04

Introduction

Across limę women have always leaned toward the earth to gather rice, beans, flowers, berries and seeds. I share with my ancestors Ihat same need to search for bright, smali objects. My eye is so attracted to beads, those little spheres of color, that l've come to believe it’s genetic. Today, my 20th century lifestyle has neither the time nor the necessity to satisfy my primal urge to gather food. I gather beads.

When I opened Beadworld, I was afraid my beloved beads would lose their appeal as I worked with them all day, every day. Instead, l've learned to appreciate many other beads. My customers are a constant source of inspiration and information. They've showed me how quickly novice beaders become adventurous artists. In fact, see-ing their wonderful creations taught me a new appreciation for a bead that never spoke to me before — the common seed bead. These surprisingly simple beads are being used to create some of today's most sophisticated pieces.

Of all the beadwork l've seen, I kept coming back to these amulet purses. I never could find instructions for them. Thus, Beaded Amulet Purses was born. Some of the most innovative bead artists gener-ously agreed to share their creations and techniques.

These artists clearly understand there are no hard and fast rules for designing with beads. Although the instructions in this book are quite specific, the variations are limitless. I hope this book is ulti-mately only a starting point. Since it is unlikely you will find all the specific beads used in these bags, substitute another one you love. This really is an opportunity!

I've noticed that people intuitively know the colors and shapes that look good on them. Remember that design and color choice are both a matter of personal taste. Often the best designs are born when we let go of the rules and tap unexpected sources of inspira-lion. Create a personal notebook of design. You'll tum to it again and again. When you find beads you love, trust that you'll find a way to use them. This is your time, your vision, your adventure. No one can do it better. Trust yourself!

As all of us gather and work with beads, we share a creative process which is unchanged sińce the dawn of personal expression. Beads thread us through time with our ancient ancestors, linking our vision of beauty. Can there be a better connection?

— Nicolette Stessin

I lovingly dedicote this book to my parents...! miss them.

The Beadworld Publishing Team:

Karla Englehardt, top Mardie Rhodes, left Cenevieve Kreie, right Nicolette Stessin, bodom