In the last decade, there has been a growing worldwide interest in South African beadwork. In Zulu Inspired Beadwork, the first book devoted to the beading techniques used by Zulu women, bead master Diane Fitzgerald shares her expertise on Zulu beadwork with 25 stunning projects, celebrating the culture of this indigenous population.

Begin with an introduction to Zulus and their beadwork, an inside look at the importance of beads in this South African culture, and the many beading techniques-some of which have never been published until now-used by Zulu women to create adornment. The author shares several dozen unique beading techniques garnered from years of visiting South Africa and countless hours spent examining-and dissecting-Zulu beadwork.

Next move into projects inspired by the author's visits to Africa, including netted diamond earrings, a netted triangle and swag bracelet, zigzag chain, and a Zulu wedding necklace. Techniques include netting, wrapping, fringing, braiding, and weaving. Projects are illustrated with easy-to-follow diagrams and supplemented with helpful hints. Readers will find gorgeous photographs of original Zulu beadwork juxtaposed with the author's interpretation of the design and techniques. Part how-to, part history, part travelogue, Zulu Inspired Beadwork is a beading journey in a book.

Paperbound, 8½ x 9, 128 pages
100 photographs, 20 illustrations
ISBN 978-1-59668-034-0