My beading buddy Barbara Grainger showed me this book when I was in Oregon and I knew I had to have my own copy.  This is a real treasure trove of beadwork that is innovative, exciting, humorous, fun, romantic and inspirational!  If you are a beader, you must add this book to your library.  The introduction is written by Kathlyn Moss with pleasurable words about beads and beading.  Information about exhibitions, organizations, conferences, teachers, publications and all the other activities resulting in beading becoming an explosion of interest and frenzy today is explained.

Every page is a smashing extravangaza of color, design and creativity.     Each beader is recognized, information included about their work and technique, materials and size of each piece are provided.   There is something for everyone here.  It isn't just beading either, quilting, embroidery, wirework, metalsmithing, polymers and found objects are included.

It would be difficult to choose favorites from so many wonderful works of art.    Lately dolls have been my love and there are several to pick from.  Dumbbell is absolutely a treat by Ann Terepaugh Mitchell.  This doll has a green body, rocks for shoes and is just absolutely so ugly she is adorable.   The Perm by Ann Terepaugh Mitchell is amazing.  You see this bust of a woman and a permanent in her hair, but then when you see the back of her head and there are little creatures coming out of the perm, also all beaded.  Unbelievable!   Nancy Eha's In the Garden of Beadin', NanC Meinhardt's masks, Diane Fitzgerald's gingko leaves and many other well known artists' works are in these pages.  You will also be introduced to many new artists as well and their work is exceptional.   There are lovely bead loom woven pieces that cover many subject matters and executed in many styles.

Carolyn Veerjee's Ardent, a sculpted mask form, is awesome!    Kristen Frantzen Orr's glass beads and crocheted wire beads are yummy.   After   crocheting with wire, I have a great appreciation for Orr's finished crocheted beads; there's more to it than just picking up a crochet hook and wire.   My beads certainly do not look like hers.

Information on the jurors of the pieces, information about The Dairy Barn and a Bibliography are at the back of the book.  You can't do without this book, so you might as well go ahead and put it on your wish list or just buy it yourself, you will not be disappointed.  Alice Korach and Kalmbach Publishing gave us a real gift when they published Bead Art.