This book opens with an illustrated gallery of work made by Helen Banes. Fitzgerald then explains how the neckpieces are made and presents readers with 19 projects they can make themselves. Information about ethnic origins and symbolic meanings are given as well as a color photo of each piece.

Amelia, daughter of the last independent King of Danhome, King Gbehanzin, is the apple of her father's eye, loved beyond measure by her mother, and overprotected by her siblings. She searches for her place within the palace amidst conspirators and traitors to the Kingdom. Just when Amelia begins to feel at home in her role as a Princess, a well-kept secret shatters the perfect life she knows. Someone else within the palace also knows and does everything to bring the secret to light. A struggle between good and evil ensues causing Amelia to leave all that she knows and loves. She must flee Danhome with her brother, to south-western Nigeria. In a faraway land, she finds the love of a new family and God. The well-kept secret thought to have been dead and buried, resurrects with the flash of a thread of gold beads. Amelia must fight for her life and what is left of her soul. Set during the French-Danhome war of the late 1890s in Benin Republic and early 1900s in Abeokuta and Lagos, South-Western Nigeria, Thread of Gold Beads is a delicate love story, and coming of age of a young girl. It clearly depicts the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversities.

Three trendy British BFFs help a brilliant Ugandan girl in this heartfelt fashion fairy tale!Once upon a time in London town, there were three fab "birds": Nonie's a freak for fashion. Eco-conscious Edie blogs to save the world--and to get into Harvard. And starter-starlet Jenny just finished filming a small part in a BIG Hollywood blockbuster opposite a drool-worthy boy. But when these trendy Brit besties meet Crow, a refugee girl who happens to be an amazing designer, their worldview gets an extreme makeover. As they learn about the serious situation in Crow's homeland, the three friends decide to mix-and-match their talents to call attention to the crisis of Uganda's Night Walking children.Fashion and compassion: C'est tres chic! Now Nonie's just got to lace up her (always a classic) Converse kicks, put on her (vintage Dior pillbox) thinking cap, and somehow "make it work"!A fierce, sweet, boldface fashion fairy tale!

This book opens with an illustrated gallery of work made by Helen Banes. Fitzgerald then explains how the neckpieces are made and presents readers with 19 projects they can make themselves. Information about ethnic origins and symbolic meanings are given as well as a color photo of each piece.

“A spectacular encyclopedia of embroidery, sharing valuable techniques passed down through the generations . . . you’ll wonder how you ever worked without it.” —Sew Magazine Enjoy the tranquility of slow stitching with this step-by-step, visual guide to 149 embroidery stitches, motifs, and extras. Go beyond basic color theory–robust color charts take the guesswork out of choosing thread, silk ribbon, buttons, beads, and trims. Then take your embroidery to the next level with luxurious seam treatments and stunning stand-alone designs. Bestselling author Christen Brown’s traditional and contemporary techniques are showcased in a colorful gallery of crazy-quilted projects. “An overview of embroidery stitches and techniques as well as inspiration for embroidery projects . . . She dissects several of her pieces, summarizing the color palette, decorative elements, and stitches used.” —Library Journal

Crow has been asked to do a high street collection. But Edie is worried about slave-children making the clothes, while Nonie is distracted by a gorgeous dancer at the Royal Ballet, whom Jenny thinks she should forget . . . But when fashion giant Miss Teen tells Edie to abandon her new campaign, the friends have some serious problems to solve that will test their loyalties to the limit. It seems their fashion fairytale is unravelling . . . From couture heaven in Paris to Bead Central in Mumbai, the girls are on a fashion adventure to find out if their dream is worth saving.

Classic embroidery stitches are used to add monograms, create beautiful brooches, and make embroidered beads!