How to make Beaded Boxes by Katie Dean
Published by Vivebooks, an imprint of Rainbow Disks Ltd


The very talented Katie Dean has written an amazing little e-book on how to make beaded boxes using peyote stitch and cylinder beads. It claims to have seven different beaded boxes within the instructions of the e-book but I say the possibilities are endless. You can change colors add pattern to the sides of the boxes and the lids as well as combining the different stitches used to make the flowers that adorn the tops. 


I highly recommend reading all the tips on navigation for the e-book. Because of the embedded videos, the file is quite large so I recommend using their tips on how to navigate the larger PDF file that is the book. I also recommend that you’re very comfortable with peyote stitch. The instructions are very well written and include everything from material lists, ideas about using color, written word, diagrams and embedded videos as well as blank graph paper so you can design and color your own boxes. There were a few diagrams I wished had more detail to them including a thread path but found that the embedded videos were the best at help with any confusion.


I sat down and decided to test out the instructions and follow all the embedded video on the e-book. I ended up with an adorable little square box and the little bit more difficult but still fun, hexagon box. I only say slightly more difficult hexagon box because I had a problem with a couple of beads breaking. Keeping that in mind snug tension is good, tight is not. I didn’t have the recommended flowers for the lid when I adorned my hexagon lid with the 11/0 cylinder loops so I used some slightly larger flowers. There’s a little bit of free play and adding these flowers it opens up a lot of artistic interpretation and I love the way my little box turned out.

Be prepared for some patience, bent needles and adding lots of thread. Stock up on 10/0 cylinder beads and go to town! The end results are very worth the fun challenge of Katie Dean's little beaded boxes. To purchase e-book or disc of book please click the button below. 

Special thanks to Katie Dean and Vivienne Wells and vivebooks.com for allowing me to review this great book and having patience while I did it. Happy Beading!
​Laura Graham - Desert Star Creations

I am so honored to be named one of Beadwork Magazines Designer of the Year for 2018. I will have a new project in each issue (6 total) for this year. I also get featured on their website and blog with an additional write up in one of the issues. I cant wait to show everyone the necklaces and bracelets I work very hard on for these issues, I think they are my best work. Thanks so much to Lavon and staff at Beadwork, Interweave and F&W Media!

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