Beading For The Soul by Deborah Cannarella
A Nice Coffee Table Book
Coffee table books have pretty pictures and interesting, but fairly high level accompanying text. While Beading for the Soul is more of a coffee table book than an instructional beading book category, I would still recommend it for inspiration and interesting historical beading reading.
Beading for the Soul is broken into seven chapters. Beading for Protection, Healing, Strength, Good, Prayer, Bonding, and Remembrance.
Each chapter has an introductory section outlining the history behind the metaphysical property being addressed and very nicely presented photos of pieces that illustrate the concept in beads.
The 2-3 page intro is followed by three or four “projects” for each property. Twenty-three contemporary artists are featured throughout the book. Each “project” is complete with a short story about the piece (apparently written by the artist), materials listings, and instructions. Most of the pieces outlined in the book require intermediate to advanced techniques and skill levels.
I use the term “projects” loosely; while the authors do describe how to make the piece, detailed illustrations are sparse, and many of the pieces themselves use lampworked beads that were created by the artist. The average beader is not going to be able to replicate most of these works of art!
Each beaded work is truly an inspiration, whether it be simply by looking at the gorgeous color photos of finished products, or from reading the artist’s description of how the work came into creation. Chances are that you will feel strength in gazing at Mary Hicklin’s into Bear Necklace or will see the inherent tranquility in Isis Ray’s Pearl Peace Dove Necklace.
There is a brief section at the end of the book that outlines several beading techniques, a list of suppliers (although not detailed enough that I can figure out where to get cool “eye” sterling beads like those featured in one project or the Zuni turquoise bear fetish in another), a gallery of museum-quality works, and an index.
Beading for the Soul is really not for the average beader who is looking for simple project ideas. However, for an advanced beader, it can serve as great inspiration if you are interested in taking your beading to metaphysical levels. Beading for the Soul is a great book to sift through and relish.
– L. Kvigne
