Stitchboard Admin message #1
“Diane Fitzgerald’s Shaped Beadwork” by Diane Fitzgerald
February 7, 2010 at 9:38:25 PM
 


This book has wonderful instructions for creating geometric pieces with peyote stitch.

The book starts out with basic flat peyote shapes: triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, elongated triangle, oval, diamond and rectangle.  It then moves on to discuss open shapes: triangle, elongated triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, oval, teardrop, pointed oval and diamond.  These items alone inspire quite a repertoire, and that�s just the beginning.

Next, the book gets into three-dimensional shapes.  Want to create a 3D cube?  It�s here.  There�s a lovely �dodeca bead� that really shows what can be done with these techniques, and a �deca bead� that looks a lot like a UFO.

After that, you�ll find various patterns for ethnic pieces, art deco pieces and contemporary pieces.  There are many innovative designs to explore and enjoy.  I particularly like the pyramid and lantern beads, the Celtic trefoil and the pointed oval links.  The miniature purses are interesting and I especially like the star locket.

This book, like many other excellent ones, provides not only patterns, but also gives inspiration and information to invent your own pieces.  As someone who rarely wants to make things exactly as pictured in a book or magazine, I can appreciate the flexibility that is generously offered in this book, where I can use the lessons within to create my own unique projects.

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