Submissions for Jewelry Stringing Spring 2014

Hello! It's my Studio Saturday day over at the Art Bead Scene blog. Hop on over there for a chance to win an Irish Waxed Linen Cord Color Mix from the Jewelry Accord shop. Right now, I'm working on magazine submissions. Today, I invite you inside my studio to take a sneak peek at the materials I'm creating with for the Spring 2014 issue of Jewelry Stringing Magazine! It's time to submit jewelry designs for next year's Spring issue, now. And yep, I'm actually sharing with you exactly what I'm working on for the pieces I plan to submit to the magazine. That might seem kinda crazy, but I embrace the idea of freely sharing information that might help someone else find success in getting jewelry published. I thought it'd be fun to do a little show and tell to give you a glimpse inside my process. I hope this information will help other designers feel more confident about creating jewelry for publication. Getting your jewelry published can be a tricky thing. Personally, I find that challenge fun! There's absolutely no guarantee that anything I make will be selected. All I can do is try my best to follow the magazine's guidelines, let the themes and color palettes provided inspire the ideas for my designs and stay true to my own style, esthetic and creative process.  Jewelry Stringing is one of my all-time favorite beading magazines. I'm intrigued and captivated by the themes and color palettes the editors come up with to inspire their contributing designers. Come join me now and get a taste for what I'm working on and my process for creating jewelry pieces for this particular magazine. I hope to inspire you to work on your own creations as well and submit your designs. Jewelry Stringing provides guidelines, themes and color palettes for each one of their upcoming issues. You can find the full details and guidelines for submission here. I've provided some of the information for the Spring 2014 issue here in this post. The first theme and color palette for Spring 2014 is "Soft Jewelry". (The following description is taken from the guidelines on the magazine's website.) Soft Jewelry

Leather, ribbon, cord, thread, embroidery floss, and fabric are most commonly used as stringing materials and structural components in jewelry pieces, but they also lend themselves to creative and compelling focal elements. Submissions in this category will range in style, but they should all include fibers, textiles, or leather as a prominent design feature. Consider highlighting these materials through techniques like knotting, braiding, and wrapping, or incorporating current trends like fringe or tassels into your designs. See their Pinterest inspiration board for this palette at: http://pinterest.com/stringingmag/soft-jewelry-spring-2014/

So, here's what I've chosen to work with for this theme:  Sankofa trade beads, Irish waxed linen and Greek leather from Ornamentea. As you can see, I've matched up pretty well with the first two colors in the palette provided. You do not have to use all the colors in the suggested palette, but at least one color in your design should match up. I chose these African trade beads in "Teal" from Ornamentea.com. For additional color, texture and the fiber elements needed for the theme, I hand-knotted the beads on multiple strands of Irish Waxed linen cord in "Sunflower". Then, I'll pair the knotted beads with some brown Greek leather cord to complete the design. The second theme and color palette for Spring 2014 is "Spring Greens". (The following description is taken from the guidelines on the magazine's website.)

Spring Greens

If there is one color that ubiquitously represents springtime, it has to be green. Fresh leaves sprout from the trees, grass peeks out from beneath snowdrifts, and budding shoots speckle our garden beds. From subdued mossy shades to high-energy lime tones, each piece in this category will celebrate spring in all its green glory. See their Pinterest inspiration board for this palette at: http://pinterest.com/stringingmag/spring-greens-spring-2014/ Here are some materials I've chosen to use for this palette and theme:  Shimmer Floss Ribbon, Czech glass beads, Irish waxed linen and a gold button. I've got some hand-painted Shimmer Floss ribbon in "Grandma Moses" from Ornamentea.com, green, faceted Czech glass beads, Irish Waxed Linen in "Dark Forest Green" from Jewelry Accord and a matte gold button from the fabric store. For this palette, I did want to match up with as many of the green colors as I could. The hand-painted shimmer floss helps me pull quite a few of the green tones in the palette with just that one element. I'll pull in the darkest green color with the waxed linen cord. Then, I'll pair the fibers with the contrasting finish of the faceted Czech glass beads and the button for balance and interest in the piece. The third theme for Spring 2014 is "Monochromatic".  (The following description is taken from the guidelines on the magazine's website.) Monochromatic In honor of our annual color issue, we are inviting our contributors to create monochromatic pieces in the color of their choice. While creating a piece in a single color simplifies the process of selecting color-coordinated materials, it makes the other design elements of the piece more visible. Balance, proportion, and symmetry are often accomplished through clever color combinations. Without the aid of a varied palette, designers must rely on their other skills to create well-executed, interesting, and attractive jewelry. We know that you are up to the challenge, so pick a color and show us what you've got! See their Pinterest inspiration board for this section at: http://pinterest.com/stringingmag/monochromatic-spring-2014/ Below is the color I've decided to go with for monochromatic: Gray Opaque Matte size 8 seed beads from ShipWreck Beads. Yep, Gray. Might not seem too exciting. Why in the world would I choose grey out of all the beautiful colors of the rainbow? Well, the design I want to make for this category will be elegant, sophisticated  and a little bit moody. That description could not be farther from how I would describe my usual style. I've decided to go in this direction because the color and look I have in mind is a total deviation from the esthetic I would normally create. It's fun to try different styles and show some range in my work. That is very exciting to me! :) I'm going to incorporate these opaque, matte grey seed beads from ShipwreckBeads.com into my jewelry piece by stringing them on multiple strands of gray waxed linen cord. The multiple strands of these seed beads will provide texture and visual interest to a monochromatic design. Last, but not least, the fourth theme for Spring 2014 is "Bead Soup". (The following description is taken from the guidelines on the magazine's website.) Bead Soup In contrast to the previous theme, the pieces in this section will be packed with colors-the more the better! We are challenging you to use as many different colors as possible in your submissions for this category, but be careful that you aren't sacrificing cohesion or wear-ability for variety. Tip: Successful "bead soup" pieces often have a unifying characteristic that runs throughout each design (ie: consistent bead size, shape, finish or material; a repeated technique; a specific theme or motif; etc.).  See our Pinterest inspiration board for this section at: http://pinterest.com/stringingmag/bead-soup-spring-2014/ Here are some beads I pulled from my stash for this category: Seed beads from ShipWreckBeads.com and a handmade ceramic bead set by Keith O'Connor. One hank of "All Mixed Up" size 8 Czech seed beads from Shipwreck Beads and a graduated ceramic bead set from ceramic artist, Keith O'Connor. I can't think of a better way to get more colors in than these fantastic seed bead mixes! They remind me a lot of the African "Christmas" or "Love" trade beads, which would also be a great choice for this theme. If you take a look at the Pinterest board for this category above, there are images of African beadwork. So, obviously those would be an ideal selection! I hope you've enjoyed following along with me on my journey to creating jewelry for the Spring 2014 issue of Jewelry Stringing magazine. I want to inspire you with ideas that you can use in your own jewelry. If you'd like to try submitting your designs, here is the deadline information and submission guidelines you'll need to know: E-mailed pre-submissions are due September 26th, 2013; physical submissions are due October 10th, 2013. For the rest of the submissions instructions and specifics, please read through the Contributor Guidelines in their entirety here. Don't forget to leave a comment on my Art Bead Scene blog post to be entered to win the cord color mix giveaway. Thanks you! Happy Beading!

Jewelry Stringing Fall 2013

Jewelry Stringing Fall 2013

The Fall 2013 issue of Jewelry Stringing magazine is finally out. This issue is even more fabulous than the last one! With every issue, I'm more and more impressed with the fresh, modern and fashionable jewelry.

I'm proud to be among the contributing designers for the current issue of Jewelry Stringing:

Modern Girl Pearls

Necklace in "Not Your Grandmother's Pearls"

Jewelry Stringing Magazine Fall 2013

Tribal Fringe Bib

Necklace in "Bibs and Collars"

Jewelry Stringing Magazine Fall 2013

I can't wait till the next issue!

Fiber Findings and Finishing Techniques for Jewelry INSTANT DOWNLOAD

Fiber Findings and Finishing Techniques for Jewelry

On Demand Web Seminar

Yay! It's up, it's UP on the Interweave website! You can now download my webinar, Fiber Findings and Finishing Techniques for Jewelry and watch the recorded version ANYTIME you want. You can watch and listen to it on your computer, ipad or even on your smartphone. 

Learn all my tips, tricks and techniques to finishing off leather, ribbons and cords in jewelry. Add some of my favorite materials in your own projects such as, suede lace, leather cord, cotton cord, waxed linen, silk cords, ribbons and more with tons of pictures and step-by-step photo tutorials.

Enhance your knowledge and understanding of how to use the findings available on the market today that can be used with fibers. Add wire-wrapping and knotting techniques to your jewelry-making repertoire that you can use to finish off fibers in your projects with full color, step by step photos and thorough explanations. Follow along with me live as I take you through an in-depth look at all the methods and techniques I use to finish off leather, ribbons and cords cleanly and professionally.

With Fiber Findings and Finishing Techniques for Jewelry, you will...

• Get a list of essential tools for making jewelry with fibers including an explanation of each tool, what I use it for and why I like it.

•  Take a close look at my favorite findings to use with fibers. Get an explanation of each one, the types to buy and why I like them. Get my suggestions for which fibers to use with which findings and learn how to properly use each one with clear, step-by-step photo tutorials.

• Learn my favorite wire-working and knotting techniques to finish off fibers with step-by-step photos and detailed instructions. 

Now, I'd like to share with you what one jewelry-maker shared with me after viewing my webinar:

"Thank you so much for your Fiber Findings & Finishing Techniques webinar! I watched it today, and it was so informative. I learned not only which findings to use with which fibers (and how to do so correctly) but also tips to make my things really look finished. I loved it and hope you make more." - Ann Schroeder 

A fantastic beaded bracelet created by Ann Schroeder after watching my webinar, Fiber Findings and Finishing Techniques for Jewelry.

Read Ann's full review of my webinar on her blog, Bead Love.

I so appreciate what Ann had to say about my presentation and I'm just thrilled to pieces she shared her thoughts and experience. It means so much to me to know that someone is enjoying and creating with the information I am putting out there. That is why I do what I do! 

I want to share with you the information you need to create the jewelry you love. It's what I'm here for.

Download Now!

Anchor Leather Bracelet TUTORIAL

Anchor Leather Bracelet Tutorial

by Erin Siegel

For Ornamentea.com

I LOVE nautical themes. I do live by the sea after all! I have always loved the ocean and life near the harbor. I've been seeing the anchor motif everywhere this year and I just love it. I decided I needed to make my own anchor accessory via Ornamentea, of course. The nautical trend is hot and not just for Summer anymore! You can rock this style all year round.

Ingredients:

1 antique silver anchor charm

2 antique silver fold overends

1 oval jump ring

1 antique silver 7mm springclasp

1 antique silver 1” head pin

1 nickel filed cube bead

1” of antique silver solderedextender chain

12” of blue 1.5mm Greekleather

Tools:

Chain nose pliers

Round nose pliers

Cutters

Scissors

Ruler

Instructions:

1: Use 6” of leather to form a lark’s head knot on the loop of the anchor charm. Repeat for the opposite end of the charm as shown.

2: Insert the ends of the leather into a fold over end and close. Repeat for the other side of the bracelet as shown.

3: Attach the spring clasp to the loop of one fold over end as shown.

4: Use the jump ring to attach the extender chain to the loop of the fold over end. Use the head pin to string 1 filed cube; form a wrapped loop that attaches to the free end of the extender chain as shown.

Fiber Findings and Finishing Techniques for Jewelry LIVE Today!!!

 

 Hello! Today is the day! Please join me LIVE today at 12:30 p.m. EDT for my webinar presentation, Fiber Findings and Finishing Techniques for Jewelry. Find out about all my favorite tools and findings and learn my favorite techniques for finishing off leather, ribbon and cords in your jewelry. You will be able to ask me ANY QUESTIONS you like throughout the entire 60 minute presentation. In fact, I won't even know who is attending the webinar, unless you ask a question during the session, so ask away. Let me know you are there!

If you can't make it to the live webinar event, no worries. You can still download the fully recorded session and watch it at your leisure as many times as you want! The same goes for when you attend the live event, too. You will receive a link to the recorded session to watch again and again.

With Fiber Findings and Finishing Techniques for Jewelry, you will...

• Get a list of essential tools for making jewelry with fibers including an explanation of each tool, what I use it for and why I like it.

•  Take a close look at my favorite findings to use with fibers. Get an explanation of each one, the types to buy and why I like them. Get my suggestions for which fibers to use with which findings and learn how to properly use each one with clear, step-by-step photo tutorials.

• Learn my favorite wire-working and knotting techniques to finish off fibers with step-by-step photos and detailed instructions.

•  Get answers to any questions you have on the subject. 

Sign up NOW.

See you there!

Fashionista Statement Necklace TUTORIAL

Fashionista

Erin Siegel

A bright and bold statement necklace fit for a queen of fashion!

Materials:

76 antique silver 9mm splitrings

1 handmade cobalt blue 5-piece ceramicfan set by Elaine Ray

1 antique silver 23mmfiligree loop toggle clasp

9 feet of dahlia hot pink duponisilk ribbon

15 feet of sunflower yellow4ply Irish waxed linen cord

Tools:

Scissors

Ruler

Finished size: 17 ½”

Instructions: 

 

1: Cut the waxed linen cord into twelve 12” pieces and two 18” pieces. Set aside. Cut the silk ribbon into six 18” pieces. Set aside.

 2: Use one end of 3 pieces of waxed linen cord to string the bottom hole of 1 piece of the ceramic fan from back to front. Use the other end of the 3 cords to string the bottom hole of the adjacent piece in the fan set from back to front. Use the 3 cords coming from the first van piece to string the second hole up in the adjacent piece in the fan set from front to back. Use the 3 cords coming from the adjacent fan piece to string the second hole in the first piece in the fan set from front to back. Continue stringing the fan pieces together in a criss-cross fashion for the rest of the holes up to the top. Tie the ends of the cord together in a square knot at the top of the fan pieces in the front. Trim ends to ¼”. Repeat entire step to attach all 5 pieces of the ceramic fan together.

 

3: Use one piece of silk ribbon to string 1 free hole in one side of the ceramic fan focal piece. Repeat for the remaining 5 silk ribbons.

 4: Bring the ends of one silk ribbon together and use both ends to string 12 split rings. Repeat 5 times for remaining silk ribbons.

  5: On one side of the necklace, bring all the ribbon ends together and use them to string one split ring. Fold 3” of ribbon over the split ring. Leaving a 2” tail, wrap 18” of waxed linen cord around the folded silk ribbon 15 times. Tie the waxed linen cord ends in a square knot and trim. Trim the silk ribbon ends 1” from the linen cord wraps. Use 1 split ring to attach the previous split ring to one half of the clasp. Repeat entire step for the other side of the necklace.

 

Resources:

All materials: Ornamentea.com

This necklace is inspired by a favorite design created by my good friend and designing diva, Cynthia Deis, Owner of Ornamentea.com. See Cynthia's original necklace design and tutorial HERE.

Fiber Findings and Finishing Techniques for Jewelry WEBINAR

Hello! I've been working on a BIG, exciting project with Interweave/FW Media for over two months now. I'm thrilled to finally share it with you! I'm grateful that I have this opportunity to share with all my creative friends out there about how I create the jewelry I love so much. Is there anything better than talking about jewelry? I don't think so.  I'll be presenting a LIVE webinar presentation on Thursday, August 15th at 12:30 p.m. EST called, Fiber Findings and Finishing Techniques for Jewelry. I hope you will join me while I share with you all my tips, tricks and techniques to finishing off leather, ribbons and cords in jewelry. Learn how to add some of my favorite materials in your own projects such as, suede lace, leather cord, cotton cord, waxed linen, silk cords, ribbons and more with tons of pictures and step-by-step photo tutorials.

Enhance your knowledge and understanding of how to use the findings available on the market today that can be used with fibers. Add wire-wrapping and knotting techniques to your jewelry-making repertoire that you can use to finish off fibers in your projects with full color, step by step photos and thorough explanations. Follow along with me live as I take you through an in-depth look at all the methods and techniques I use to finish off leather, ribbons and cords cleanly and professionally. After the presentation, you will get a chance to ask me any questions you like and I will do my very best to answer them!

With Fiber Findings and Finishing Techniques for Jewelry, you will...

• Get a list of essential tools for making jewelry with fibers including an explanation of each tool, what I use it for and why I like it.

•  Take a close look at my favorite findings to use with fibers. Get an explanation of each one, the types to buy and why I like them. Get my suggestions for which fibers to use with which findings and learn how to properly use each one with clear, step-by-step photo tutorials.

• Learn my favorite wire-working and knotting techniques to finish off fibers with step-by-step photos and detailed instructions.

•  Get answers to any questions you have on the subject! 

I hope you can join me for my live webinar on August 15th, but if you can't make it, don't worry! You can still purchase the full presentation at the Interweave store and access it at anytime after the webinar goes live.Thank you!