The Art of Bead Embroidery 2 – Review

Hurray!! A beautiful new book on Japanese-style bead embroidery by Margaret Lee is finally out – The Art of Bead Embroidery 2. I’ve been looking forward to this book, because there’s a project in it that I want to make!

If you’ve been waiting for the book as well, you can find The Art of Bead Embroidery 2 available here in my shop, in stock and ready to ship.

Let’s look at the book up close, and I’ll tell you what you can expect from it.

This is the second book by Margaret Lee on Japanese-style bead embroidery. I reviewed the first book – The Art of Bead Embroidery – here, if you’d like to take a look at that review, too. The first book is currently out of print, but I’ve heard that it might be available again soon.

Some folks have already inquired if you need to have the first book, in order to work the projects in the second book. No, not at all. Both books are more or less the same level and all the information is there, to help you successfully complete the projects in the book, whether you’re working from Book 2 or from the original.

In the beginning of the book, you’ll find an short introduction with some history, and then the author launches right into needful information, such as the materials and tools required for this type of bead embroidery…

…as well as techniques for handling the typical tools and threads…

…the basic configurations of bead motifs in this type of bead embroidery, and pretty much everything you need to know to get started!

As you’ll see below, the other basic information (on how to stitch with the beads and so forth) all comes in the back of the book, somewhat in the form of a stitch dictionary, with clear diagrams and so forth. I’ll show you that a little further along in the book review.

Then we come to the projects!

There are nine beautiful bead embroidery projects to choose from, and among the nine, the author also includes images and explanations of variations of the same projects, with different color schemes or different finishes.

With each project, you’ll find photos of the finished project from different angles, some up close, some farther away, some with variations, so that you get a good sense of the completed project.

You’ll find a complete materials list, with information on fabric, threads, beads – everything you need to know to order whatever is required to complete the project.

You’ll find step-by-step instructions give in the order of work.

The instructions are accompanied by illustrations either in the form of photos or diagrams, to help you along the way.

The close-ups are also very helpful. It’s always good to see details up close, so you know what you’re aiming for!

I just love this little folio wallet! It’s pretty unlikely that I’ll ever make it myself, but I just find it so very delightful to look at it. The finishing is pristine!

And, speaking of finishing, with each project, you will find all the finishing instructions in detail, with diagrams, to aid you in constructing the item.

The projects in the book include various bags of different styles, cases, box covers, and more.

You’ll find a folio to construct, as well as a book cover. (I really want to make the book cover!)

And the designs are a good range of contemporary and traditional and mixed.

As mentioned above, in the back of the book, following the projects, you’ll find the equivalent of a stitch dictionary – or the specific instructional information for the techniques employed on these projects.

The diagrams and explanations are perfectly clear and accessible for all levels of stitchers.

I especially appreciate the information on working with the various tools that are typical to this particular type of embroidery.

And, in the very back of the book, you will find a pull-out section of all the patterns for the projects in actual size, making it much easier to set up and transfer your project.

In a Nutshell

If you love bead embroidery of you’ve had a hankering to try your hand at it, this book is for you! The projects are splendid, the instruction is clear and accessible, and the book itself is just beautiful. Margaret Lee puts a tremendous amount of expertise into her books, and he work is just stunning.

Where to Find It

If you’re in the US, you can find The Art of Bead Embroidery 2 here in my shop. It ships Priority Mail.

If you are outside the US, you can find The Art of Bead Embroidery 2 directly from Inspirations Studios, the publishers of the book.