Bead Romantique: Elegant Beadweaving Designs

by Lisa Kan

Inspired by art history, this step-by-step guidebook features 17 designs influenced by the Gothic, Renaissance, Victorian, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco eras reinterpreted in the artist's distinctive, contemporary style. Emphasizing a mix of vintage findings, beads, lamp work, buttons, and modern components, this jewelry brings a feminine mystique and sophistication to ordinary beadwork. Each project builds on simple elements to create sophisticated designs and incorporate off-loom seed bead weaving, stringing, and wirework. Projects include a scalloped chain necklace, pearl Ndebele earrings and bracelet set, mesh pearl bracelets, bohemian drop earrings, a Victorian diamond cuff, and more. Novice beaders will increase their skills and beading confidence while progressing through projects while advanced beaders will find exciting new challenges. This guide includes expert design and technique tips and tricks, detailed instructions and illustrations for every project, information on finding special classical beads, and ways to make modern components look vintage. Beaders will delight in the variety of methods to create elegant, feminine, and romantic heirloom-quality jewelry.

Genres: Nonfiction, Beading, Crafts

144 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2008

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bead Romantique by Lisa Kan is 140 pages of pure inspiration. The time, energy and pure love that she put into each project is striking when you flip through the book. She really has an eye for detail. I highly suggest that you pick up a copy of this book as it is a must have for beading enthusiasts!

[Katy Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I made one of the designs. Lisa's clear, careful instructions combined with illustrations and photos made the work going smoothly.

[Pamela Puskarich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Breathtaking bead weaving designs; quite a few I’d actually make and wear. A few simplest, quite a few more difficult but appear doable.

[Christy McGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational and aspirational. Maybe someday... There are quite a few pieces that I would be happy to give as gifts.

[Picky Virgo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote the following review in July 2009.
I'm not even sure why I ordered "Bead Romantique". I'm not a fan of fussy, crystal-laden designs, which appeared to be the theme for this volume. And recalling other designs by Lisa Kan that I've seen just reinforced that opinion. But I'm glad I took the plunge. While there are several projects that don't appeal to me as they're presented, every single piece can be adapted to suit a wider range of tastes by applying a little creativity.

Each project is beautifully photographed and described in meticulous detail. The instructions are clear and complete.

I've been beadweaving for less than a year, but my first examination of "Bead Romantique" doesn't show me anything that's beyond my capabilities. If I have to learn a new stitch or two, that's a plus. I definitely recommend this book!

[Kimberly]

Just one thing in here I want to make: the Ndebele Twist Band with Flower Center. It's purply and pretty.