Bead embroidery book fills Icelandic resource gap

Agatha Mist Atladóttir, a textile teacher at Stapaskóli in Njarðvík, has authored a new book titled 'Perlusaum,' focusing on the art of bead embroidery. The book offers visual instructions and creative ideas for this beautiful handicraft.

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I had never tried working with bead embroidery before, although I have worked with embroidery and various other methods. I started experimenting with it and found this method wonderful.

Atladóttir, who is also pursuing a teaching degree at the University of Iceland, discovered bead embroidery during her studies. Initially unfamiliar with the technique, she found it "wonderful" after experimenting with it. Her exploration led her to write her B.Ed. thesis on bead embroidery and its potential use in primary school textile education.

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I tried to find something similar published here in Iceland, but I actually found nothing.

During her research, Atladóttir was surprised to find a lack of published material on bead embroidery in Icelandic. "I tried to find something similar published here in Iceland, but I actually found nothing," she stated. Recognizing this gap, she decided to publish her own book based on her research, noting that bead embroidery is "part of the story" and appears in Icelandic national costumes.

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There was clearly a lack of published material with Icelandic instructions. Bead embroidery appears in our national costumes and is part of the story.

Encouraged by her university advisor, Ásdís Jóelsdóttir, Atladóttir introduced bead embroidery as a project in her textile classes. She initially involved specific students, but the technique quickly gained interest from others. Atladóttir highlighted that bead embroidery is a "very free method," allowing students to choose their own designs, which significantly boosts engagement for both boys and girls. She emphasized the importance of giving students freedom in their projects, especially noting that boys show more interest in crafts when they can select their own tasks.

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They are very interested and find it fun, both girls and boys. They get to choose their own pictures so it is very free, but it is important that students can create something that relates to their interests.