Mastering Peyote Stitch

Melinda Barta

Projects by the talented artists Jean Campbell, Lisa Kan,  Carole Ohl, Melanie Potter, Jean Power, Cynthia Rutledge, and Sherry Serafini are featured in this book published by Interweave.   It is amazing how busy individuals find time to contribute so much.  Their natural skills and consummate love of this medium is mind boggling.

As I reviewed the basics, nothing was overlooked.  We were led down the seed-bead laden path to numerous discoveries. No compass necessary to find your way. Technique after technique had been explored and presented in an easy to follow format.  The projects are photographed well and the arrow language is not spoken in a foreign tongue.

Flat, circular and tubular patterns are all there to savor and then can be reproduced by examining all the projects.  The colors and sizes of the seed beads are readily available.  No treasure hunt or map necessary to follow intriguing patterns.  If one doesn’t have a clue where to shop for the beads and findings, the resource section tells it all.

I was particularly drawn to the geometric shapes on page 81.  Although math wasn’t my strong suit, anyone can get an A for this project without being the “teacher’s pet.”  Invaluable skills introduced for making eye catching toggle clasps. 

The world of peyote stitch is now yours to explore in this exciting book.  Have a wonderful adventure.