Off the Beadin' Path: Discovering Your Own Creative Trail of Bead Embellishment

Illustrated step-by-step instructions to guide you through new and innovative fabric beading processes. Also included are numerous exercises to expand your creative horizons. The second edition, published October 1999, includes color photos and two new techniques in the appendix. This book will be your constant reference as you release your creative potential and explore with beads and fabric. A welcome addition to any beadworker's, quilter's or needleworker's library!

For as long I can remember, I have been enticed by anything created by hand and in awe of the inventiveness of it's creator. My heritage includes several ancestors who were compulsive creators, inventing and creating for the sheer pleasure of working with their hands. After experimenting with numerous needle arts over a twenty year period, I am most stimulated by beads. I am lured to the color and texture of beads, but even more by the infinite creative possibilities beads provide. I tend to create large labor intense pieces, 100+ hours, experimenting with numerous intuitive and inventive beading processes. Most often my art is expressive. I create beadwork not for mere decorative purposes, but use beads as my voice to reflect my views of self and society. My paramount goal is to continually challenge myself to grow as a beadwork artist, and be an effective and inspiring beadwork teacher. A secondary goal is to exhibit my art in textile and beadwork shows, sharing with others the art of beadwork. My beadwork has been features in numerous national juried shows including The Beaded Object, Beadworks, and Bead Dreams Future Visions. As a dynamic workshop instructor, I stress both exploring beading techniques and the development of the individual's creative process. I have developed over 100 hours of beadwork workshop curriculum. My greatest joy is witnessing my students' creativity unfold. At the close of my workshops, students frequently asked for the name of a book to support one's quest to free his/her creativity and provide instructions for new beading techniques. As that book did not exist, I was determined to create such a book. Hence my book, OFF THE BEADIN' PATH: Discovering Your Own Creative Trail of Bead Embellishment. In addition to being a workshop instructor, lecturer, and author, beads have led me to serve as exhibit advisor, researcher of antique beaded bags, and grant recipient.