Bead Power: A Magical Journey Into the World of Beads

This new book by Carolyn Manzi transformed the way I look at beads! I have always had a draw to, and love of beads, but I never fully understood their power until I read this book. The history that Carolyn writes about is amazing! I had no idea how far back beading went, and how important it was (and still is) to so many cultures. The way that Carolyn writes is very engaging and she makes wonderful insights with a charming imagination. She also gives many projects to do with beads and has very easy to follow written and illustrated instructions.I loved her art. Her drawings are very primitive and creative. One point that touched me personally was the healing power that beads have. I followed her detailed instructions and made a beautiful bracelet for someone very close to me who is having health problems. It was a wonderful experience to choose the beads and put all my love and prayers into them as I beaded. The real joy however, was when I gave it to my friend. I have to say, it was one of the most spiritual experiences of my life, and hers too. I never would have even thought of doing this if I hadn't read this inspiring book, and what I would have missed is indescribable! I must say this book brought out a creative side of me that I never knew was there, but much more than that I got a vision and connection that will last a lifetime.

This new book by Carolyn Manzi transformed the way I look at beads! I have always had a draw to, and love of beads, but I never fully understood their power until I read this book. The history that Carolyn writes about is amazing! I had no idea how far back beading went, and how important it was (and still is) to so many cultures. The way that Carolyn writes is very engaging and she makes wonderful insights with a charming imagination. She also gives many bead projects with very easy to follow written and illustrated instructions.I loved her art. Her drawings are very primitive and creative. One point that touched me personally was the healing power that beads have. I followed her detailed instructions and made a beautiful bracelet for someone very close to me who is having health problems. It was a wonderful experience to choose the beads and put all my love and prayers into them as I beaded. The real joy however, was when I gave it to my friend. I have to say, it was one of the most spiritual experiences of my life, and hers too. I never would have even thought of doing this if I hadn't read this inspiring book, and what I would have missed is indescribable! I must say this book brought out a creative side of me that I never knew was there, but much more than that I got a vision and connection that will last a lifetime.Carolyn, thank you for writing this book!

I had the great pleasure of attending a book signing by Carolyn Manzi at the Capitola Bookstore & Cafe, Capitola, CA. What a treat! Carolyn provided a sumptuous smorgasbord of beads for our beading pleasure. She shared information that is in her book on the meaning and origins of some wonderful beads that she brought with her- buddhist malas, venetian beads, islamic prayer beads, African trade beads, a shamanic necklace and more. She showed us some of the projects that are in the book- a spirit doll, dream catcher and rattle all embellished with beautiful beads!Carolyn spoke to us in the same detail that she has written her book about the magic of beads and the meaning of various materials they are made from (glass, bone, clay, stones etc.), and the shapes and motifs of various cultures. She took us through a step by step hands on bead exercise, showing us how to use beads as power objects to manifest our creative visions in the world. The projects in the book are as easy to follow as it was having her right there with us. Best of all, we left with our own prayer bracelet that was created and shared with the group. In her book she talks about group beading and how empowering that can be. I know from my experience I was very inspired and connected by the experience. I think we all were touched with our own inner magic that Carolyn helped us find through her wonderful book.As a life long bead lover, I feel so blessed to have found this book. The text and illustrations came straight from Carolyn's heart and really takes the concept of beads and beading "out of the box." Through this book Carolyn leads us on a journey of accessing our inner artist and making our own authentic connection with beads.I shared this book with my daughter, and at home we took Carolyn's suggestion to make a prayer bracelet to celebrate one another's spirit. We created beautiful mother/daughter bracelets the next evening. Each bead represents a quality that we love and admire about each other. Carolyn even suggested that we include a broken bead (which we did) to symbolize what qualities are challenging for us to accept in one another.This book inspired me (through the beads) to think about how these interpersonal challenges encourage us to look at ourselves and grow into more compassionate and loving beings. What a beautiful experience! Even if you already own all the bead books in print, this book will open your heart, mind and soul to new dimesions of creating with beads. Trust me- it's a gem!

In a fantasmagorical interpretation of the language of beads, Carolyn Manzi portrays her experiences with a medium that has inspired her to collect, create, and communicate her art, ideas, and spirituality with a style all her own. She tells her tale of discovery and inspiration of these small objects of wonder along with her whimsical, signature illustrations in a 'coloring book' format. Carolyn takes you on her personal journey into the world of beads, introducing real characters who influenced as she studies the origins, names, facts, lore and legend behind the beads that have enticed her with their magic. "Bead Power" is fun filled book with wonderful information that evokes bead awareness. It not only describes beads of colored gemstones and the healing qualities attributed to them, but it presents the bead as a universal amulet for protection, prayer, and cultural symbolism and introduces the concept of "intentional beading" being the manifestation of an artistic vision. Sharing her extraordinary insight and encouraging the reader to discover their own personal power, Carolyn succeeds in inspiring a bead lover, healer, novice or neophyte to take a closer look into exploring their own creativity and expressing it by using beads. As in Carolyn Manzi's first book "Coloring Your Prayers", "Bead Power: A Magical Journey into the World of Beads" follows her original 'workbook' theme by guiding the reader through using beads in rituals involving meditation and visualization exercises, prayer, drawing, and music. Carolyn suggests numerous projects for creating art and power objects,including simple instructions on techniques and assembly for making jewelry designs such as the "Manifestation Bracelet" and "Prayer Flag" and other wonderful things you can make to help your own dreams come true. A unique expression of the fun in learning to appreciate and create with beads for anyone from ages 4 to 94, I highly recommend "Bead Power" as a gift to heal, inspire and manifest with!

Again CarolynManzi excites the imagination with a new venture into creativity and wonder.Beads, what did I know. Wear them.Now C. Manzi in "Bead Power" offers us an invitation to learn , experience, and watch this "Secret Language" come alive.Page after page of description, history and magical illustrations bring to life this world of gems, stones and charms.I know I shall become addicted to this art and am looking forward to expanding the beaded horizons.I shall enter the world of BEADS.