Robin Atkins

Love. Love. Love.

Okay, yes, I wouldn't ordinarily count bead books, but this isn't exactly an ordinary bead book. Most bead books may have at most an introduction, but then quickly give way to project instructions. This is definitely not one of those books.

There are no step-by-step instructions, unless you count "Pick a bead you love and sew it somewhere to the fabric." Because that pretty much sums up the instructions. So why do I love this little book so much?

Mostly this book is about the creative process itself. How to take care of it -- to not be overwhelmed by that critical voice, to keep moving when you feel "stuck," to find and nurture inspiration. How it takes care of us -- by focusing on a relationship or an issue as we work, we may find our brains have "miraculously" come to new insights, understanding, or peace as we create.

But it's not all mystical -- there are very practical tips contained within as well. I did exaggerate quite a bit in the beginning -- at the end there are step-by-step instructions for commonly used stitches for beading. There's also discussion of what fabrics or bases to use for beading, how to incorporate objects that are not beads, some basic tips for setting up and finishing projects.

There's also a lot of inspiration -- photographs of Atkins' projects that make clear there are many more applications for bead embroidery than just jewelry, purses, or fabric in a frame.

In short, it seems this book is just what I was looking for. I would say I don't know why I waited so long to buy it, but then, it probably wouldn't have been so perfect had I read it much earlier. The timing was nearly perfect as well.

I would recommend to anyone interested in creativity, especially those interested in any sort of bead or fiber arts, not limited to just those considering bead embroidery.… (mer)