CLASSICAL ELEGANCE

Art History 101


It is wonderful that Maggie Meister had the opportunity to travel and live in Italy for five years and fall captive to its “splendor.” Many years ago, we took a cruise to the Italian Riviera, but alas could not disembark in Naples because of “too many unsavory elements.”

I am now fortunate to have the opportunity to take the journey with this elegant book “Classical Elegance” through her eyes. I didn’t need any special traveling gear, but just my eyes open wide. The mosaics, architecture and rug patterns with their vivid colors became the focus of her artistry.

Stitches or combination of stitches are very well illustrated and described. Her mantra is “practice, practice, practice.” Twenty organized project are presented. She elucidates what influenced their conception. Seed beads of every shape, size, and color, along with other necessary material and tools are very well documented.

Many books attempt to teach, but this book really does without a lot of confusing jargon. It is easy to follow the little arrow as it too makes the trip of discovery for the beader. I really appreciated the numeration of some of the designs such as the Laksmi Pendant. It was better than a compass.

Thank you Lark Books for the visit back to antiquity with this amazing book, “Classical Elegance.” It rivals many of the art history books I have read.