Beading in the Native American Tradition

This book contains some very useful information and "how to's" on researching and creating/re-creating Native American beading projects. The illustrations are first rate and it is well written. A "must have" for someone that is considering delving into the world of Native American beading.

If you love American Indian beadwork, here's a good book for you. There are chapters on the history of beadwork in America, researching native American beadwork and collecting it. Other chapters cover lane-stitch beadwork, loom beadwork, applique beadwork, gourd stitch and Comanche brick stitch, uncommon beadwork techniques, beaded edgings and finishing techniques, and patterns. He actually shows how to make different looms (tension loom, box loom, and heddle loom). I can't vouch for the patterns and ease of following the directions, as my interest was in the historic beadwork. Simply beautiful! There's a chapter on tools, materials and buying beads. The color photos show projects and also antique beaded pieces from museums and collections.

A wonderful resource for historic accuracy of Native Beaded Pieces of Art.

I am new to Native American beading and was very pleased to purchase David Dean's book. Beautifully photographed, wonderful examples explaining the culture of choices in historical work, excellent instruction for planning and crafting contemporary projects. I especially enjoyed Mr. Dean's background material on Native tribes as it related to their beadwork. I came away from the book not only with a best understanding of how Native American beadwork is done but with a sincere appreciation and respect for the peoples who mastered the craft.

If you can only have one book on Native American beadwork, this is the one to have. It is filled with wonderful illustrations and instructions on doing your own beadwork. Even better, the illustrations show a gallery of old and modern beadwork to inspire you. The text is lucid and carries the reader along through history and technique. The writer, himself a Native American artist, conveys his deep love of his art. A great read and a marvelous textbook. Get this one!