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Book Review and Giveaway : Bead Stitching Handbook


What do you do when you have forgotten how to make a particular beadweaving stitch? I am not a beginner but my memory certainly needs refreshing now and then.  I usually have to either hunt through books or on the internet.

Wouldn't it be useful to have a handbook to refer to?  Just one source to consult should one be stuck.

Turns out there is such a handy guide.  Kalmbach recently sent me Bead Stitching Handbook for review. It is suitable for both novices and more experienced beaders.

Click image to view larger one
The book is divided into 3 main categories. The first section covers the essentials.  Some useful charts include the seed bead finishes one. See how the semi matte metallic beads defer from the straight metallic ones?

Another chart which I found useful was a simple list of Swarovski crystal sizes. For example, SS19 refers to crystal sizes of 4.4 - 4.6 mm.

I also appreciated the section of needle sizes for particular seed beads. The easiest way to remember is to relate the needle size number to the bead size. So a #10 needle is best suited for 6/0-11/0 seed beads. The number 10 is between that range of seed bead sizes. Neat.

The book also covered the basic tools although they did not include anything about looms. Probably because there are so many on the market and everyone has their own preference and needs.


The middle section of the book covers the basics for 16 stitches plus a section on combinations. A pretty comprehensive approach to all of them especially the ever popular peyote stitch.  Everything from how to do even and odd count, tubular vs circular peyote, shaping and zipping, peyote clasp, diagonal and spiral peyote and 4 bezel shapes for rivolis (round, square, navette (marquise shape),triangular).

Did you know the Cellini spiral (a tubular peyote variation) was developed by Virginia Blakelock and Carol Perrenoud?  I didn't!




The final section of the book is made up of 20 creative projects by different designers. The projects are each based on a particular stitch. Shown below is a selection of my favorites.

Click image to see larger one



This handy reference book is highly recommended for all beaders. A very useful addition to any beader's library, one which you will use time and time again.

Giveaway 

If you'd like to win this giveaway for a copy of Bead Stitching Handbook, 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 for US and Canada only.

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. (The exception is Facebook - just like/comment on the giveaway status there!!)

It ends in a week's time at 6 pm EST Monday, March 11, 2019. 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!

Before You Go:

Disclosure
This blog may contain affiliate links. I do receive a small fee for any products purchased through affiliate links. This goes towards the support of this blog and to provide resource information to readers. The opinions expressed are solely my own. They would be the same whether or not I receive any compensation.
 ______________________________
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Wire JewelryTips  -Jewelry Business Tips 

66 comments:

  1. Wow! I’d love to win this book! Like an encyclopedia for reference.

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  2. Just like everyone else, when you haven't done a particular stitch in a while, it takes some help to get the brain cells firing correctly. A reference guide is really useful no matter how many years you have been beading. And when you reach that "certain" age, it's no longer useful, but essential. Please enter me in the giveaway.

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  3. Hi, This looks like an awesome book for reference. I am an experienced beader, but don't do the same stitch consistently enough to remember each. Would love to have a resource to get started again when I am not in the company of experienced beaders. Faithful blog and Facebook fan who would love to win this. Thanks so much for the giveaway and good blog areticles. tigers628@hotmail.com

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  4. Oh what a wonderful resource! Love to have it in my collection!

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  5. Hi Pearl. Bead stitching is my favorite beading medium and I could so use a book that clearly explains the basics. Thanks for another great giveaway. I enjoy your daily blog. rochelleth@hvc.rr.com

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  6. Oh wow! This is like a beading dictionary. The ‘go-to’ of beading...so useful. Even though I’ve been beading for two years, there are several stitches I have yet to use. And I keep debating on whether or not to try bead embroidery. This would give me the proverbial kick to start exploring it more seriously. Thank you for setting this up, and giving us the opportunity, Pearl.

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  7. Enjoyed reading your review
    I would like to win this book.
    Have a wonderful week.

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  8. Hmmmm - I wonder? Maybe I'm about to break into beading - or I'm on the edge. Either way I have no idea about different stitches and what needles correspond or even what size of thread!

    In my new addiction I've had to do research on everything and it's all over the place. Having all that information in one handy spot would be invaluable - doesn't matter if you're a newbie or not I think.

    A gal can't have too many books on jewelry. Just sayin.

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  9. brilliant idea. This book would save a lot of searching for a technique. blog follower at auravisionrose@peoplepc.com
    ty for this chance

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  10. This looks like an awesome book! All those different beads and stitches still confuse me, I think this one is a must have.

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  11. the layout looks great, i'd love to have a copy

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  12. I started dealing a few years ago. Recenti statred to bazel faceted stoves with beads... I love how they are done in this magazine... I would love a copy...thanks so much klshear13@aol.com
    Tha

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  13. Thank you for all the great ideas you share everyday. I would love to win this book! The pages you posted are filled with helpful information. The graphics are fantastic and so easy to follow. My email is: mlodom (at) nova (dot) edu. Thanks again

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  14. I discovered your group through an fabulous beader called Bee Jang. Her work is amazing & has inspired me so much. As an amateur I struggle with many beading techniques so a book like this would be invaluable.

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  15. I would love to win this book as it has a lot of information in it about different ways of beading. My website is https://lisuweddingandhandmadejewellery.co.uk

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  16. This book looks AMAZING! I would love to learn the various bead stitches, and that Russian eyelet pattern is gorgeous. I've already added to to my wish list at Amazon, LOL.

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  17. As I get older, it would be wonderful to have a bead stitching handbook at my finger tips instead of pulling out the stash of beading books. What a great giveaway!

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  18. This looks like a great book!

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  19. I enjoy bead weaving but I don't do it enough to remember all the stitches. This book would be very helpful to me! maryredman144@gmail.com

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  20. I would love to own this book - one just cannot have too many!

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  21. I’m a new beader and would love to win this to help me learn the different beading techniques!

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  22. looks like this would be a great reference book and bonus of some beautiful patterns.
    a.p.brad@rogers.com

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  23. This would be very useful. Would love to own it.
    dcburrow@roadrunner.com

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  24. This looks like a wonderful book, so informative in many ways. I have memory issues due to my immune disorder, so this would be of great help to me. ioliteblue@cox.net

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  25. Looks like the perfect addition to my growing addiction!

    Lorie Crisp
    loriecrisp@yahoo.ca

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  26. Would love to have this!
    Catherine.brockman25@gmail.com

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  27. Looks like a great book. Techniques and projects, fantastic. I would love to win it.
    ekennedy0906@gmail.com

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  28. Oh my goodness. This is the best beading book I have ever seen. I know I would put this information to good use. I know whom ever wins will too! Great discovery Pearl!

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  29. What a pretty book. I could really use it, I need new ideas for bracelets. via FB

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  30. Oh! Having all this tips in one book would be great. Of course I would love to have one copy. My e-mail is larissanewton@gmail.com via FB

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  31. Paulette Savoie MenschMarch 4, 2019 at 7:34 PM

    Looks like the perfect beading dictionary. I would love to have this book. 🙏 via FB

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  32. Easier to use a handbook than having to to pull out multiple books from my stash of about 15 bead books. Saves so much time. Great giveaway! via FB

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  33. I am a novice and have gone to youtube to figure out some of the stitches. It would be nice if I could not hit pause all the time and just look down at the book. I sure could use this book to help make me a better beader.

    lorimahan71@gmail.com
    fan and follower

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  34. I would love this book. I usually go to the internet for a refresher, it would be handy to have something in my library.

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  35. This would be an excellent referral for all of the stitches. Many I have tried. Some I have not. I would. cozyhomemgmt@gmail.com

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  36. I saw this book at a bead store in FL. I would love to have a copy of this. Thank you for your consideration! ;-)
    ccnfowler@gmail.com

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  37. Thank you for hosting another giveaway. Although the book looks very helpful,I'm disappointed that the origins of each stitch are not mentioned. Cheers, Debra
    msd.katz@hotmail.com
    blog follower, Facebook follower

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    Replies
    1. The original inventors of most older stitches are lost in time. Many beadwork stitches are found all over the world. Also bear in mind, techniques may have started in one place but is popularized and perfected in others.

      The book does credit herringbone stitch also known as Ndeble to the South African tribe which developed it.

      Although we associate peyote or gourd stitch to Native American beadwork, this stitch is and was used by many cultures around the world. Artifacts from Ancient Egypt show this stitch. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peyote_stitch

      Brick stitch (Cheyenne or Commanche stitch), a relative of peyote, is another one that is strongly associated with Native American beadwork, but it is also used in South America, Africa and the Middle East. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brick_stitch

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    2. Also check out this excellent article on beadwork origins : https://www.interweave.com/article/beading/beadwork-origins-native-american-beadwork/

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  38. I need this book! ladystormcloud1999@gmail.com

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  39. I am a beginner beader and would love a book to show all the different patterns I can make. Retirement is fast approaching and I am lining up the craft making. ironmountain34@gmail.com

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  40. What a fantastic resource to have in a home library! I love the photo representation for bead finishes as well because I still have so much to learn! Thank you for the opportunity to win this fabulous reference book!
    Katrina Peebles
    katrina@katrinapeebles.com
    A Facebook follower and blog subscriber 💕

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  41. I have been beading for years and I learned from classes with people who have since published. Yet this book, Bead Stitching Handbook, still looks to contain techniques that will help me be a better beader!

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  42. Would feel so blessed to receive all this amazing instructions and patterns... I am not a seed bearer but have always wanted to learn so ty all for this opportunity ... Jacqueline Marchant ... jackiemarchant
    @yahoo.com

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  43. This book looks fantastic! I am just starting beading and would learn so much from this! Thanks for making the info available and giving away a book. I'd love to win it!!!!
    Notruth@hotmail.com

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  44. Oooh, bead stuff! Looks like a good book

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  45. Hi! Ok, I admit I am a full blown bead addict! What a clever idea to come up with this book! I thought I would remember how to make my favorite patterns forever, but not always the case! Your book would be very appreciated by anyone who is into beading! Thank you for opportunity you are offering us!
    zazahome1@aol.com

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  46. There are some stitches in this book that I haven't tried. Would love to have a copy.
    Thanks for a great blog!

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  47. I would love to have this book! There is always so much to learn about beading. This appears to be so comprehensive.

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  48. What a beautiful book! I haven't been able to bead for over 5 years and I've missed it. This book would help jog my memory and spur me onto new pieces. Oh joy!

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  49. This book has all the techniques that beader needs to know. I love the variation it displays when one uses different types of beads. I can't wait to have this great book!

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  50. This book has all the techniques that beader needs to know. I love the variation it displays when one uses different types of beads. I can't wait to have this great book!

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  51. What an awesome book I would love to win it thanks for the chance to win!
    sally0630@yahoo.com

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  52. Im an email subscriber
    sally0630@yahoo.com
    pinterest.com/sally0630

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  53. I shared on Twitter
    https://twitter.com/sally06301/status/1103892430821122049

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  54. I have got to check this book out! Thanks for the review! Sharing on www.beadrunway.com/kumihimoblog

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  55. I would love to when this book. I'm learning bead weaving and this handbook would be great as a reference.

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  56. I a relative beginner to beadweaving. I have loomed a few bracelets, and have also learned peyote stitch and use it to bezel some of my polymer clay cabs. The beading enhances the polymer clay pieces to another level. Wow! I would love to have this book, as I want to continue learning about beadweaving.
    Suelgo@optonline.net

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  57. The more 'how to..' books, the better.

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  58. I would love to win this treasure trove of information.qboyce614@gmail.com

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  59. That is awesome and I sure would love to win it

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  60. What a fabulous give away. I would love to win!!! lcnantt@aol.com

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  61. I would love a chance to win this wonderful book.

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  62. I never win anything but this would be a wonderful addition to my pattern books since I just started as a beader.. I could learn something new at my age ,70 lol. thank you for the chance
    Carol Gallett, kajunbell@hotmail.com.Abbeville, LA. 337-251-2629

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  63. This is like a beading Bible of every stitch! I would be so lucky to wib this book. Louisa

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