Beaded items abound in the shops today, on photo frames, cushions, table mats, napkin rings. They are the current trend in home decoration. But they can easily be made yourself, at home. Once you have mastered the techniques you will find it easy to add your own homemade beaded touch to your rooms, individual to you. Add an instant bit of glamour to your home with beads: sparkly, wooden, ethnic, round, baton-shaped, leaf-shaped, beads come in an infinite variety of shapes and forms ready for you to create your own individual pieces. Inspiration abounds in this pretty book. Whether you like girly crystals, African native designs, contemporary or traditional ideas, they are all featured with clear, concise instructions. An informative introduction explains techniques, tools and design strategies. The numerous different threads and needles involved are gone through in detail, ensuring the correct materials are used for each project. From using beads wrapped in wire to embellish cutlery and candlesticks to stitching beads onto table runners, pillows, curtains and fragrant sachets to bead boxes, fringes, wind-chimes and bottle stoppers, all will inspire the reader to make these pretty, glittery objects and develop their own imagination to create personally designed items for themselves and friends alike. Be it girly, retro or elegant, beads open up a whole new world in interior design and home furnishing. So get out your beads and decorate your home with this excellent, instructive guide to beadwork. - Lucy Watson