|
|
|
The Book! Beadazzled: Where Beads and Inspiration Meet The gorgeous, hard-cover, full-color, 208 page books are an excellent value at $29.95 retail. ISBN 0-9778820-2-0.
For the first time this comprehensive volume gathers 70 of the top designers in the exciting field of beaded jewelry design. Drawn from 23 states, Canada and Israel, many have been creating wearable art for decades.
William L. Allen, former Editor in Chief of National Geographic, created 185 dazzling photographs especially for this book. Reproduced large and in full color, these images document the stunning diversity of the medium and the rich creativity it inspires. In the introduction Penelope Diamanti weaves the fascinating history of beads together with her own and other designers’ experiences and insights. Seven chapters organize the work by materials, cultural influences, and construction. The Gemstone chapter features magnificent jewelry made of semi-precious stone beads, while shedding light on the wealth of symbolism they convey. The bead jewelry renaissance of the 1970s produced a profusion of beaded adornment influenced by the vitality of African ornamentation. The pieces in the Africa chapter still astound us. The mystery and diversity of Asian cultures infuse this chapter with the energy of vibrant jewelry traditions of China, Tibet, Nepal, India, Thailand, and Central Asia.
Nature highlights the freshness and appeal of jewelry created with organic materials: wood, seeds, bone, horn, shells, coral, pearls, and more. Fiber and Metal explore new twists in texture and structure, demonstrating that beaded jewelry design, while drawing on tradition, is passionately alive. Contempo serves a visual feast of designs created with Contemporary American Art glass, space-age dichroic glass, and an eclectic mix of found objects.
Once prized for their ethnographic and historical interest, today beads and bead jewelry are also recognized as important art forms. This essential survey of the bead renaissance of the late 20th and early 21st Century will delight artists, designers, collectors, and historians interested in beads and/or personal adornment.
About the Book Team Photographer William L. (Bill) Allen served as the Editor in Chief of National Geographic for ten years. During his career at National Geographic as photographer, writer, and editor he covered the world for over 35 years producing hundreds of magazine articles and books on topics ranging from the discovery of the Titanic to 21st-century slavery. Under his leadership the magazine earned numerous top magazine awards. He lives in Alexandria, VA, and continues his interest in world cultures through jewelry and craftphotography. More information is available from his website: www.billallenphotography.com.
Author Penelope Diamanti, jewelry designer and owner of Beadazzled® retail stores, earned an MA in Journalism and worked at National Geographic before turning full time to her bead business. Having traveled the world as the child of a diplomat, she continued her exploration as an adult, collecting and researching beads in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. She designed jewelry for galleries and museum stores before opening her three stores in the Washington/Baltimore metro area. She lives, works, and practices Tantra Yoga in Takoma Park, MD. Art Director Constance H. Phelps brings 30 years of experience at National Geographic to this project. As Art Director & Senior Editor for National Geographic magazine, she was responsible for the look and feel of every page in the magazine, as well asdesigning over 800 stories. In addition she designed several books for their book division. She continues to design books and can be contacted at Cphelpsdesign@aol.com.
“BEADAZZLED is a celebrationof the love affair we have had with beads since the beginning of time. This book, brillantly illustrated, captures the spirit of each piece, giving readers a glimpse into the souls of the designers represented and sparking the creative
fires of those who aspire to explore their own spirit through beads. Artistry, history, and inspirition at its finest.” Beadazzled: Where Beads and Inspiration Meet is... • an inspiring and comprehensive guide to the exciting field of beaded jewelry • sure to be appreciated by bead enthusiasts everywhere! See more pictures from the book
What Else Is New At Beadazzled? Gemstones: New shipments of Indian and Hong Kong gem beads and pearls arriving weekly. Smooth gemstone pendants in assorted shapes and stones. Be sure to come in in late February and early March to see the newest arrivals from the big shows. Loose Beads: Chinese foil glass and lampworked beads offer sparkle at bargain prices. New antler beads - creamy colors, super smooth finish, made in the USA from a renewable resource. Deer and elk drop their antlers each fall. They are collected by boy scouts among others for fundraisers and skilled artists make these beautiful beads. Strands: Natural and colored wood, shell, nuts and seeds, African brass, glass, and more. Chain: Bigger is Better! We stock the latest styles of chain as seen on the runways and in magazines. Make your own designs for less. Chinese Knotted Cords for Pendants: Save labor and increase elegance—simply add a pendant to pre-knotted chockers featuring decorative Chinese knots. Available in a variety of colors and styles. Jewelry: Some designs from the book and by designers represented in the book are still available (Amy Kahn Russell, Susan Green, Mary Hicklin, etc.), plus terrific selection of fun and fashionable necklaces, bracelets of gemstones, shell, wood, and glass. For the Kids: Cute round boxes packed with color-coordinated mixes of beads provide hours of entertainment at home or on on the road.
|
