A Great Primer for Seed Beading!
Getting Started with Seed Beads by Dustin Wedekind
Seed beads are a little magical and mysterious to me. I have played with them off and on, learning basic Peyote stitch, netting, and dabbling in some bead crochet. I've never actually felt the need to buy hanks of seed beads, however, and have never felt faint at the thought of a tube of Delicas. To me, seed beads always remind me of the little wooden and plastic looms that we used to make friendship bracelets when we were little, and the thought of all dealing with all those itty bitty, teeny weenie beads sort of my eyes burn.
I think that's about to change after reading Dustin Wedekind's Getting Started with Seed Beads, though. Wedekind has put together a fantastic book for seed bead neophytes, outlining detailed works of art and fun projects that I'm sorely tempted by!
Before I get too far into the book's contents, I do have to mention how much I like the cover and format of Getting Started with Seed Beads. A nice hard bound cover, easy to use size of about 8x8 inches, and best of all, the pages lay flat when it's opened, allowing you to open to a project, lay the book on a table, and bead while you read instructions.
In the beginning, we have the requisite "how to" sections — how to buy seed beads (a little different depending on what types you are buying!); the difference between Czech and Japanese beads; different shapes, sizes, colors and finishes of beads; supplies and tools used for seed beading. In this introductory section, beaders will also find some basic techniques (how to start, how to add thread, how to end, etc.,) which are partnered with good illustrations that help guide you through the essentials. A simple Daisy Chain tutorial rounds out the introductory sections.
On to the projects!
Projects are categorized by the type of seed beading used to create the work. There are project chapters covering glue (combining threading techniques with gluing), embroidery, wiring, netting, and several basic stitches. Each project has great color photos of the finished project, a nice comprehensive materials listing, and step-by-step text instructions and illustrations.
The projects are not rated, but in reviewing them, I would say they range from very easy to intermediate. Because the instructions are so detailed, I think they are easy to follow, even for someone just starting out. I do have to say that the projects are fun, with everything from practical to whimsical!
To wrap out the book, Wedekind includes a list of resources and further reading. You can find seed beads at most local bead stores or through online suppliers such as Fire Mountain Gems and Rings N Things.
Personally, I'm most intrigued by the Herringbone spiral tube projects, and after reading the instructions, am eager to give it a try. I think just about anyone who is potentially interested in trying seed beads will find several projects in Getting Started with Seed Beads that will catch their eye. The book retails at $18.95 US, $23.95 CA.
