Evelyn Haertig Books and Purses

Restoring and Collecting Antique Beaded Purses

Reviews and Comments

Beadwrangular.com:
“Restoring and Collecting Antique Beaded Purses is Evelyn’s fourth book on antique purses [actually her 3rd book] and is the “to die for” book many collectors will desire. It is a must have magnificent book, loaded with tips and techniques for restoring antique bags and creating new ones. You will find the inside scoop on purse linings and frames with illustrations and photographs as guides. Specific bag types are discussed along with how they were put together and finishing the fringe. Lavish color plates of antique bags fill page after page and are a delight to the eyes.”
and
“Evelyn’s love of purses and their history flows through her words and is evident in this massive compilation of research and information. Whether you are a purse collector, purse designer or just love to see lovely bags and learn all about them, this is the book for you. I highly recommend Restoring and Collecting Antique Beaded Purses as a valuable asset to your library and a joy to read.” Read the entire article here.

Mary Gottschalk, Fashion Editor, San Jose Mercury Newspaper:
“Restoring & Collecting Antique Beaded Purses is a treasure on every level… a gift from the heart for future generations. It is that and much more.”

Dan Poynter, Publisher & Author:
“Carrying on her tradition of deep research, fanaticism for detail, insistence on accuracy, and a deep desire to spread the word, Evelyn Haertig has produced another masterpiece. If you love beadwork, are a purse collector, history buff or just want a very special coffee table book, this volume should be part of your library.”

Lydia Borin, bead expert and professional reviewer:
“I highly recommend Restoring and Collecting Antique Beaded Purses as a valuable asset to your library. It is a joy to read.

Sharon, purse collector from Penn Valley, CA:
“Thank you so much for your ‘work of art’. What a legacy of pictorial beauty.
I was ‘drooling’ at some of those purses. I guess I still have a deep love for that part of our ‘women’s history’ there was so much beauty there.”

Judith A. Hunt, of
This Old Purse on Ruby Lane.com
“If you own a beaded purse collection or even have just one antique beaded bag that is less than perfect, you MUST have this book. Well known authority on antique beaded purses, Evelyn Haertig has authored the most information packed book on restoration techniques I have ever seen. While the book is very detailed, it is still easy to read and a feast for the eyes. After reading this book I was able to do my own repairs. Restoration techniques are discussed in depth all the way from the necessary tools to the frames and lining. Speaking of frames, this book has the most glorious frames pictured. Even if it is not your desire to repair your own purses, this book will help you to understand how your purses were constructed by women so long ago and how much time and effort were put in to this lost art. It will also help you to understand what your restorationist does and what a reasonable price for restoration is. I highly recommend this book for anyone with a purse collection or a passion for antique purses.”

Jane Erskine, Editor of Research Book News, Inc.:
“This carefully prepared definitive reference follows the author’s Antique Combs & Purses and More Beautiful Purses. She discusses in thorough detail the evolution of the beaded purse, restoration tools and techniques, the beads, restoring body damage, the importance of frames and linings, and evaluating and collecting patterns. The text illustrated by 193 good sized color plates (most at least a showcasing a wide variety of purses, delightful in their artistry… with commentary on their construction and value)

Carol Perrenoud and Virginia Blakelock, Bead authorities and merchants:
“This is definitely the best book in print on restoration. The instructions are concise, orderly and to the point, with lots of helpful hints.”

Sharon L, Penn Valley, CA :
“Thank you so much for your ‘work of art’. What a Legacy of pictorial beauty. I was ‘drooling’ at some of those purses. I guess I still have a deep love for that part of our ‘women’s history.’ There was so much beauty there.’

Ralph and Terry Kovel:
“Evelyn Haertig, an expert on beaded purses, provides tips on restoring purses, which tools to use to repair beading, linings, fringes and how to frame. This book proves once again that she is a thorough researcher and loves her subject. The chapters on restoration techniques are especially helpful.”

Kathie Weston, purse restorer:
Working for many years with Evelyn Haertig helping her restore her collection of antique beaded purses was an education in the history of these great purses and gave me a great appreciation of their workmanship. Evelyn’s passion for the beautiful purses and restoring them led me to be forever grateful that I had the opportunity to work with her.

Her last book, Restoring and Collecting Antique Beaded Purses, is a final gift to anyone, a beginner or seasoned collector will appreciate the knowledge she passes on to us in this 3rd book. She begins with the evolution of the beaded purse, if read carefully you will appreciate the little pieces of knowledge she shares. The colored photos enable the readers to picture the meaning behind her text. Her love of beads was obvious when I worked with her to find the perfect size, and color to fit into a missing spot to complete a repair which finished the purse with great satisfaction. Her information shared on the threads to use and the construction of the body of the purses is a great benefit to anyone attempting this feat. The information she shares in the mastering of a perfect fringe will enable anyone to do an excellent finish, so important for the completing of a purse restoration.

Her chapter on frames and linings speaks for itself in the self evidence of a respect for the manufacturing of the frames and the artful expertise in fitting them with the beaded purse. The choice of lining was always a most important step in the finishing touches.

The final chapter certainly not the least leaves the reader satisfaction in a wonderful display of some of the most exquisite scenic and figurine beaded purses with her explicative of each beautiful purse for any reader to enjoy. Adding this book to your library will effectuate your informative books collection.

Antique Combs and Purses
Antique Combs and Purses
More Beautiful Purses
More Beautiful Purses
Restoring and Collecting Antique Beaded Purses
Restoring and Collecting Antique Beaded Purses

This website is sponsored by Milt and Evelyn Haertig’s
daughter, Rhett Regina Owings and Rhett’s Paper Cranes.  

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