of procedure are clearly explained and the materials list is very similar to that in the Bead and button magazines. Projects include several quick ones like rings and earrings as well as bracelets, etc. I made her striped ring in brick stitch and found it to be great to wear even though I never thought of wearing rings before. Today I made the daisy chain set above. There are so many good ideas here . The book is so well written that it's almost like the author is sitting by telling me how to proceed. If you enjoy working with seed beads, definitely pick up this one.

I have owned this book for a couple months. I love this book and highly recommend it for the beading addicted. The text is informative and full of inspiring advice and beading tips. The projects are well-presented and contain additional ideas on variations which encourages the timid to go outside the box. I really like how simple the instructions are for some of the stitches.As one reviewer has stated, it would be nice if additional steps were pictured for some of the stitches. I have not yet tried in earnest to do the diagonal right angle weave for that reason. I will attempt it when I have a large block of child-free time. But I have successfully made several bracelets and necklaces using the brick, peyote, tri, and quad stitch techniques. These were immensely satisfying to work and complete.Because of the friendly text, good instructions and great pictures, I rate this book as excellent. It is a well-used book in my beading library.

It just arrived today, and I've looked through the whole thing. I've been beading for more than 20 years and have done lots of beadweaving, but this book has wonderful variations that are new and exciting to me. I needed a little inspiration, and this book has plenty!

I've only been beading for a year but have fallen in love in seed beads, delica's in particular. My library is full of beading books and magazines but nothing has come close to how useful this book has been for me. I've been able to step away and create several unique designs of my own using what I've learned in this book! Because she shows you several variations of the same stitch, it's helped me finally become comfortable with the various ways to create a beautiful beaded piece. I'm having a great time creating bracelets and necklaces with various stones and pearls now and while I'm sure I would have eventually worked it out, her book was my breakthrough!Well illustrated, big pictures, clear directions. Nice Job Beth! (I'm preordering your sequel today!)

Whilst I agree with the previous reviewer - this is a thoroughly useful and practical book, and enormously helpful, one small flaw preventing me going the whole 5 stars.For some obscure reason, the otherwise excellent step-by-step photographs fail to show the NEEDLE. This means that the completely inexperienced beader, or the almost inexperienced and a little challenged on how to translate a picture into actions (yes, that's me!) has a little furrowed brow thinking to do in order to try and work out which is the tail thread, and which is the working thread, in the first 2 steps of a pattern.I'm sure MOST beaders will be a little surprised that some of us less natural crafty people may find this a problem - but, believe me, this beader briefly wanted to cry!It seems a real shame, as a slightly larger picture could have clearly shown the exiting needle and things would have been IMMEDIATELY 100% clear, instead of having at times to make an initial mistake or cross check with another book to verify that first stepOtherwise, I think Stone provides both the most comprehensive variety of stitching techniques - Russian stitches, which I've not seen in any other book, as well as the basics and variations to Peyote, Herrigbone, Raw etc.Stone isn't, I think, from this book, the most exciting designer, I've certainly seen much more interesting designs using these stitches from other books and other beaders, but I guess her aim in this book is less to showcase her own designs, more to show some clear and simple basics and variations for stitches, to enable the fledgeling beader unfurl her wings and eventually fly.She's clearly a great and patient teacher - the 'bead play exercises' really help you to understand each stitch - she provides details of a small project for each stitch to help you understand it

I bought this book having shopped around for a book on bead stitching. There are nice projects but like the previous reviewer stated,it is not a book for beginners.As a beginner I was very frustrated, she didn't show pictures of how to not only use the needle but how to end add new needle or even finish your work. .I finally got the hang of the peyote stitch but it wasn't from her book, it was from You-Tube, a waste of money or what?!. I will have to read recommendations before purchasing anymore books.In summary, if you are a beginner, aviod this book at all costs!!

Having some experience of some of the basic beading stitches, I found this book to be quite inspirational as the variations shown can alter the appearance of the beading considerably. I am not a particulary creative person and usually follow patterns, but this has inspired me to try varying stitches by combining different size beads, and using stitches in a different way e.g. diagonal peyote.I would recommend this book for people who have some beading experience who want to develop their creative side.

Bought as a present

I have hardly put this book down. So many techniques to learn. Lots of great projects and suggestions. Very inspiring!