Zulu Inspired Beadwork

I own Fitzgerald's previous self-published books on Zulu beadwork and much of that material has been carried over into this new book including the actual wording. However, one of the books is now out of print and this new book is a good buy plus the publisher has done a great job with the photos all in color. The beading charts are now using colored beads whereas the earlier books were all in black and white. I never made anything from the earlier books as it looked so uninteresting but this one is definitely "wow". The material is still basically chains or straps although with more additional stitches. There are a few projects such as earrings and bracelets and ideas to make your own. Basics of 5 pages are now at the back of the book along with a good bibliography which doesn't include Fitzgerald's earlier books on this subject. Fitzgerald has done a terrific job investigating the Zulu beadwork which she says is unlike any other culture she has seen and she also spent many years figuring out how these unusual stitches were put together. There doesn't seem to be any other book which does this so it is highly recommended to all beadworkers.

i have fitzgerald's self-published book, _zulu beaded chain techniques_ (1997). all the chains from that book are in this, plus others. even some of the text is the same. which is not a bad thing. her current publisher has funded the full color photos and better production values. there are several wonderful shots, historic and contemporary, of zulu women and men wearing their beadwork. and the photos of the beadwork are clearer and much more attractive. i've already made one chain from this book that i barely noticed in the other. some of the chains have appeared in a few other recent bead books, but most have not. there is plenty to learn and experiment with. the instructions that may seem confusing when just read are clear when one has beads and thread in hand. the diagrams are well done. there are photos of zulu-made items that inspired fitzgerald's work, which is also photographed and shows the difference non-traditional color and bead choice make. recommended to any beader.

My ZULU INSPIRED BEADWORK copy arrived yesterday and I don't know where to start...the book is packed with inspiring projects, and all appear to be suitable for even a beginning beader. Ms. Fitzgerald includes a history of Zulu beadwork along with wonderful photos of people of the Zulu nation that is most interesting and informative - even if you're not a history buff. The photography of the projects is a great aid to following the clearly-written and illustrated directions. Beaders can use the traditional colors or step off on their own and use the techniques with new colors, different size beads, or change a bracelet into a necklace...there is room to experiment after learning the basics of each design. Now when I sit at my worktable beading, I'm thinking of the Zulu women who sit on the floor, legs straight out, with a bowl of beads in their laps and still managing to create smashing pieces. Every beader will gain much from this book - I highly recommend it to all. A great present to a beader as well.

I used to bead in high school and college (has it been over twenty years??), but I let the hobby go. I discovered this book, and was intrigued by the "cultural aspect" of the patterns. I have seen jaw dropping African beadwork at several international crafts shows, and have always been in awe of the amazing artwork done in Africa using beads. Author Diane Fitzgerald has broken down 25 patterns for a variety of Zulu inspired beadwork projects. I bought the supplies at a local bead ship, and have already made several of the "chains" - there is a triangular tube, and zigzag chain that are easy enough to figure out, and make really interesting bead "chains". I even did the "popcorn" bracelet with my kids!! They loved it!! It uses large beads, and was the most fun afternoon we have had in a long time. While I'm not a total "beginner" - I would say even beginners could use the book. Fitzgerald does a good job explaining the patterns, and there are diagrams showing how to start the pattern, add on to it, and complete it - along with verbal instructions and tips (like how to hold the beads, or to wrap it around a pencil, etc...). That being said, there are some intimidating looking projects as well, so if you are looking for very challenging new patterns, you will find that too. Zulu Inspired Beadwork got me back into beading, and I'm so glad to have this hobby again!

Diane Fitzgerald has written the first how-to beading guide detailing Zulu beading techniques, making these beautiful, intricate bead patterns available to artists and crafts people around the world. The book layout and its colorful photography are as beautiful as the beadwork itself. Fitzgerald includes photographs and writing from her travels in South Africa, where she was introduced to Zulu beading techniques. She includes historical information on the beading tradition, and its evolution through precolonialism to present day - answering questions such as what were traditional beads made out of, and what types of beads do South African women use today? Giving a cultural background to the artwork makes the book informative on many levels. The "how-to" portion of the book includes 25 stunning projects. Each project includes a list of needed materials, drawings of the patterns in various stages, and examples of finished works using the technique. There is a wide range of projects - from the relatively small and simple "Zulu Love Letter Pins" to the more intricate and complicated "Switchback" and "Spearhead" chains. I believe even novices can follow the well written and diagramed instructions for many of the projects. Experienced and professional beaders will likewise be challenged, charmed and intrigued by the more difficult patterns. Projects include patterns for netted diamond earrings, a zigzag chain, netted triangle and swag bracelet, and a Zulu wedding necklace. Some of the patterns described by Fitzgerald are detailed for the first time ever in print. Beading enthusiasts will be thrilled with this delightful, informative collection of Zulu beading projects. -Jessica Teel