When top beadwork artisans, beadwork authors, and contributors in the beading community were interviewed by Lark Jewelry, and asked what they considered their inspirational go-to books for beading, the following list was created. These books were treasured and loved, affected their work or development, or simply recommended as excellent, helpful, and instructional. If you are looking for inspiration and instruction in your own bead work, then the Los Angeles Public Library Art Department has these books available for you to check out.
![Book cover for 500 necklaces : contemporary interpretations of a timeless form](https://lapl.org/sites/default/files/styles/staff_recommends_x97w/public/items/2020/a398d66555303f3102c5758877f1d091.jpg?itok=Y_asjpB_)
This book is loaded with inspiration in design and color.
![Book cover for The art & elegance of beadweaving : new jewelry designs with classic stitches](https://lapl.org/sites/default/files/styles/staff_recommends_x97w/public/items/2020/aeb7f9287b4d2a82fe4bae12fe58e3da.jpg?itok=grGpsiU8)
If you want to self-educate yourself on how to bead weave, this is a must-have reference.
![Book cover for The art of beadwork : historic inspiration, contemporary design](https://lapl.org/sites/default/files/styles/staff_recommends_x97w/public/items/2020/53e3253ad74421f028e3a8ea9a82b9d2.jpg?itok=-Xe4pc3d)
Expand your horizons with this inspiring bead weaving book.
![Book cover for The beader's color palette : 20 creative projects, 220 inspired combinations for beaded and gemstone jewelry](https://lapl.org/sites/default/files/styles/staff_recommends_x97w/public/items/2020/0e90f31dd7217864fe34b6855690fd30.jpg?itok=fNdexWd6)
![Book cover for The Beader's Guide to Color](https://lapl.org/sites/default/files/styles/staff_recommends_x97w/public/items/2020/f820f69ee154fade40e1fcb57fc7e87a.jpg?itok=khoWYIu1)
The best book on color written specifically for beaders.
![Book cover for Diane Fitzgerald's shaped beadwork : dimensional jewelry with peyote stitch](https://lapl.org/sites/default/files/styles/staff_recommends_x97w/public/items/2020/265262e3760ac95a7a0f9b02c83103e0.jpg?itok=XcRbBqW9)
Amazing works using the Peyote Stitch.
![Book cover for Dimensional bead embroidery : a reference guide to techniques](https://lapl.org/sites/default/files/styles/staff_recommends_x97w/public/items/2020/c581df4011462623e0ee0163a9992052.jpg?itok=9yJKr4mO)
One of the most comprehensive bead embroidery books out there, with sample photos and illustrations. Visually stunning.
![Book cover for Laura McCabe's embellished beadweaving : jewelry lavished with fringe, fronds, lacework & more](https://lapl.org/sites/default/files/styles/staff_recommends_x97w/public/items/2020/4a2333e18ab914a0019bb355befdde25.jpg?itok=CL-3cBna)
Create elaborate beaded embellishments into stunning jewelry.
![Book cover for Maggie Meister's classical elegance : 20 beaded jewelry designs.](https://lapl.org/sites/default/files/styles/staff_recommends_x97w/public/items/2020/0435a95e07dfa5b61995328d82ef6471.jpg?itok=0Hr0oSiF)
Wonderful inspiration; incredible interpretations of ancient pieces in beadwork.
![Book cover for Marcia DeCoster's beaded opulence : elegant jewelry projects with right angle weave](https://lapl.org/sites/default/files/styles/staff_recommends_x97w/public/items/2020/2fc7dd1dd7fd0a1b4dcfcdeb371de4ec.jpg?itok=Aj1JXTwp)
One of the most influential books written for those trying to master the right angle weave (both one and two needle). If you want to wrap your head around the RAW technique, then wrap your arms around this book.
![Book cover for Masters : beadweaving : major works by leading artists](https://lapl.org/sites/default/files/styles/staff_recommends_x97w/public/items/2020/5555d008c360fafee51f26de86cd6474.jpg?itok=tRxdRWu-)
Tons of inspiration from leading bead artists.
![Book cover for The Penland book of jewelry : master classes in jewelry techniques](https://lapl.org/sites/default/files/styles/staff_recommends_x97w/public/items/2020/ef9266f1fba74b661f77ec6667aebb18.jpg?itok=20jZAMiX)
The book features some of the most innovative designs ever seen. An absolutely beautiful book in layout, design, and photography.
![Book cover for Rachel Nelson-Smith's bead riffs : jewelry projects in peyote & right angle weave.](https://lapl.org/sites/default/files/styles/staff_recommends_x97w/public/items/2020/5fc25123505896fe834eece3680280db.jpg?itok=2gea5Jns)
Fascinating dimensional bead-weaving projects with inspiring color combos and excellent directions.
![Book cover for Seed bead fusion : 18 projects to stitch, wire & string](https://lapl.org/sites/default/files/styles/staff_recommends_x97w/public/items/2020/caa4007e20e0532d96dae5c9f72552c8.jpg?itok=7aWWeUJ7)
Rachel makes good use of color, phenomenal wire techniques. Book has both step by step photography and illustrations, a rarity in beadwork books.
![Book cover for Sherry Serafini's sensational bead embroidery : 25 inspiring jewelry projects](https://lapl.org/sites/default/files/styles/staff_recommends_x97w/public/items/2020/84edeffcdcdd6f71ff41cc3aa1cb747e.jpg?itok=V7GTwHr4)
Incredible designs