Introducing: Ancient Worlds Modern Beads

The time has finally come to reveal the secret project that I’ve been working on for the past two years. There have been many bead teasers along the way, and I’ve dropped a few hints about the purpose behind the exciting designs that have passed through my workspace. At last I can say that it’s all been for the production of my first beading book: Ancient Worlds, Modern Beads.

I am very excited to present this collection of projects, all inspired by Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. Some of my all-time favorite designs are included with step-by-step instructions, along with oft-requested tutorials that will finally be available in full detail. There are lots of collars, bracelets, necklaces and rings to make using seed beads, glass, and natural beads. I’ve also bent my metal rules just a bit to include 4 earring projects that coordinate with many of the other pieces in the book. It was a tough decision to make, but ultimately I wanted to create the best selection of projects possible - and there were just too many great earring inspirations to pass up!

There are 30 projects in all – ten from each civilization. The projects are inspired by the culture, mythology, art and jewelry of the time. Many pieces recreate the look of actual ancient artifacts, while others capture an essence of each region and its legacy. The Egyptian projects were some of my favorites to create, of course. Greece and Rome offer up some pretty amazing inspirations of their own, and I can't wait to share them! It was incredibly fun to design each piece, and I hope that readers will love to recreate them as well. The book also includes some gorgeous handmade backgrounds, with textiles by Elaine Partington and glass by Matthew Durran.

Amarna Earring Project Inspired by Ancient Egyptian Relics

Ancient Worlds, Modern Beads will be published later this year by Barron's Educational Series. It is available now for pre-order from Indigo and Amazon.The official cover has not yet been revealed, and there are plenty of details still to come. I’m planning to release a full preview of all of the projects for you closer to release time. Meanwhile, I want to thank the creative team at Quarto for helping get this book off the ground, and for all of their hard work on bringing it together.

Juno Pendant Project Inspired by Roman Medallion Jewelry

I also want to extend some very special thanks to every Inspirational Beading reader for your patience and support during these two hectic years. Being able to share my projects with you – if only as teasers – and reading your wonderful comments kept me going whenever I felt I couldn’t bead another stitch. Thank you for joining me here every week, and here’s to many more creative journeys!

Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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Book Review: Creative Beaded Jewelry

For all of the millions of bead styles available around the world today, there are a million and one ways to combine them into gorgeous jewelry. Finding just the right method to display a gorgeous focal or set of lampwork beads can be a challenge, and it helps to start with a theme to focus on that will showcase the qualities that you love about your chosen materials.

In Creative Beaded Jewelry,the talented beader Carolyn Schulz uses inspirations from Asian art and design to capture the essence of great beads. With themes from China, Japan, India and Tibet, some of the best bead qualities are highlighted in easy to make designs. Color, texture and pattern are combined with favorite stringing techniques that every bead lover will want to try.

Each chapter in the book highlights a different stringing material, with a basic overview of how to use it in jewelry design. Quick and delightful projects for necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings follow, with bead combinations inspired by traditional and modern aesthetics from the East. Beginners and experienced beaders will love the new and improved takes on using elastic cord, memory wire, stringing wire, knotted cords, and chain. Every project provides inspiration notes, a full materials list, and step by step instructions with helpful diagrams. Many of the projects are deceptively simple, and are perfect for instant gratification beading!

Carolyn has captured some truly gorgeous inspirations in the 33 projects, which include plenty of jade, pearls, and floral patterns. If you love the look of Asian art, or just need a great resource for busting your bead stash, Creative Beaded Jewelry will not disappoint.

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading
Carolyn Schulz and Tuttle Publishing
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Actions you take from this page can result in a commission for Inspirational Beading. I would like to thank Tuttle Publishing for giving me the chance to enjoy Creative Beaded Jewelry. Inspirational Beading has not received paid compensation for including the book in this blog post. I have shared my honest opinions about this book.

Beads: An Exploration of Bead Traditions Around the World

Over the past decade or so, I’ve read dozens - possibly hundreds - of books about beads, jewelry, and bead crafts. Some are better than others, and many have made their way into my list of personal favorites. Titles like Mastering Beadworkand The Beader’s Color Palette come to mind. The more information contained within the pages, the more precious a book is to new and experienced beaders alike.

Although technique and inspiration books are invaluable, I particularly enjoy titles that increase my knowledge of the materials we use in our work. For anyone that enjoys learning about the history of beads, and the origins of our favorite bead materials, I have good news. I have found the perfect bead book.

Beads: An Exploration on Bead Traditions Around the Worldis quite possibly the best encyclopedia of beads ever written. Janet Coles and Robert Budwid provide a wealth of information that is not only easy to digest, but a pleasure to read. The book is also filled with hundreds of color photographs of beads, artists, antique and modern jewelry, and indigenous peoples from around the world, dressed in traditional beadwork that is sure to inspire.

Beads is divided into five chapters, each representing a different area of the globe: Europe and the Middle East, Africa, The Indian Subcontinent, The East and Oceania, and The Americas. With exquisite detail, the authors highlight some of the characteristic and traditional beads and jewelry materials from each area, such as glass and jet from Europe, or jade and Thai silver from Asia.

Readers will be delighted to learn about both ancient and modern bead making techniques, and which styles and materials have been passed down from early civilizations. Janet and Robert don’t skimp on the details, or gloss over the grittier facts of bead making, such as the perils of mining Afghani lapis from land-mine territory. Beadweavers will really enjoy the section on how Japanese seed beads are created, from start to finish. Every bead lover or collector will enjoy the bead maps that introduce each continent, and highlights some of the signature beads from the region.

Each chapter includes necklace projects - plus earrings, a belt, and a square-stitch Delica bracelet tutorial - using beads and jewelry styles from each region. The projects are inspired by genuine jewelry from exotic locations, many of them vintage or ancient pieces that were borrowed from private collections for the book. The instructions include a full materials list, and tips for finding or replicating the beads used, plus step-by-step directions and diagrams.

If you adore beads, or just want to learn a lot more about your favorites, you will love curling up with a copy of Beads: An Exploration on Bead Traditions Around the World.

Copyright 2013 Inspirational Beading
Janet Coles, Robert Budwid and Simon & Schuster
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World Beaders: Australia

Grab your guide books, beaders! Today we’re going on a trip to Australia. Home of the Bead Society of Victoria, and the world’s number one source for opals, Australia is filled with unique inspirations of all kinds. From the diverse and exclusive wildlife, to gorgeous traditional artwork, it is a feast for the eyes!

The continent of Australia was settled by European colonists in the late 18th century, before which indigenous peoples flourished, with as many as 300 separate nations with their own unique languages. Aboriginal art is among the most long-lived forms of art in the world, with Papunya Tula dot painting being one of the most recognizable styles.

Happy beading, Australia!

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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World Beaders: Israel

Today I want to extend a warm welcome to Inspirational Beading readers from Israel - home to some of the world’s most talented and innovative jewelry designers. Chances are good that you’ve seen the work of artists like Shay Aaron, Yoav Kotik, Lital Mendel, Orly Zeelon, and Sigal Buzaglo, who’s book Creative Beaded Jewelry is a personal favorite.

Israel is also a source of one of the beading world’s greatest treasures - ancient Roman glass. The very limited and incredibly beautiful nature of beads and components made from these relics makes them more valuable than gold for some!

Happy beading, Israel!

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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World Beaders: Spain

Today were are going on a journey to lovely and historic Spain. Like many countries in the region, Spain has deep connections with beads, including the bead trade that spanned hundreds of years and across the globe. A very warm welcome to Inspirational Beading’s visitors from Spain!

Happy beading, Spain!

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