Zulu Inspired Beadwork

Description

In the last decade there has been a growing worldwide interest in South African beadwork. In this book devoted to the beading techniques used by Zulu women, bead master Diane Fitzgerald shares her expertise on Zulu beadwork with 25 stunning projects, celebrating the culture of this indigenous population.Begin with an introduction to Zulus and their beadwork, an inside look at the importance of beads in this South African culture, and the many beading techniques used by Zulu women to create adornment. The author shares several dozen unique beading techniques garnered from years of visiting South Africa and countless hours spent examining Zulu beadwork.Next move into projects inspired by the author's visits to Africa, including netted diamond earrings, a netted triangle and swag bracelet, zigzag chain, and a Zulu wedding necklaceklace.The techniques include netting, wrapping, fringing, braiding, and weaving. The projects are illustrated with easy-to-follow diagrams and supplemented with helpful hints. It includes gorgeous photographs of original Zulu beadwork juxtaposed with the author's interpretation of the design and techniques."

Reviews

The book begins with an introduction to Zulus and their beadwork. Diane describes the techniques and the uses of the beadwork. She also writes about traditional and contemporary beadwork and how their craft is being taken forward. This provides an interesting insight into Zulu beadwork. The next part of the book comprises patterns inspired by her visits to Africa and the time spent with the Zulu people. Diane's designs follow the techniques of the original pieces but with her interpretation. Each pattern includes a photograph of both the original work and the contemporary piece. The patterns, as ever with Diane, have clear instructions, diagrams and useful hints and tips. I would like to say that I have favourites but I quite like them all. The final part of the book covers basics such as tools, threads, needles, etc. and techniques which is very useful if like me the brain shuts down from time to time. Altogether a very colourful book to add to a bookshelf.-Bead Society of Great Britain

Author description

Diane Fitzgerald is a bead collector, jewelry designer, and the owner of Beautiful Beads in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Diane has traveled to South Africa to study Zulu and Xhosa beadwork and to the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, and other areas to learn about the glass bead industry and to meet beadworkers and beadmakers. She is the author of eight beading books including Netted Beadwork, Beading with Brick Stitch, and The Beaded Garden (all from Interweave Press) and writes frequently for Beadwork, Bead & Button, and Lapidary Journal.