Beadwork is not always about jewelry.  The decorative art form can be applied to attire and accessories as well. If you love to bead and have a large collection of beads, then making beaded bags might just be the kind of projects to keep you occupied and happy!


Beadwork Creates Beaded Bags is a book I received recently for review.  The publisher is Interweave/F+W.  It's not a newly published book but one which celebrates timeless beaded bag designs.  The 30 featured bags ranged in size from small amulets to reticules (wrist bags), evening clutches and even a market bag.  One amusing design was a beaded tooth handbag!

The techniques also varied. They included bead embroidery, bead weaving, loom weaving, bead crochet and knitting.


I am not aware of why the book is so narrow but one thing is certain, this is one book which can fit into a Christmas stocking! The projects and techniques section do include some diagrams but most of the instructions are in words. Some projects are easy enough for beginners to follow but others do need experience.

A number of the designs were inspired by beaded bags from the 1920's - this era was the heyday for all things beaded in fashion and accessories. The Art Deco evening bag by Robyn Lakeman below is an elegant example.  This is a loom beaded project.


The Barbara drawstring bag below is a bead crochet design by Sheilah Cleary. She was inspired by an antique bag found in Southern California.


Some of my favorite projects from the book were the easiest to do.  The Don't Bug Me bag by Pat Mayer is inspirational. She used a printed tapestry weight fabric and surface embellished the design with beads!

Peyote fans will love this gorgeous Metamorphosis evening clutch by Judi Wood.


There were also a number of Native American inspired amulet designs. The Southern Plains Strike-a-Light Pouch design by David Dean is shown below.  Such pouches were used by Native women to carry the tools - including fire making ones - she needed for her daily chores.


Emese's Bag by Robin Atkins is a richly bead embroidered one. It is a small one designed to carry coins, jewelry, maybe credit cards etc.  Useful for when you need to travel light!
The Off to Market bag by Jamie Hogsett  is a stunning knitted creation using cotton and ribbon yarns teamed with resin beads. This was the largest bag in the book at 9.5 " x 15 ", not counting the handles.


 The book showcases the work of some highly creative artists.  It is an inspirational book especially for those who love both beads AND bags.  One cannot have too many bags.

 Giveaway

If you'd like to win a copy of Beadwork Creates Beaded Bags please make a comment below. Make sure you leave contact info below if you do not have an online shop or blog.

Email subscribers need to scroll down the post they receive, click on Share Comment and enter your comment. Pick Name/URL. If you don't have a store or blog, leave the URL blank.

This giveaway is international.
If the winner has a non-post box US address, the prize will be a physical book.  Otherwise it will be an eBook.

Extra entries if you become or are a blog subscriber or follower etc. If you also do shout outs about this giveaway, those will count as additional entries too! Please say so in the comments.

It ends in a week's time at 6 pm EST Thursday, November 26, 2015 . I will pick the winner randomly and announce the results as soon as possible after. So be sure to leave a contact email if you don't have an online link or make sure you come back and check! Otherwise I will redraw in a week. Good luck!

Disclosure
I receive books and products for review.  I do receive a small fee for any products purchased through affiliate links.   The opinions expressed are solely my own.  They would be the same whether or not I receive any compensation.

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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
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