Traditional Indian Bead and Leather Crafts

This useful book contains complete illustrated instructions on all of the basics of Beadwork and Leather crafts of the American Indian and the early frontier. It is the second in a series on Traditional Indian Crafts and was written in answer to numerous requests for a how to do it book that would not only cover the basics of the traditional crafts of the American Indian, but would also present illustrated step-by-step instructions on how to do those crafts. The book has two objectives: To provide a clear, concise guide to the person who simply wants to make a nice attractive pouch or bag and to serve as a primer on the basics of traditional beadwork and leathercrafts of Native Americans for the craftsperson who wants to understand the techniques involved and, thereby, be able to construct other items using them.

Each project was written independent of all the others and will allow you to make any one item without reading the total book. Projects described include Leather Pouch, Strike-A-Lite Pouch, Knife Sheath, Beaded Sioux Pouch, Scissors Pouch, Beaded Crow Pouch, Fringed Pouch, Beaded Awl Case, Quilled Pipe Bag, Fringed Possibles Bag, Fringed Mirror Pouch, and Gage d'More Pouch.

In addition, craft techniques described include all the basics of working with and sewing leather, beading techniques such as edging, the lazy stitch, running stitch, crow stitch, spot stitch (for making rosettes), and return stitch, and the preparation and use of porcupine quills for quill wrapping. All of the pouches, bags and containers described may also be made without adornment if the craftsperson so chooses.

This book is designed so that even the beginning craftsman can create authentic Indian and frontier crafts with ease and learn the basic techniques while doing so! 137 illustrations; 15 B&W photographs, 4 pages in full color; index.