Art of Beadwork Historic Inspiration Contempory Design

Written by renowned jewelry designer Valerie Hector, this book introduces readers to the quality, diversity, and artistry of beadwork from around the world, from ancient to modern. Rather than providing instructions for simply copying designs, this book teaches beaders to translate one or more of a piece's characteristics—color, design, technique, and dimensionality—into innovative contemporary jewelry designs. This book guides readers through 24 exquisite projects—necklaces, earrings, pendants, pins, bracelets, hair ornaments, and bags—inspired by museum-quality beadworks from cultures in four geographic regions: Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

The quality, diversity, and artistry of beadwork from around the world from a renowned jewelry designer.

Valerie Hector is a brand name for high-quality beaded jewelry and is thought by many in the field to have invented the fine craft category of beadwork jewelry. She lives in Evanston, IL. Lois Sherr Dubin is an internationally recognized authority on beads and beadwork, and also the author of The History of Beads (0-8109-8178-5).