Native American Beadwork: Projects & Techniques from the Southwest

by Theresa Flores Geary

Beadwork has been steadily gaining popularity among crafters, and no area of the genre garners more interest than the intricate designs of the Apache, Comanche, and Lakota peoples of the American Southwest, who use their designs to relate legends and pass down tribal lore. Here are 15 authentic projects using such traditional stitches as the flat and circular peyote stitches, the Comanche weave, free-form feathering, and more. Each project is accompanied by a rich explanation of how the colors, shapes, and combinations of materials interact to tell a story. Abundant color photographs and illustrations guide the reader through this unique art form.

Genres: Crafts

128 pages, Paperback

First published October 28, 2003

Reviews

[Sharlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great beading book with some wonderful projects. The instructions are clear and easy to understand. There are so many beautiful designs. The book is filled with large color photographs of each project and the instructions are photographs also. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Native American bead work and who loves bright and colorful beading. A must have for serious beaders.

[Bernie4444 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Native American motif is a plus

There are some good books on techniques and materials on the shelves out there. Then there is a lot of kitsch out there that makes beading look like a second-class skill or hobby.

This book excels in making beading the first-class art. Although the Projects and techniques say they are from the Southwest, they are universal. The symbols do focus on the San Carlos Apache tribe. The finished product would be Worthing of giving as gifts or placing on the mantle:
Sonora-weave Choker
Netted Gourd
Floral Bracelet
Bone-hair-pipe Bracelet
Leather medicine gag
Triple-strand fetish necklace
Bear earrings
Comanche-weave feather
Chile Pepper
Corn-stitch earrings
Phoenix key ring
Kokopelli amulet bag
Netted basket
Flat round peyote basket
Powwow perfume bag
Navaho bead rug
Kokopelli pin
Medicine wheel

The book also contains information on Native American beadwork from the Southwest. Native American Spirituality. And a pretty good glossary.

Of course, everyone will have their favorite; mine is Netted Basket.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Native American Beadwork: Projects & Techniques from the Southwest
Geary, Theresa Flores
great ideas, beautiful directions and good instructions, i love the cultural descriptions and the wonderful depictions of the artifacts.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another craft wanting to learn, the directions are great. I am a visual learner so I might also need to go to youtube and see if there is a video to back up the written instructions.

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! I am finally able to do the weaving that so many other beaders can do!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may try one of these projects. Beautiful book. Beading is good therapy they say.