Overview

eadwork, an inside look at the importance of beads in this South African culture, and the many beading techniques-some of which have never been published until now-used by Zulu women to create adornment. The author shares several dozen unique beading techniques garnered from years of visiting South Africa and countless hours spent examining-and dissecting-Zulu beadwork. Next move into projects inspired by the author's visits to Africa, including netted diamond earrings, a netted triangle and swag bracelet, zigzag chain, and a Zulu wedding necklace. Techniques include netting, wrapping, fringing, braiding, and weaving. Projects are illustrated with easy-to-follow diagrams and supplemented with helpful hints. Readers will find gorgeous photographs of original Zulu beadwork juxtaposed with the author's interpretation of the design and techniques. Part how-to, part history, part travelogue, Zulu Inspired Beadwork is a beading journey in a book.

Full Product Details

9781596680340

Table of Contents

Reviews

The book begins with an introduction to Zulus and their beadwork. Diane describes the techniques and the uses of the beadwork. She also writes about traditional and contemporary beadwork and how their craft is being taken forward. This provides an interesting insight into Zulu beadwork. The next part of the book comprises patterns inspired by her visits to Africa and the time spent with the Zulu people. Diane's designs follow the techniques of the original pieces but with her interpretation. Each pattern includes a photograph of both the original work and the contemporary piece. The patterns, as ever with Diane, have clear instructions, diagrams and useful hints and tips. I would like to say that I have favourites but I quite like them all. The final part of the book covers basics such as tools, threads, needles, etc. and techniques which is very useful if like me the brain shuts down from time to time. Altogether a very colourful book to add to a bookshelf.-Bead Society of Great Britain

Author Information

Diane Fitzgerald is an internationally known bead artist, writer, and teacher whose like is enriched with the pursuit and enjoyment of tiny, but enchanting glass beads. Beadwork has brought her a wealth of friends, enticed her to travel to far corners of the world, and stimulated her creativity, to say nothing of providing her livelihood. I've tried other forms of fibre art such as quilting and needlework, but none has brought me the satisfaction and pleasure of beads. There would be a gaping hole in my life without them. Fitzgerald is the author of five other books: 'Beads and Threads: A New Technique for Fibre Jewellery', written with Helen Banes, 'Counted and Charted Patterns for Flat Peyote Stitch', 'Sea Anemone Beadwork', 'Zulu Beaded Chain Techniques', and 'More Zulu Beadwork'. She is continually creating new designs for beadwork jewelry that she uses for teaching at her shop, Beautiful Beads, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and at other bead stores, conferences, and trade shows accross the country.

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