Dimensional Bead Embroidery: A Reference Guide to Techniques by Jamie Cloud Eakin

Dimensional Bead Embroidery: A Reference Guide to Techniques Reviews

• 
  Shala Kerrigan

  Dimensional Bead Embroidery is one of those books you absolutely should get if you have any interest in learning bead embroidery, or building on existing skills.
  
  The first chapter covers tools and supplies and explains about backing materials. Each of the projects are done on a foundation which is backed with another fabric after it's embroidered to cover the stitches.
  
  The second chapter gets into techniques, and starts from the very basics. It doesn't assume you know anything about bead embroidery which makes it a good book to learn from if you're a beginner. It talks about how to tie secure knots, finding and marking the center of the foundation you will be beading on.
  
  Then you learn how to plan a design working around a focal element like a cabochon and more detail on choosing the right backing material for your project, as well as tips for strengthening it if necessary. This chapter also has an overview of edging and finishing techniques.
  
  Using components give tips on how to use irregular components that don't have flat backs, have holes you want to cover and when you should glue a component down to the backing material.
  
  Then it gets into the stitches. If you overview the first few chapters and it's all things you're fairly confident about, this is where it gets exciting.
  If you're a beginner to bead embroidery, this chapter covers how to do the 3 basic embroidery stitches, back stitch, couched stitch and lazy stitch, as well as variations like stacks stitch, loop stitch, picot stitch and other very textured stitches.
  
  Bezel stitches is where it starts getting very exciting for people who've done bead embroidery before. The author has a bunch of different bezels that are ornamental and functional.
  
  There is also a chapter on edge treatment and one on attaching pieces of bead embroidery to create something like a big, bold necklace.
  
  The projects range from things that could be done an in evening to very big projects that will take a few days. Because there is so much information in the first 8 chapters, you can easily modify any of these projects to suit your own component or style. My favorite projects are the Traditions in Lavender Brooch which could also be the basis for a beautiful barrette and the asymmetrical Midnight Waterfall Necklace.
  
  I'm really impressed with the clear photography, comprehensive diagrams and very clear text. The projects are gorgeous, and will garner many compliments.
• 
  Ifurita

  It's hard to find enough good things to say about this book! The sheer number of techniques in it as amazing, as is the level of detail and precise instruction. The book teems with gorgeous inspirational photos, but never skimps on what you need to know to make similar pieces. The breadth of the author's creativity is astonishing, and she presents it all in a way that is very clear and accessible. I love beading books that present you with solid basic information rather than a few "getting started" pages and a lot of projects, and no one delivers that like Jamie Cloud Eakin! This book will be with you every step of the way, from the initial "slobbering over the beautiful pictures and dreaming" phase to planning and executing your jewelry. As soon as you open this book you will want to grab some beads and a needle and get to work!
• 
  Charity

  On my wishlist, if any of you are interested. I'm holding it hostage from the library at the moment.
  
  The pieces in this book are art, pure and simple. I am itching to open my stash up and get designing again. This is a wonderful book for learning techniques, for seeing them clearly illustrated, and for having tons of beautiful fodder for the creative mind.
• 
  Lori Anderson

  An essential book for anyone intetested in seed beading.
• 
  Carol Surges

  This is a great reference book for beaders who are beyond beginners and ready to branch into their own designs. The book is full of well-written instructions with plenty of clear illustrations. The introductory sections cover basic techniques, how to design and components open the book. Then surface stitches, edge treatments, bezeling and stitches for attaching parts and pieces are shown. The book goes on to apply the techniques with instructions for nine projects that range from earrings to a purse, many with an evocative name like "Midnight Waterfall Necklace". A gallery completes the volume and provides plenty of inspiration. This will be a title to return to over and over again.