Beading Artistry for Quilts: Embellishments & Basic Stitches, Add Texture & Drama

by Thom Atkins

Overview

“I love patchwork, beadwork, and I love handwork . . . The instructions are easy to follow and it’s nothing short of divine inspiration for me.” —Mark Lipinski, editor, Quilter’s Home magazine

Use beads and simple stitches to create magnificent texture, dimension, and lifelike details on any quilt. Award-winning quilter, Thom Atkins, teaches you everything you need to know about the best supplies and techniques to get breathtaking results . . . plus there’s a bonus tutorial on how to create a beaded bezel. Dozens of show-stopping images throughout the book illustrate the unlimited possibilities for designing your own spectacular beaded quilt. Whether you like to make traditional or art quilts, this book will help you take your fabric embellishing to a whole new level.

“I have always used a lot of beads and sequins in my work and this book is bead heaven! . . . This is a visual feast and certainly one book I will definitely include in my collection.” —Fabrications Quilting for You

“Packed with lots of information to set you on your embellishing journey . . . Even if you don’t think beading is for you, the beautiful photos you see as you leaf through the pages will have you reaching for the book for color and design inspiration.” —Down Under Textiles

“Will inspire you to create your own beaded masterpiece.” —Quilter’s Delight

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781607055853
Publisher:	C & T Publishing
Publication date:	07/30/2021
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	112
Sales rank:	472,271
File size:	42 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Thom Atkins is an award-winning quilter who learned to sew as a child on his grandmother's treadle sewing machine. Later in life, his sister taught him about bead embroidery on fabric. He has worked in a variety of art disciplines from illustrating to stained glass to silversmithing and more. Thom lives in Santa Cruz, California.

Editorial Reviews

For Atkins, sewing beads onto quilts “is a great deal more than just embellishment.” A former sculptor, Atkins paints with beads, using the fabric as his canvas; he balances bead with fabric by giving each “a voice in the design.” Atkins adds texture and dimensions when he superimposes beads on batik and paisley after he’s quilted them. He also produces complete works of art with beads as but one of the media in his original designs. In one stunning example, “The Man in the Window,” he employs beads to mimic rain outside the frame of the portrait he quilted. While photographs of Atkins’s exquisite designs tantalize, the book is more than eye candy, for Atkins wields words where pictures can’t explain. He teaches novice beaders about supplies. He covers basics—beads and stitches (single, back, couching and lazy)—and explains which work best where. He offers tips on everything from knotting thread to crushing beads. His delight in beading shines forth in his style, which is simple yet caring. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly

This is packed with lots of information to set you on your embellishing journey. Beads can add sparkle, a focal point, and enhance the shapes and lines of your work. Included is a guide to supplies (both beads and tools), stitches and techniques, so you can choose exactly the right approach to give the effect you are striving for. Often a project needs extra dimension or added stitches to make it feel finished and here you have a resource to drawn on. Even if you don't think beading is for you, the beautiful photos you see as you leaf through the pages will have you reaching for the book for colour and design inspiration.

28 Down Under Textiles

By using beads and simple stitches, you can add drama and texture to any project, whether it is a traditional quilt or an art quilt. The author will teach you about tools, supplies, techniques and bead selection. Dozens of images will inspire you to create your own beaded masterpiece. An added bonus is a tutorial on creating beaded bezels.

9/15/12 Quilter's Delight

This has got to be my favorite book in this selection because I have always used a lot of beads and sequins in my work and this book is bead heaven! Thom adds stunning texture and life-like details to quilts and pictures by using basic beading stitches. This is a comprehensive guide to bead selection and the use of the proper tools, plus a bonus tutorial on how to create a beaded bezel. This is a visual feast and certainly one book I will definitely include in my collection.

February/March 2013 Fabrications Quilting For You

... I love patchwork, beadwork, and I love handwork, and Tom Atkins marries all 3 of these techniques together in his book. Thom shows various beading techniques and example after example of how simple beading can elevate a printed piece of cloth into art. The instructions are easy to follow and it’s nothing short of divine inspiration for me between each cover. There is literally nothing that I don’t love about this book. Atkins’ work is breathtaking and, by its very nature, inspires me to elevate my art and dare to try new things. This book is staying in my library forever and ever.

Diplo: Towards more inclusive and effective diplomacy - Mark Lipinski

By using beads and simple stitches, you can add drama and texture to any project, whether it is a traditional quilt or an art quilt. The author will teach you about tools, supplies, techniques and bead selection. Dozens of images will inspire you to create your own beaded masterpiece. An added bonus is a tutorial on creating beaded bezels.
--Quilter's Delight; 9/15/12

This has got to be my favorite book in this selection because I have always used a lot of beads and sequins in my work and this book is bead heaven! Thom adds stunning texture and life-like details to quilts and pictures by using basic beading stitches. This is a comprehensive guide to bead selection and the use of the proper tools, plus a bonus tutorial on how to create a beaded bezel. This is a visual feast and certainly one book I will definitely include in my collection.
--Fabrications Quilting for You Magazine; February/March 2013 Issue

From the Publisher