Product Description

Julia S. Pretl provides crafters with her own unique method for creating decorative beaded boxes and lids in a wide range of surface designs and shapes. Working only with cylinder and seed beads, as well as a needle and thread, crafters can create an impressive array of clever and colourful miniature containers. The book contains step-by-step illustrations and easy-to-follow word graphs and patterns, as Pretl leads the reader through the techniques for creating three-sided, five-sided and six-sided rectangular, square and stacked boxes. Four-colour photographs of each of the 12 designs introduce each set of instructions, and detailed drawings illustrate the beading techniques. The simple, easy-to-use and attractive format of the book will make it the ideal companion for anyone wishing to enter into or improve upon this exciting craft.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #12033 in Books
• Published on: 2006-10-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 112 pages

Review
I love this book. I have already made three boxes from the book, including the beautiful flower box on the cover. I was a little intimidated when I first read at the instructions, but they turned out to easy to follow and the boxes come out perfectly. I am now looking forward to trying out Julia's knit bags from her other book. Happy beading. --haikudreams

As beautiful as these boxes look, the instructions are even more "beautiful". Yes, YOU CAN make these boxes! Of course, working with seed beads takes patience, and it's kind of important to actually read the instructions and then actually follow them (a word to the wise, and to some of the unhappy reviewers- follow instructions!- what a concept!). I've been beading for only 3 years, and believe me, Julia's instructions are excellent. She took great pains to explain her designs and technique so that you can really make what you see pictured. This book is more than worth the price, as the designs are gorgeous, and what beader wouldn't want to make one?! Don't hesitate to buy this book- you'll love it! --martinka

This is a very talented woman. If anyone ever gets the chance to see her work in person, I would highly recommend it. I met Julia Pretl at a local knitting group and she brought some of her bead boxes and bags. They were stunning. Everyone should get this book to see the incredible work she has done. The details of each piece is amazing and you will be inspired to take up this craft. Christine Skepton. I really liked this book. It was challenging and the finished product was great! A little bit confusing at first, but once you get the hang of the directions, ie word graphs, it is a breeze to follow. Great picture graphs and the extra blank graphs at the back of the book are a fantastic perk. Very satisfying end product. Beader Jean. Another great book by Julia - The designs and color combinations are gorgeous and the instructions are relatively easy to follow if you have had some experience with increasing and decreasing using the peyote stitch. Looking forward to the next beading book Julia brings out - keep up the great work Julia :-) Anney this book is a marvel of architecture - geometry and just plain gorgeous little boxes. i recommend this book for anyone wanting to learn exquisite construction technique. --Jerry Schatz

About the Author
Julia S. Pretl has been featured in Beadwork, the Baltimore Sun and in several galleries and exhibits. Her pieces have recently been featured in 500 Beaded Objects (Lark, 2004) and Beading for the Soul (Interweave, 2005). She teaches classes and workshops and is well known in the beadwork community. She lives in Maryland, USA.

Customer Reviews

Little bead boxes
How delightful. As a beader I thought this looked like a bit of a challenge and it proved correct. A wonderful book and an absolute joy. I found making some of the boxes a bit tricky but a lot of fun and if you are patient and persist you will produce a little gem of a box. Quite, Quite beautiful.

Makes me want to take up beading myself
I bought this book as a present for my Mum. I'm not the least bit interested in beading, but I was very tempted to keep it for myself. The book is well laid out with full colour pictures and explanations. The boxes themselves look delightful and my Mum was absolutely delighted with the book.

What a great find!
I stumbled upon this book as I was looking for knitting books (the author has a book on bead knitted bags as well) and was immediately intrigued. I decided to give it a try even though I had limited experience with beads and no experience with the peyote stitch. I've just finished my first box and I am thrilled. The box came together quite well and I'm excited to start my next one. I found the word maps to be easy to follow, the illustratons helpful and the finished product brilliant. The author's website address is provided and it's a good idea to go there for her errata sheet that provides corrections to a few errors in the word patterns. All in all a gem of a book that provides patterns to make the 12 boxes as well as guidance for creating boxes with your own your designs.