The Spirit of Bead Embroidery Paperback – September 4, 2012

As my title says, this book is filled with inspiration. That's why I bought it. After my first look through the book I want to put it aside and start beading...Now!As I said I wanted this solely for inspiration and after I pre-ordered it I read somewhere that this book would discuss the author's spiritual life through beading. This disappointed me and I was hoping the book wouldn't be all about this. It isn't and I'm happy.There is a large section of the book that covers "Animal Totems", "Healing Stones and Colors" and "The Four Elements". Many years ago this would have been a good focus and now, in my life, it isn't a main part of my work. For the people who are looking for a more spiritual path to beading these sections are very good and cover a lot of territory. But for me, where the visual inspiration is very important, it's the pictures that accompany this section that excite me. There are many pieces of work that illustrate what the author is saying.What did surprise me was there are three loomed pieces and this is not a focus for the beaders I know. Since I loom a bit it was good to see the pieces. And I saw some good tips I'll use.The Techniques section of the book has given me ideas and I haven't even read it fully. I will go back and read the techniques and tips that are new to me and review the ones that aren't.The "Project" section makes me Want To Bead...Now!!! There are projects for neckpieces, bracelets, earrings and a ring. The author has two objects in the projects section as well. This has given me ideas for non-jewelry pieces.The photos in the how-to's are great. The materials lists seem to be complete-I don't ever follow these, and directions, exactly-and they list things like scissors, cardboard, thread. This provides the needed items for those who need explicit directions to follow.And finally, The Gallery. There are great photos that show work from many different artists so different styles are presented. I like that the descriptions show the year made. This allows me to see how the work holds up style-wise when, in years to come, I open the book for more inspiration.The artists are listed with their web information so if I want to see more work I can check it out.A really good book. It fufilled my expections of inspiration and gave me much more!!

I loved her stuff featured in P.S. Henry's books and started following her back in the day so to say. The Owl is my daughter's spirit walker and her Owl Collar was the first inspiration from her for me. So to get onto the review of her latest project.Pros:1. The Gallery at the back is completely inspirational. It features many artists including Heidi so you get many perspectives on this medium.2. Her custom piece she gives instructions for in addition to photos is unparalleled.3. Her loomwork is used in a very unique way.4. Her variety of fringe examples and explanations are outstanding.5. Her rings are completely unique in both form and her examples of work. It was refreshing to see.6. She uses supplies from Etsy and that is a huge plus in my opinion as it supports other's hand works.7. Her stitch explanations and usages are unique in some ways but mostly a good solid set.8. Her book layout is outstanding and answers most but not all of my peccadilloes.Neutrals:1. The First People things covered are subjective to the tribe you are with or if you are with no tribal affiliation. Overall it will add to the book for some or detract from it, hence a neutral. Know that it is covered more than in passing but not the focus overall of the book. It does affect Heidi's work and while that might be a big plus for some like me, others will not be moved by it. For those affected by such it will affect, for those not affected by it it will not inspire in that way.2. Material choices and suggestions are again in my opinion subjective so therefore a neutral. The way she does things, replacing anything with something else should be easy and this is because of her foundations in my opinion. Even her stitch choices help to make the transition to other materials smoother.Cons:1. The binding is not Perfect or Spiral and because of that the more you use the book the more likely it is to break the binding. I wish she had done hardback or one of the two others instead.Pretty amazing to find only one thing to Con for me. Overall this is a very good book for all levels of beaders for the medium Bead Embroidery. I know it gave me ideas and I've been at this a few years and yet I can see a completely new beader gaining great advantages in Bead Embroidery even if they are self-teaching.Well done Heidi!

This book is everything I expected from my favorite bead embroidery artist and more. She presents not only design basics, but design theory as well. She uses the Elements, color theory, and Animal Spirits to encourage incorporating a story into amazing works of art. With most beading books, I go straight for the projects to get ideas and learn new techniques, but I read this one all the way through. I learned a lot from it and got a ton of ideas; it will be staying in my collection for sure.The projects are excellent and explained in a way that encourages you to go your own way, with instructions for doing things differently. One of Heidi's projects inspired me to start beading several years ago. so finally seeing some of her work explained was great. I only wish there'd been more projects! :)My only complaint, and it's far from the author's/artist's fault, is that most of the resources listed in the back for the wonderful focals used, like the beautiful ceramic owls, no longer exist or aren't being made anymore. However, Heidi provides advice and ideas on finding other resources.

I am addicted to beading and I'm damn good at it. It takes a very special book to make me write a review like this. And Heidi's book, "The Spirit of Bead Embroidery" is beautiful and deeply inspiring. The photos of her work and ideas are gorgeous. But for me the best part is the Native American spiritual approach to color and stones. As Sheri Serafini says, this is the most beautiful beading book I own. If you're looking for basic beading stitches and patterns there are lots of good books out there. This book takes you beyond the basics into the realm of meaning and inspiration.