Inside Jewelry Stringing Magazine : Stringing, Crystals

Now Accepting Winter '14 Jewelry Stringing Submissions!

cchatenever — Fri, 10 May 2013 10:00:00 GMT

I know that many of you have been patiently waiting for the themes and guidelines for the Winter 2014 issue of Jewelry Stringing to be posted. Well the wait is over! Details about issue themes, color palettes, Pinterest boards, and deadlines (submissions are due by June 17th!) are now posted on our Submissions Page.

We are really excited about this issue's themes--we think you will be, too! Here's a snapshot of each one:

Days of Kings and Queens

The expertly costumed casts of popular television shows like Game of Thrones and The Borgias
have shown us that ornate filigrees and dripping jewels are just as captivating today as they
were in ancient times. Submissions in this category should be modern homages to the lavish
jewels that adorned the regal throats and wrists of history's royal women. While these pieces
should have a commanding presence, they should also be wearable. Consider pairing the rich
colors in the palette above with contemporary components, or combining era-inspired accent
elements with a current jewelry trend like mixed metals or leather.

See our Pinterest inspiration board for this palette at:
https://pinterest.com/stringingmag/days-of-kings-and-queens-winter-2014/

Retro, Baby!

While we think there are a lot of styles from the 50's, 60's, 70's, and 80's that are best left in
the past, the jewelry trends that came out of these decades are some of our favorites! The
clean lines, classic silhouettes, and pastel palettes of 50's accessories are often seen in the work
of today's top jewelry designers, and the bright bohemian baubles that the 60's produced will
always be crowd pleasers. The chunky chokers and tribal motifs of the 70's are in the midst of a
comeback, and the geometric shapes and colorblocking of the 80's seem like styles that are
here to stay. Each submission in this category should showcase the trends of one of these
specific decades (including but not limited to those named above).

See our Pinterest inspiration board for this palette at:
https://pinterest.com/stringingmag/retro-baby-winter-2014/

Sparkle, Dazzle, Shine

Dark colors tend to dominate the attire at holiday parties--why not add a splash of wintery
color with a festive piece of jewelry? This collection will consist of projects that are
simultaneously glamorous and playful in shades of rosy pink, icy blues, and minty greens. Don't
be shy with the rhinestones and crystals--these projects should have plenty of glitz and
sparkle! Instead of being inspired by a specific era or genre, this category represents a
collection of our favorite things about the winter season: the twinkle of winking holiday lights,
the bright colors of confetti, the sparkle of a flute of champagne.

See our Pinterest inspiration board for this palette at:
https://pinterest.com/stringingmag/sparkle-dazzle-shine-winter-2014/

Chain Meets Fiber

The trend of chain-and-fiber jewelry is a perfect example of the axiom "Opposites attract."
Chain has structure, is composed of rigid shapes, and is metallic in color, while fiber is soft,
textured, and can be found in a vast spectrum of shades. Whether it is embroidery thread
braided around chunky curb chain, or silk ribbon woven through brassy chain links, this unlikely
couple has been showing up everywhere, from DIY blogs to designer jewelry. We want to see
your take on it! We are looking for projects that include both chain (in any material) and fiber
(ribbon, thread, yarn, twine, linen, fabric, etc.). We are hoping to see colorful fibers in the
saturated swatches above to offset the metallic colors of the chain.

See our Pinterest inspiration board for this palette at:
https://pinterest.com/stringingmag/chain-meets-fiber-winter-2014/

We can't wait to see the designs that these themes and color palettes inspire you to make!

Chloe

Enter Bead Star Now & Save On Entry Fee!

DanielleF@9 — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:00:00 GMT

Enter the Bead Star contest by March 28th and take advantage of reduced entry fees! (The final deadline is May 24th.)

All early bird entries (submitted on or before March 28, 2013) are $15 for the first entry and $5 for each additional entry. All regular entries (submitted after March 28, 2013, but on or before May 24, 2013) are $20 for the first entry and $5 for each additional entry. The entry fee must be paid by credit card or check .

Read more about the contest below, including how you could win an all-expense-paid trip to Bead Fest Philadelphia in August. Find more details at BeadStar.com, then enter to win. Complete rules can be found here.

NEW THIS YEAR:

Beadweaving projects will now be accepted (and are encouraged)!
The Bead Star contest will now be conducted by judges selected by the staff of Beadwork andJewelry Stringing magazines.
We will now charge an entry fee to cover the expenses of administering this competition

PRIZES

One grand-prize winner will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Bead Fest Philadelphia, our most popular Bead Fest event, which will be held August 23 to 25, 2013.

More than $4,000 in Cash Prizes!
5 First Place Awards: $500 each
5 Second Place Awards: $250 each
5 Third Place Awards: 1 one-year subscription to Beadwork or Jewelry Stringing magazine

Plus, the Emerging Artists Category (Open only to entrants who have never had their jewelry published in a magazine or book, including online magazines and books. Entries submitted in this category can be made with any material or technique.)

First Place Award: $150 each
Second Place Award: $75 each
Third Place Award: 1 one-year subscription to Beadwork or Jewelry Stringing magazine

All winners will be published in Beadwork AND Jewelry Stringing magazines. They will also receive recognition at Bead Fest Philadelphia.

CATEGORIES

The Bead Star contest consists of the following 6 categories. Entrants may submit as many designs as they wish in each category; however, the same design cannot be submitted in more than one category. All designs must be the original work of the entrant and must be handmade jewelry (bracelets, necklaces, or earrings) that meets the criteria for each category (see below). Remember, you may now use seed beads and beadweaving techniques to create your entries for any category!

Crystals: Designs created using predominantly* crystals

Glass: Designs created using predominantly* pressed-glass, fire-polished glass, sea glass, lampworked glass, and/or any other type of glass bead.

Metals & Wireworking: Designs created using predominantly* metal beads, components, and/or wire. Metal can be of any type or mixed.

Pearls: Designs created using predominantly* pearls of any shape, color, type, etc. Faux pearls (including crystal and glass pearls), shell, and mother-of-pearl can be used in your entry.

Gemstones: Designs created using predominantly* stones of any type. We will consider coral a stone.

Emerging Artists: Open only to entrants who have never had their jewelry published in a magazine or book, including online magazines and books. Entries submitted in this category can be made with any material or technique.

*By predominantly, we mean that when you look at the project, it should be obvious that the category material plays a starring role in the design. Beadwork and Jewelry Stringing editors reserve the right to reclassify or disqualify projects not meeting these guidelines.

ENTER NOW FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

Enter Our Beading Contest Now!

DanielleF@9 — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Just another reminder: the Bead Star contest is back and better than ever! But don't wait to prepare your entry--THE DEADLINE IS MAY 24!

NEW THIS YEAR:

Beadweaving projects will now be accepted (and are encouraged)!
The Bead Star contest will now be conducted by judges selected by the staff of Beadwork andJewelry Stringing magazines.
We will now charge an entry fee to cover the expenses of administering this competition

PRIZES

One grand-prize winner will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Bead Fest Philadelphia, our most popular Bead Fest event, which will be held August 23 to 25, 2013.

First Place Award: $150 each
Second Place Award: $75 each
Third Place Award: 1 one-year subscription to Beadwork or Jewelry Stringing magazine

All winners will be published in Beadwork AND Jewelry Stringing magazines. They will also receive recognition at Bead Fest Philadelphia.

CATEGORIES

Crystals: Designs created using predominantly* crystals

Glass: Designs created using predominantly* pressed-glass, fire-polished glass, sea glass, lampworked glass, and/or any other type of glass bead.

Metals & Wireworking: Designs created using predominantly* metal beads, components, and/or wire. Metal can be of any type or mixed.

Pearls: Designs created using predominantly* pearls of any shape, color, type, etc. Faux pearls (including crystal and glass pearls), shell, and mother-of-pearl can be used in your entry.

Gemstones: Designs created using predominantly* stones of any type. We will consider coral a stone.

ENTER NOW FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

Only One More Week to Submit Your Designs!

cchatenever — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:00:00 GMT

We have been getting some great submissions for the Fall 2013 issue of Jewelry Stringing magazine. This is shaping up to be a really exciting issue--and (for one more week) you can still be a part of it! Start by reading through our latest set of Contributor Guidelines. Make sure to review the color palettes for this issue's themes and browse our Pinterest boards to get a feel for the type of jewelry we are looking for. I can't decide which of our trend-relevant themed categories I am most excited about. Here's a snapshot of each one:

Raw Beauty: The pieces in this category should celebrate the beauty in imperfection by featuring stones, gems, and other natural materials in their raw forms. Instead of choosing prettily polished beads for your submissions for this category, try experimenting with organic, unfinished beads and materials (drilled crystal pieces, druzies, geodes), and incorporating asymmetrical, imperfect angles into your designs. These pieces should draw their beauty from the unfettered majesty of the natural world. Check out the Raw Beauty Pinterest board:

Not Your Grandmother's Pearls: Pearls are timeless...but that doesn't mean they can't be trendy. For this section, we are looking for pieces that represent a fresh, new take on pearl jewelry. Combine pearls with nontraditional materials (leather, other natural beads, interesting findings), or unique techniques (knotting, braiding, basic wirework) to make your designs stand out. Pearls come in all shapes, sizes, and colors-mix it up! Here's a peek at our Not Your Grandmother's Pearls Pinterest board:

Gold Rush: Gold lends itself to a sophisticated aesthetic, but lately it has also been popping up in streetready fashion jewelry. In this category, we celebrate gold statement jewelry in all its glam glory. While the pieces in this section can include a pop of accent color, they should be predominantly gold. We are looking for jewelry that features chunky, geometric materials (tubes, spikes, hardware) in bold-but-wearable designs. We had a lot of fun curating the Gold Rush Pinterest board:

Collars and Bibs: Collar- and bib-style necklaces are gracing necklines on and off the runway this season. These structured, choker-length necklaces mimic the shape of shirt collars (two symmetrical collar panels) and bibs (one front panel). Get creative in interpreting these styles: play with different panel shapes; create a curtain of bead dangles to communicate your chosen shapes, or construct solid panels; assemble your materials in blocks of color to highlight the geometry of a design-the possibilities are endless! There is a wide variety of takes on this design trend--browse some examples on our Collars and Bibs Pinterest board:

Do you have a favorite?

Chloe

Make These Easy Romantic Earrings

Dblair — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, here's an idea for some little beauties you can whip up for yourself or for someone you love.

2 jet 4mm Swarovski crystal bicones (mine are from FusionBeads.com)

2 ruby 6mm Swarovski crystal bicones (also from FusionBeads.com)

2 frosted filigree 13x9mm lampwork rondelles (I got mine from SueBeads)

2 silver-plated 10mm engraved flower bead caps (these are from Beadaholique)

2 sterling silver 1 1/2" ball-end head pins (also from Beadaholique)

2 ear wires of your choice

1. String the following items onto one head pin:

1 ruby crystal, 1 bead cap (wide end first), 1 lampwork bead, and 1 jet crystal. Form a wrapped loop that attaches to 1 ear wire.

2. Repeat for a second earring.

Just in case you gift your earrings, here are a few of my favorite packaging ideas (click on photos to get to the Etsy shops):

And here's a fun little tidbit: the offices of Jewelry Stringing are located in the beautiful town of Loveland, Colorado (also known as the "Sweetheart City"). Every February, large wooden hearts decorate the light poles around town, each with a message to someone special painted in big white letters. I took these snapshots this morning, just as crews were hanging a heart on the pole outside my window:

Debbie

Just Announced: Jewelry Stringing's Fall Submissions Guidelines!

DanielleF@9 — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Get ready to design! We just posted the Fall 2013 Jewelry Stringing submissions guidelines and encourage you to take a look. This time, we're seeking designs to fill our four thematic jewelry sections: Raw Beauty, Not Your Grandmother's Pearls, Gold Rush, and Collars and Bibs. Learn more about these categories and the color palettes assigned to each below. Your designs should be created with these color palettes in mind; however, you don’t need to use every color in the palette or even more than one—just let it be a guide for your main colors.

Submit your ideas using our Early Review Process by March 1, 2013. The deadline for all physical submissions to be sent to our office is March 15, 2013. For more information about these deadlines and how you can submit your designs to the magazine, see our full guidelines here.

Raw Beauty

The pieces in this category should celebrate the beauty in imperfection by featuring stones, gems, and other natural materials in their raw forms. Instead of choosing prettily polished beads for your submissions for this category, try experimenting with organic, unfinished beads and materials (drilled crystal pieces, druzies, geodes), and incorporating asymmetrical, imperfect angles into your designs. These pieces should draw their beauty from the unfettered majesty of the natural world.

See our Pinterest inspiration board for this palette at:

http://pinterest.com/stringingmag/raw-beauty-fall-2013/

Not Your Grandmother’s Pearls

Pearls are timeless…but that doesn’t mean they can’t be trendy. For this section, we are looking for pieces that represent a fresh, new take on pearl jewelry. Combine pearls with nontraditional materials (leather, other natural beads, interesting findings), or unique techniques (knotting, braiding, basic wirework) to make your designs stand out. Pearls come in all shapes, sizes, and colors—mix it up!

See our Pinterest inspiration board for this palette at:

http://pinterest.com/stringingmag/not-your-grandmother-s-pearls-fall-2013/

Gold Rush

Gold lends itself to a sophisticated aesthetic, but lately it has also been popping up in streetready fashion jewelry. In this category, we celebrate gold statement jewelry in all its glam glory. While the pieces in this section can include a pop of accent color, they should be predominantly gold. We are looking for jewelry that features chunky, geometric materials (tubes, spikes, hardware) in bold-but-wearable designs.

See our Pinterest inspiration board for this palette at:

http://pinterest.com/stringingmag/gold-rush-fall-2013/

Collars and Bibs

Collar- and bib-style necklaces are gracing necklines on and off the runway this season. These structured, choker-length necklaces mimic the shape of shirt collars (two symmetrical collar panels) and bibs (one front panel). Get creative in interpreting these styles: play with different panel shapes; create a curtain of bead dangles to communicate your chosen shapes, or construct solid panels; assemble your materials in blocks of color to highlight the geometry of a design—the possibilities are endless!

See our Pinterest inspiration board for this palette at:

http://pinterest.com/stringingmag/collars-and-bibs-fall-2013/

We hope these categories stimulate your creativity. Can't wait to see your submissions!

Win Big Prizes in Our Best Beading Contest Ever!

DanielleF@9 — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 11:00:00 GMT

The Bead Star contest is back and better than ever! Read more about the contest below, including how you could win an all-expense-paid trip to Bead Fest Philadelphia in August. Find more details at BeadStar.com, then enter to win. Complete rules can be found here.

NEW THIS YEAR:

Beadweaving projects will now be accepted (and are encouraged)!
The Bead Star contest will now be conducted by judges selected by the staff of Beadwork andJewelry Stringing magazines.
We will now charge an entry fee to cover the expenses of administering this competition

PRIZES

One grand-prize winner will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Bead Fest Philadelphia, our most popular Bead Fest event, which will be held August 23 to 25, 2013.

First Place Award: $150 each
Second Place Award: $75 each
Third Place Award: 1 one-year subscription to Beadwork or Jewelry Stringing magazine

All winners will be published in Beadwork AND Jewelry Stringing magazines. They will also receive recognition at Bead Fest Philadelphia.

CATEGORIES

Crystals: Designs created using predominantly* crystals

Glass: Designs created using predominantly* pressed-glass, fire-polished glass, sea glass, lampworked glass, and/or any other type of glass bead.

Metals & Wireworking: Designs created using predominantly* metal beads, components, and/or wire. Metal can be of any type or mixed.

Pearls: Designs created using predominantly* pearls of any shape, color, type, etc. Faux pearls (including crystal and glass pearls), shell, and mother-of-pearl can be used in your entry.

Gemstones: Designs created using predominantly* stones of any type. We will consider coral a stone.

ENTER NOW FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

Make 12 Holiday Jewelry Designs

DanielleF@9 — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 11:00:00 GMT

A little bit ago, I posted a blog about how much fun the Jewelry Stringing staff had while working on a collection of holiday-jewelry projects. I'm proud to announce that the Create Christmas Jewelry: 12 Holiday Designs eBook is now available here. Inside, you can learn how to make a dozen festive earring designs using a variety of techniques and materials, including beadweaving, metal stamping, epoxy clay, paper-folding, wireworking, and more. I love this eBook for its variety of projects...and for the opportunity I had to include some of my favorite vintage ornaments in the photo styling (see a few of them in the photo below?). I knew they'd come in handy some day!

Our newest collection of jewelry projects--all made by the Jewelry Stringing staff!

Get in the spirit of the season and make yourself or your friends a pair of Christmas earrings. And, remember, earrings make great gifts as they're quick and easy to make and one size fits all! Plus, the eBook costs only $9.95, which is just 83 cents per project. Cheap (but chic) inspiration! Here's a look at some of the designs inside:

	My earrings made with epoxy clay, glitter, and crystal chatons.
	Debbie Blair's patina-ink-colored wreath earrings.
	Debbie Blair's sweet version of snowmen earrings.

I can't believe it's already time to start thinking about the holidays. But flipping the calendar to November the other day and looking through this pattern collection has started to get me in the mood. I hope you enjoy this sneak peek into our latest creative adventure--I hope it helps put you in a happy holiday mood, too.

Enjoy!

Fa La La Lots of Earrings!

DanielleF@9 — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 10:00:00 GMT

The Jewelry Stringing and Beadwork office is always abuzz with activity. It feels like we always have a million things going on at once. Right now, though, our biggest push is to finalize our newest eBook, Create Christmas Jewelry: 12 Holiday Designs. The other editors and I decided we would make all-new earrings for this collection of projects. We received materials to make the earrings from FusionBeads.com, Artbeads.com, and Beadaholique (thanks, guys!), then got together over the course of a few Friday afternoons to implement our design ideas.

Debbie Blair and Kate Wilson working on their holiday-earring projects.

We don't often set aside time to create, so it was fun to sit down together and get to it. For me, it was amazing to see all the different ideas everyone came up with. Debbie created some strung snowman earrings, stamped angel earrings, and painted-filigree wreath earrings. Kate stitched up some cute star and snowflake earrings. And Chloe made some wrapped-wire-and-crystal snowflake earrings, some origami-style star earrings, and some earrings that look like little Christmas light bulbs filled with crystals and holiday greetings. I made some filigree angel earrings, some polymer clay Christmas tree earrings, some resin-filled earrings with holiday-music paper and glitter, and some square-stitched gift-box earrings.

Want to see what we came up with? Here's a sneak peek. You'll have to check back at the BeadingDaily shop in early November to see the rest!

Debbie Blair's wreath earrings.

Do you wear holiday jewelry? If so, tell us about it.

Bejeweled Halloween Ideas

Dblair — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 04:00:00 GMT

With Halloween just around the corner, I thought it would be fun to spook up a few appropriately-themed jewelry components, tutorials, and just-plain-fun eye candy!

I love the clever use of chain in this spider web bracelet and necklace set. Find the free tutorial on the Rings & Things web site.

Normally the sight of any spider can give me the heebie jeebies. But not this sparkletastic brooch by ParisXOX on Etsy!

I can't begin to speak of the skill involved in GrimaceAndSqueak's spectacular beaded masks! Visit their Etsy shop to check out close ups of this cat mask, as well as birds, jesters, and more!

I had to throw in this beaded shoe by Teri Greeves (Beadwork Magazine's October/November "Bead Artist") as inspiration for the rest of your costume! Wow!

Ornamentea offers up this free tutorial for their quick-and-easy bat bracelet! Visit their web site for the how-to.

Thanks to jewelry designer, Lorelei Eurto, for tipping us off to these amazing porcelain bats on the Round Rabbit Extra site. These would make such a fun and creepy necklace!

And as long as we're on the topic of bats, check out these lovelies from one of my all-time favorite ceramic artists, Marsha Neal. We found out about these when Marsha sent us a few for inclusion in our product roundup in the Fall issue of Jewelry Stringing.

Alright, one more bat. Beading Daily editor, Jennifer VanBenschoten, did a little bead embroidery on this ceramic bat cabochon by Lisa Peters, and combined it with a few more of Lisa's components. See it on her 2011 Halloween post here.

You won't want to sink your teeth into one of these polymer clay candy corns (made you look twice didn't I?). But they sure would make a fun charm bracelet or set of earrings! Find the how-to over on No Big Dill's blog.

Oh what fun I could have loading a charm bracelet with these little gems from Artbeads.com. Find a whole host of Halloweeny goodies on their web site here.

Ok, so this is not exactly jewelry related, but I couldn't resist. Instructions for making these pumpkin decorations (with stockings!) can be found on the Home Seasons blog. I think I'd bling it up with a few flatback crystals here and there. Cool, huh?

What kind of Halloween jewelry and accessories do you wear? Do you have plans to bead any this year? Share your comments below!

Happy Halloween!

Spring Fashion Preview

DanielleF@9 — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 10:00:00 GMT

Here in the Jewelry Stringing office, we've been planning our Spring 2013 issue for quite some time now. In fact, a few weeks ago we released our Contributor Guidelines with all the info you need to know in order to submit your own jewelry designs to the magazine. (I encourage everyone to check them out--we're always looking for great designs to share with our readers!) In order to prepare those guidelines, our staff researched the predicted fashion trends for Spring 2013. It always amazes me that people can know what's going to be in style months from now! With New York's Fashion Week in full swing now, it's been fun for me to look online at the coverage of that event. Those fashion prognosticators were right on! Below, I'll show you a few of my favorite items and discuss how they tie in to Jewelry Stringing's spring issue themes. Do join in the fun and submit your design ideas!

	This flapper look was designed by Chadwick Bell. In our Contributor Guidelines, we've asked contributors to create jewelry that demonstrates the same VINTAGE MOXIE (see the guidelines for the full palette). Here's what we're looking for: In anticipation of the upcoming release of the newest Great Gatsby film, interest in the styles of the Roaring 20s will be renewed. Jewelry you submit for this section should represent a modern twist on flapper fashions: swinging lariats, tassels, rhinestones, pearls, and/or other design elements typical of Art Deco jewelry, such as colorful stones and geometric shapes. The Jazz Era was a colorful period, and so we’ve assigned to this section a palette of vibrant jewel tones softened by a neutral taupe. See our Pinterest inspiration board for this palette at: http://pinterest.com/stringingmag/vintage-moxie/
	This mod dress from Carolina Herrera has some great neon accents. In our Contributor Guidelines, we've asked contributors to create jewelry using HIGH VOLTAGE brights (see the guidelines for the full palette). Here's what we're looking for:It’s spring, and the sun shines brighter every day. To celebrate, we ask you to design with these bright, saturated, look-at-me colors that lend themselves to fun, trendy designs. Use these bold hues as they appear, or give them extra punch by taking them neon. Materials you might want to use in your jewelry designs include plastic beads, colored chain, and bright crystals, rhinestones, and semiprecious stones. To match, consider shiny metals, such as bright gold, copper, and silver. See our Pinterest inspiration board for this palette at: http://pinterest.com/stringingmag/high-voltage/
	This gorgeous dress from Tory Burch is in a pale mint color. In our Contributor Guidelines, we've asked contributors to create jewelry using BLEACHED BRIGHTS like this (see the guidelines for the rest of the palette). Here's what we're looking for: As a counterpoint to our high-voltage category, we present this palette of bleached, chalky colors in upbeat, feminine tones—blush pink, dusty lavender, buttery yellow, pistachio green, robin’s egg blue. It is a pretty but unassuming collection of washed-out, barely-there colors, colors that will lend themselves to soft, fresh jewelry designs. Consider using matte or pearlescent materials in these designs, and don’t shy away from metallic accents. See our Pinterest inspiration board for this palette at: http://pinterest.com/stringingmag/bleached-brights/
	This casual printed dress from Custo Barcelona looks like something someone would wear to the Coachella music festival. In our Contributor Guidelines, we've asked contributors to create jewelry with a similar COACHELLA CHIC vibe (see the guidelines for the rest of the palette). Here's what we're looking for: Named for the annual music festival that has become an unofficial showcase of the latest bohemian-chic and indie fashion trends, this palette is made up of natural colors with some added oomph. Jewelry you submit to this section might have a tribal or ethnic flair. Materials and motifs you might want to consider include metal feathers and arrows, leather and knotting, turquoise, and raw/unfinished beads and stones. Don’t be afraid to make a statement! See our Pinterest inspiration board for this palette at: http://pinterest.com/stringingmag/coachella-chic/

Enter a Beading Contest!

Dblair — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Fall hasn't even officially begun, but here in the office we are busily plugging away on the winter issue of Jewelry Stringing. I'm excited that the winter issue will feature the winning projects from this year's Bead Star competition!

If you like to enter beading contests, here are a few that are going on right now:

		Visit the Rings & Things web site for details on their Pick Your Palette Swarovski Elements Crystal Jams Contest. Entries don't have to be jewelry--they can be anything--but must be made using the Crystal Jams assortment packs. Hurry--contest closes September 12^th!
		Vintaj Natural Brass Company hosts a monthly contest, each with a different theme. Submit your jewelry designs in their October challenge, "Radiant Raven," by using Vintaj's Arte Metal and/or Artisan Copper. Entries will be accepted until noon on September 28^th, and full details can be found here.
		Submit your over-the-top crystal jewelry, accessories, or home décor designs in Fire Mountain Gems and Beads Swarovski Elements Contest! Full details can be found here. Contest ends September 30^th.
		And, finally, Beadwork magazine's Beaded Bead Contest is a celebration of the magazine's 15^th anniversary. During 2012, each issue of Beadwork includes instructions for a different style of beaded bead. Contestants need to create a jewelry design incorporating each of the five beads featured throughout the year. Deadline to enter is October 26^th and details can be found on the web site here.
		Even though Happy Mango Beads's "Trash to Treasure" contest is over, it's fun to view the winning entries on their web site, where contestants got pretty darn creative in turning their trash into some fun and stylish jewelry designs! Take a look here.

Whether you like to craft jewelry, accessories, or home décor with your beads, there seems to be something for everyone if you're in the mood to try your hand at a beading contest!

Good luck!

Debbie Blair, Managing Editor

Spring 2013 Jewelry Stringing Guidelines Posted!

cchatenever — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 15:00:00 GMT

We have finally published our updated Contributor Guidelines for the Spring 2013 issue of Jewelry Stringing magazine. A lot of thought and planning went into the themes for this issue and we can't wait to see the submissions that you all create!

Read through the complete set of guidelines and submissions instructions for this issue here.

The projects in our Spring issue will be organized into four different themed sections (each with its own color palette):

VINTAGE MOXIE

In anticipation of the upcoming release of the newest Great Gatsby film, interest in the styles of the Roaring 20s will be renewed. Jewelry you submit for this section should represent a modern twist on flapper fashions: swinging lariats, tassels, rhinestones, pearls, and/or other design elements typical of Art Deco jewelry, such as colorful stones and geometric shapes. The Jazz Era was a colorful period, and so we’ve assigned to this section a palette of vibrant jewel tones softened by a neutral taupe.

View the Pinterest inspiration board for this palette here.

HIGH VOLTAGE

It’s spring, and the sun shines brighter every day. To celebrate, we ask you to design with these bright, saturated, look-at-me colors that lend themselves to fun, trendy designs. Use these bold hues as they appear, or give them extra punch by taking them neon. Materials you might want to use in your jewelry designs include plastic beads, colored chain, and bright crystals, rhinestones, and semiprecious stones. To match, consider shiny metals, such as bright gold, copper, and silver.

View the Pinterest inspiration board for this palette here.

BLEACHED BRIGHTS

As a counterpoint to our high-voltage category, we present this palette of bleached, chalky colors in upbeat, feminine tones-blush pink, dusty lavender, buttery yellow, pistachio green, robin's egg blue. It is a pretty but unassuming collection of washed-out, barely-there colors, colors that will lend themselves to soft, fresh jewelry designs. Consider using matte or pearlescent materials in these designs, and don't shy away from metallic accents.

View the Pinterest inspiration board for this palette here.

COACHELLA CHIC

Named for the annual music festival that has become an unofficial showcase of the latest bohemian-chic and indie fashion trends, this palette is made up of natural colors with some added oomph. Jewelry you submit to this section might have a tribal or ethnic flair. Materials and motifs you might want to consider include metal feathers and arrows, leather and knotting, turquoise, and raw/unfinished beads and stones. Don't be afraid to make a statement!

View the Pinterest inspiration board for this palette here.

Submissions for this issue are due in our office by October 10th, 2012 (emailed presubmissions due by September 26th). Click here for the rest of the details concerning submissions for this issue. Feel free to email any additional questions regarding submissions for this issue to stringing@interweave.com.

Best,

Chloe

Statement Jewelry: Bring on the Bling

Kate Wilson — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 15:58:00 GMT

Lately I've noticed a growing number of jewelry designers are incorporating brightly colored crystals and other gemstones into their pieces. And this bling isn't just for playing dress-up: saturated pastels, electric neons, and lollipop-like hues can light up a tired jeans-and-t-shirt outfit. Here are some of my favorite finds:

Flower Lattice Necklace made with Czech rhinestones: J. Crew


Classic Neon Crystal Statement Necklace made with hand- dyed vintage crystal: Doloris Petunia	Custom Double-Row Friendship Bracelet made with Swarovski crystals: Doloris Petunia

Angelica aventurine and agate multistrand necklace: Rosantica via Net-A-Porter


Crystal-embellished necklace: Etro via Net-A-Porter	Pinata painted Swarovski-crystal earrings: Tom Binns via Net-A-Porter

I've always been a bit of a girly girl, so I can't resist the idea of bead-dazzling my jewelry collection with a new, shiny, super-chromatic necklace and pair of earrings. I recently discovered the Preciosa Caribbean Co-ncerts crystal collection while I was on a quest for crown jewel–worthy stringing materials. The Czech-crystal producer teamed up with Pantone to deliver trendy palettes to work the runways, and the result is four gorgeous spring/summer 2013 palettes.

How are you using bold-colored jewels in your projects?

Happy Stringing!

Kate Wilson
Project Editor

Favorites in Floral Fashion

Dblair — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 04:00:00 GMT

This week, we've been doing a lot of planning for the Spring 2013 issue of Jewelry Stringing. And one of the hot trends we're seeing for spring happens to be floral prints. Here, I've put together a little collection of my favorite floral clothing, jewelry, and accessories from Pinterest, Etsy, and a few of my go-to shops for fashion inspiration.

1. I just may have to splurge and buy myself one of these adorable newsboys from Anthropologie! Uber cute any time of the year!

2. This minty blue-green Charmed Floral Necklace from Rouche would look lovely paired with a little black dress for a night on the town, or dressed down with a pair of jeans and white blouse.

3. Not exactly something I could see myself wearing to the office, this Bold Floral Dress from Oasis would be a stunning outfit for a wedding or other special occasion. LOVE it!

4. These Crystal Delicate Floral Chandelier Earrings from Sorrelli have just enough interesting components, without being over the top.

5. I love the subtle pattern in this feminine Petal Drifts silk tunic from Sundance.

6. This delicate and stunningly beautiful porcelain ring is from one of my all-time favorite Etsy artists, MaaPstudio.

7. Aside from the fact that these Charlotte Olympia pumps from Neiman Marcus cost about as much as my mortgage payment, I just adore the sassy, fun colors! Santa, are you listening?

8. I'm a big fan of polymer-clay-done-well, and this fabulous turquoise cherry blossom cuff from another of my favorite Etsy artists, TheShagBag, has me drooling at my desk!

I can't wait to see what other spring trends we'll see! Share your favorites here!

Debbie Blair, Managing Editor