A Butterfly Garden in Freeform Peyote Stitch

This collection of butterfly patterns is absolutely lovely. I've been working on writing a beaded butterfly pattern book similar to this for several years now, and I have to say, realistic detailed butterflies are one of the hardest things to work out, especially in a smaller piece. Shelia Root manages to give an accurate representation in color and shape, while maintaining an elegant sophistication of texture and dimension, all along using a very brief color palette to achieve this effect.I am particularly impressed with the tiger swallowtail, and morning cloak butterfly patterns. Personally I hope the author puts out a sequel to this collection with some of my personal favorites, the red admiral (atalanta), black swallowtail, angel wing, and common buckeye.Included in this collection of patterns are eight beautiful butterflies worked in shaped peyote stitch or as brick stitch. I do like the stiffness of brickstitch on the completed wings, but if you are a beader concerned with the time, know that brick stitch does take a lot longer to complete. Each pattern also specifies the exact delica beads used in number count and color number as well as approximate measurement of the size of the finished piece. Although the patterns are designed as a completed flat piece, the butterfly body designs are thick enough to work as author and designer Rita Sova's almost instant 3'D effect butterfly patterns (with a rounded body and flat wings). If that is your desire check out one of her pattern books to see what I am talking about.Included in Shelia Root's A Butterfly Garden in Freeform Peyote Stitch are also suggestions of how to use the butterflies in projects, which is useful for those who need a boost of inspiration. Also included are 4 bonus flower patterns.Lastly, if you've always wanted to try out beadweaving and love butterflies, this might just be the book for you. The introduction gives very specific instructions for the beginner. The whole book is very clear, accessible and should guarantee a professional level of success for all levels of beader. The worked designs in this book would be a great gift for any butterfly lover you know, and is a must have on the shelf of this 'scientific' beader.

I am delighted with this book as well as Bird Patterns in peyote which I also bought. Since these were only offered in a print version I will have no problem making an enlarged working copy for my own personal use.I assume only or mostly beaders are interested in Amazon's bead work books and patterns. While I havebought a number of beading and jewelry making books here I have purchased some where the pictures & diagrams are much smaller than the print version. Even using my laptop was of little help. Fortunatly there is resonable return policy so I did so and bought a print version with good quality pix. Just decently I've foundsingle patterns offered. Some are very intricate. I ordered a couple using kindle unlimited but found I was unable to enlargle on my laptop or print my owm working copy enlarged. No paper copy is offered for theselovely patterns for looming or peyote. The bead artist has done an excellent job being true to nature.So readers and beaders be cautious about the version you order if you have older. eyes as I have .If there is a solution to this problem I would love to hear it. Hey, Amazon, help.

Dislike that this book starts at page 5.

The patterns in this book are FANTASTIC! I have completed one of the flowers so far and it is super sturdy and beautiful. The pattern was easy to follow. I had to make a copy and highlight the rows that I had completed so that I wouldn't repeat rows, but I have to do this for most patterns. It was especially nice that when I took an order to my local bead shop, the names were included so that she could get the right order if the number was wrong.

If you want to bead butterflies, this is the book to buy. Just what I was looking for as the designs are more realistic then some I've seen in other publications. The flower patterns are a great bonus.

So much fun making.Thank you

I haven't actually made the butterfy yet, as I am waiting for all the materials to arrive. The instructions and illustrations seem to be very thorough.

This butterfly beading book is excellent. The instructions are easy to follows and the results are wonderful and realistic.

I was so excited about this book and started making a butterfly as soon as I recieved it.I am not a complete beginner at beading and have made some complex pieces.Although the book has many diagrams, intructions and pictures, I found it confusing.I had help from other people and they felt the same.If you are not super experienced and skilled at Peyote stitch, this book is not easy to use.If you have the skills needed to follow the patterns, the results are beautiful.

Liked the large easy to read instructions. My eyesight is not good and I just about managed the instructions without a magnifier. Nice selection of butterflies.

Very good book

Have not tried any of the designs yet but it looks easy to follow instructions nice to have flower patterns as well

great for a friend