Jewelry Stringing Magazine Spring 2014

I'm extremely excited to share the cover of the Spring 2014 issue of Jewelry Stringing magazine with you! It's a proud, proud moment for me to see my necklace on the cover of my favorite beading magazine. I'm honored to have my piece featured in this way. So few are chosen for this coveted spot. I feel very fortunate. I can't quite describe how much this means to me. I have dreamed of this. I have visualized my jewelry on the cover many times and thought of what a wonderful feeling it would be. I feel so happy and over-joyed to reach this goal. It just goes to show what you can accomplish when you put your mind to it. Dreams really do come true!

However, I do not think about the cover of the magazine while I make my jewelry for submission. I create what inspires me at the moment. I always create pieces that reflect my own interests and style even when working within the parameters of a magazine's guidelines. Some of you might remember that I wrote an article last September, for the Art Bead Scene about submitting jewelry designs FOR THIS VERY ISSUE! I wrote the article while I was in the process of creating my jewelry pieces for the submission process. Read that post here, if you missed it or for a refresher.

My goal was to offer helpful information for aspiring designers to submit jewelry to the magazine and also encourage participation in contributing designs to publications in general. I took a BIG risk writing and publishing that post before submitting the finished jewelry and again, took another gamble that a piece would even be accepted and then published! I created and submitted 4 pieces for this publication. Two out of those four were accepted for further consideration. I sure am grateful that those two designs were indeed accepted and published in the magazine. I would have felt pretty silly and foolish writing an advice article about successfully creating jewelry for publication and then not getting any pieces accepted to the magazine myself. That would have been slightly embarrassing, but that is the chance I took! I felt inspired to be open and put myself out there. My intention was simply to share my creative process and maybe inspire someone else to give publishing a shot. I hoped I'd get at least one project published in the issue. I never in a million years expected one of my designs to make the cover!

Since I shared a sneak peek at the designs I was working on in my submissions post from last September, I thought it would be fun to reveal all 4 of the necklaces I created and submitted to the magazine for the Spring 2014 issue, even the pieces that were not accepted. So, here it goes.

Necklace submitted to the "Soft Jewelry" theme for Spring 2014:

"World Beat"

Necklace submitted to the "Spring Green" theme for Spring 2014:

"Hemlock Forest"

Necklace submitted to the "Monochromatic" theme for Spring 2014:

"Stormy Winds"

Necklace submitted to the "Bead Soup" theme for Spring 2014:

"Globe-Trotter"

Now, here are my two designs in Jewelry Stringing magazine as published!:

World Beat

Necklace and Bracelet in the "Strike a Cord" section

Jewelry Stringing Magazine Spring 2014

 Sankofa trade beads, Irish waxed linen and Greek leather all supplies from Ornamentea.com.

 

Globe-trotter

Necklace and Bracelet in the "Bead Soup" section

Jewelry Stringing Magazine Spring 2014

Seed beads from ShipWreckBeads.com and a handmade ceramic bead set by artist, Keith O'Connor.

Pick up your copy of this issue on newsstands now or download the digital version. Happy beading to all and if you are so inclined, happy submitting to magazines as well. 

 

Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day!!! I hope you are doing something you love today and spending time with whom you love as well. Much love to you all.

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!

Jewelry Stringing Spring 2013

 Jewelry Stringing Spring 2013

The Spring 2013 issue of Jewelry Stringing Magazine is OUT! I downloaded the digital version. I've been eagerly awaiting this season's issue. I LOVE the new direction and focus of the magazine towards ultra chic, hip, stylish jewelry. The designs have a new look and vibe with themes focused on fashion-forward trends. I think it's the only way to go and the Spring issue did not disappoint. So many fun, vibrant, SUPER inspiring designs. Just loved it. There were many pieces in there that I thought were way cool and clever. Got my creative juices flowing and wheels turning for fresh, new design ideas!

I'm even more proud than ever to have my designs appear in this publication. They really did a spectacular job with the images of the jewelry. Interweave always does a fabulous job with the photography, but I think they out did themselves with this Stringing issue. I contacted Chloe Chatenever, one of the editors over at Stringing and asked if she'd send me the photo of my necklace and bracelet in the issue. I'm excited to share my published designs with you here!

Misty Lilac 

Necklace and Bracelet as seen in Jewelry Stringing Spring 2013.

Looking for soft, feminine, wearable jewelry for Spring? Make my Misty Lilac necklace! Find the full instructions in the Spring 2013 issue of Jewelry Stringing Magazine on newsstands soon or download the digital version now if you can not wait a second longer, like me. :)

 Happy Spring beading...and knotting!

Belle Armoire Jewelry

"Bohemian Knotted Jewelry"

Belle Armoire Jewelry Winter 2012

I am so excited and thankful to have my work featured in Belle Armoire Jewelry. It's a real honor to be among the pages of this esteemed magazine! Belle Armoire is known for high quality, high-end art jewelry. Amazingly talented, distinguished jewelry artists have graced the pages of this publication. Some of them are fellow jewelry friends I have had the pleasure of meeting. Even though I am a published author of a successful jewelry-making book, I never thought I would see my work in Belle Armoire. I like to stay humble. It keeps me grounded :) Seriously, I just didn't consider what I do to be a "fit" for the magazine...I'm still not sure. I can imagine other jewelry designers may feel the same way as well. Don't be afraid to submit your creations, you may be surprised!

 

African-Inspired Cuff and Del Sol Bracelet

I thank editor, Cynthia Levens, from the bottom of my heart for extending out an invitation to me to submit my jewelry and giving me this opportunity. My article in the Winter issue entitled "Bohemian Knotted Jewelry" looks so beautiful. It's a very proud moment for me. I even had the photographer inquire about buying one of my pieces that appears in the article as well. I'm absolutely flattered. That is the first time a publishing staffer has ever wanted to purchase my work. She must see so, so many incredible pieces through her lens. To want one of my pieces? Well, that feels really great. She did a fantastic job with the photos of my jewelry in the magazine and the rest of the staff did a wonderful job putting it all together!

Bohemian Knotted Earrings Collection

 

For all those interested in learning more about my knot work, pick up a copy of the latest issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry. You'll find step-by-step instructions for my Modern Bohemian Necklace, African-Inspired Cuff, Del Sol Bracelet and three pairs of earrings from my Bohemian Knotted Earrings Collection.

My friend and book co-author Lorelei also has a few jewelry pieces in this same issue. I'm so glad we are both a part of it together! Her pieces appear in the Boutique Gallery of Jewelry and they look awesome. Congrats, L!

 

  Belle Armoire Jewelry Winter 2012

On newsstands now!

Jewelry Stringing Magazine

The Summer 2012 issue of Jewelry Stringing magazine is available in digital form!

The much-awaited Summer issue of Jewelry Stringing magazine is available as a download, now. I tell ya, this magazine just keeps getting better and better! This Summer issue is packed with inspiring jewelry designs that I would love to create for myself. Many of the creations are right up my ally with turquoise gemstones, fibers and other natural beads and materials. I'm excited to say I have two bracelets and a necklace project called "Mystic Magic" in this issue. In the necklace, I used ceramic beads by Duane Collins of Elements Pottery. Duane is one of my favorite ceramic bead artists. His work just speaks to my very soul! Check out his phenomenal beads and pendants in his Etsy shop.

 "Mystic Magic" necklace in Jewelry Stringing magazine Summer 2012.

In addition, I am deeply honored to be featured in an interview for the Sell and Tell section of the magazine! I was asked to answer questions about teaching jewelry-making classes and workshops. This subject is near and dear to my heart. Teaching is something I love to do and I hope to do more of in the future. In fact, I have every intention to make teaching my main focus of my jewelry-making career. I feel more than ever that this is the path for me.  I could not be more grateful to the editors of Jewelry Stringing for extending their invitation to contribute to the publication in this way! An opportunity I won't soon forget. Here is the feature article below:

Click here to download

or

Click here to pre-order a print copy.

On newsstands June 5.