by Diane Fitzgerald, Helen Banes Availability: Usually ships within 24 hours. Paperback (October 1994)
This book opens with an illustrated gallery of work made by Helen Banes. Fitzgerald then explains how the neckpieces are made and presents readers with 19 projects they can make themselves. Information about ethnic origins and symbolic meanings are given as well as a color photo of each piece.
The ... elegant pectoral pieces created by Helen Banes join a long tradition of body embellishment..(She) is a master at meshing disparate materials such as beads, artifacts, threads and coins from diverse cultures into a beautifully integrated new form of expression ... Michael W. Monroe, Curator-in-Charge, Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian Institution. - On Helen Banes-A course with Ron Goodman in 1969 led to her earliest experiments in fiber art. From the start, she used off-loom techniques and bold colors in surprising combinations to create a sense of motion. Her desire to incorporate beads and other artifacts into her woven pieces led her to her most important innovation-the method of stringing beads on a double warp, using a shaped loom on a lightweight portable board. - On Diane Fitzgerald-She is happiest when she has a bowl of beads and a threaded needle to create with. She had always collected beads but hadn't experimented with them until she took Helen Banes class at the Textile Arts Center in Chicago. Other Books by Flower Valley Press - The New Clay by Nan Roche - Beguiled by the Wild by Charley Harper - Inkle Weaving by Helene Bress ... and more!

A wonderful new weaving and jewelry technique January 25, 1999 Reviewer: cmurphy@csd.net from Arvada, Colorado, USA This is a wonderful book that teaches the reader how to make fantastic beaded neckpieces. If you create and wear any of these pieces, people will stop you on the street to look at them! The instructions are clear and patterns are provided with which to get started. Its a craft technique that does not require a large investment in materials, mostly just interesting beads and pearl cotton.

Exquisite enticement, well-rewarded January 14, 1998 Reviewer: McQuinn@charm.net from Baltimore Generous (and rare) is the crafter who shares the secrets of years of experience, includes shortcuts and tips and presents diagrams and step-by-step instructions. Fitzgerald and Banes do all this, then reward the reader with well-composed color photographs of the finished product.
    While bead weaving is not for the timid or easily discouraged, the bold and the brave will be well-rewarded by trying the technique. Clear instructions make it easy to complete a piece that is satisfying from the creative center of the artist to the fingertips of the crafter. A must-read for those of us who dream of the color and texture satisfaction that weaving or jewelry making bring.

When Helen Banes was in Hawaii in 1993 I took a class from her and haven't stopped needleweaving since. Since I love working with beads and threads it is the greatest art. When I wear the woven necklaces people stop and compliment how beautiful they are. I've been teaching this art and use this wonderful book to inspire the students.