Janet Kay’s Musings

I'm one of those people who needs constant stimulation in order to create. One thing I love are Art Books-reading some and looking at color photos
in others.

When I began to bead in ernest there were not many books on the market, so I took every class on every technique I could find. That is still the best way to learn, but to enhance your learning base, buy the books.

I love hanging out in book stores and I buy a lot of books online. I buy some used books--if you haven't checked out Stand Books in New York, google it.
Also, I buy from Abe Books.

My favorites today are:
"Creative Bead Weaving" and "The Art and Elegance of Beadweaving" both by Carol Wilcox Wells. These should be in every bead artist's library. They are great books on basic techniques and the color plates are lovely

"Getting Started with Seed Beads" by Dustin Wedekind is another "must have" for beginners and advanced.

"One Bead at a Time" & "Beaded Treasures" both written by Robin Atkins
are great. I am a big fan of her work.

"The Beader's Gide to Color" by Margie
Deeb is a beautiful book and I hear she has a new book coming out on the same subject the summer of 2008. Can't wait.

"The Art and Elegance of Bead Embroidery" by Heidi Kummli and Sherry Serifini is my absolute favorite since I favor the technique. Their web sites are something I visit often for a jolt of inspiration.

"Micro-Macrame Jewelry" by Joan Babcock
is fabulous. She makes an old craft form look modern and elegant.

"Crystal Jewelry with Swarovski" by Laura McCabe makes me want to drop all projects and make something in the book.
Great projects.

"500 Beaded Objects" & "1000 Rings" both from Lark books are filled with inspiration.

These last 3 books are not books about beading, but very wonderful and stimulating.

"Living the Creative Life" by Rice Freeman-Zachery. It features several artists in different mediums and they talk about how they work. I especially love Susan Shie as I had the opportunity to study with her. What a kick in the pants!

"Kaleidoscope" by Suzanne Simanaitis.
Yummy pictures!

This last book is tough to find but worth the time.
"Sacred Arts of Vodou" by Donald J. Cosentino.
This is my favorite kind of art--the "outsider art" and there are other books on the subject.

I'm sure I will get up in the morning and think of any number of books I have forgotten. I will save that list for another day.

In the near future, I will make a list of favorite movies and bead stores and suppliers.
I never met a bead I didn't like.

Happy spring to you all--my friends and loved ones.