Native American Beadwork: Projects & Techniques from the Southwest

I came upon this gem while searching for ideas for using a packet of porcupine quills which a friend had purchased for me during his travels. I ordered the book online, based solely on a review which sounded promising. Little did I know what a treat I was in for! The photography is stunning and whets the reader's appetite for undertaking the projects. The photos of the projects in various stages of completion are very clear. There is no difficulty in counting individual beads or determining where one row ends and another begins. In addition to the photos, there are diagrams which illustrate traditional stitches, as well as project patterns. Written instructions are explicit and complete. Ms. Geary has added a beadwork glossary, again with crisp photos and easy-to-follow diagrams. This is an indispensable reference for beaders, offering information on beading topics, in general, and Native American techniques and components, in particular.In addition to the eighteen projects in the book, Ms. Geary has provided a succinctly and elegantly written introduction to the role of beading in history and particularly among Native Americans, e.g., its spiritual, cultural, and economic significance. Each project offers a brief, but very informative, introduction on the geographical and tribal origin of the piece or technique, and suggested variations, designed to spark the reader's own creativity. Within one week of receiving this book, I had completed three of the projects and designed a fourth, based upon one of the author's patterns. This is a resource I will return to over and over, both for specific information and as a springboard for my own imagination. In the meantime, I'll be looking for more of Ms. Geary's work!

The author has indeed educated this anglo on some very interesting Native American traditions. Her writing is superb and the photographs of the completed projects are divine, thanks to Nancy Palubniak, photographer. Instructions are precise and very understandable. The step by step illustrations are also comprehensive and easy to read. I have been a collector of Beading Books for 12 years and this is my favorite, so far. I highly recommend every officianado of Native American traditions and beadwork purchase this book for their collection.

I'm a beader from Tucson, AZ and have bought many books on beading throughout the years. I was very impressed by the completeness of the Beadwork Glossary that included photos in Ms. Geary's book, as well as the easy to understand directions for the different projects. Her different beading techniques make this book a must have for every beader! Can't wait for her next book! Inspired in Tucson.