Inside Jewelry Stringing Magazine : Stringing, Crystals, Pearls

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

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!

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/

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

Wedding Jewelry Trends for Summer

Dblair — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 12:21:00 GMT

Don't you just love summer weddings? One of my office mates has been busily planning her nuptials, which will take place later this month. Getting a glimpse of just some of the things that will make her day special has inspired me to see which accessories brides will be wearing this summer.

1. The summer issue of Martha Stewart magazine shows us a collection of pearls in unusual shapes, shades, and settings.

2. Brides Magazine features this out-of-the-ordinary wedding choker from Neiman Marcus made with pearls,crystals, and--get this--black leather!

3. I can almost hear my grandmother gushing over this gorgeous bracelet on TheKnot.com, featuring cotton and polyester crocheted loops, glass pearls and mother-of-pearl.

4. Look at these non-traditional beauties from Nordstrom. Simply stunning!

5. I love the accent on these gorgeous pearl strands--my favorite pick from Southern Bride magazine.

6. This vintage-style bracelet by Etsy artist, ShesAccessories, is made with white fresh water pearls and rhodium plated leaves with rhinestones.

7. The subtle details make these earrings in MadeByMore's Etsy shop oh-so-sweet.

8. If you're interested in making your own jewelry for that special day, download the Best of Stringing Wedding eBook, or check out Jean Campbell's Beaded Weddings, both available in the Interweave Store.

Happy crafting!

Cast Your Votes for Bead Star 2012!

cchatenever — Fri, 11 May 2012 10:00:00 GMT

Voting has officially begun for Bead Star 2012! Between now and May 28th, we are inviting all BeadingDaily.com members to peruse the designs in our 7 Bead Star voting galleries and vote for their favorites. The winning designs will receive prizes from our generous sponsors, and be featured in the Winter 2012 issue of Jewelry Stringing magazine. The last day to vote will be Monday, May 28th, so get your votes in early!

Follow the links below to browse through the 20 finalists in each category and cast your votes! (Note: You may vote for as many pieces as you would like, but may only vote for each entry once!)

		CRYSTALS


		GLASS


		METALS


		PEARLS


		PLASTICS


		STONES


		CERAMICS

Voting instructions and a link to the official contest rules can be found here.

Happy voting!

Chloe

Resources for Newbies

Dblair — Mon, 07 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Are you new to jewelry making? Or perhaps a dabbler with the desire to take it to the next level? Well there are some fabulous resources available to help you learn some new skills.

A great place to start would be signing up for a class at your local bead or craft store. Many places typically hold classes for beginning through advanced techniques. If you are more of a do-it-yourselfer, I would recommend getting a copy of Stringing Style and Stringing Style 2, which offer basic instruction to help you get started, in addition to over a hundred easy projects for inspiration.

One of my personal favorite collections is the Create Jewelry series, which introduces you to working with pearls, stones, crystals and glass beads. These four books are also packed with oodles of inspiring designs, and include helpful information on choosing and working with the various types of stones, pearls, etc. Check them out at InterweaveStore.com.

If you're more of a visual learner, like me, you can always check out the free how-to videos available on BeadingDaily.com, which walk you through a variety of techniques, from using crimp tubes, to making simple and wrapped loops, all from the comfort of your home.

Other techniques can be learned by tuning in to Beads, Baubles, & Jewels, either on your local PBS station, or by viewing full episodes online here. Jewelry maven, artist, and writer, Katie Hacker, welcomes new guests each week, who share projects and tips on a variety of topics and techniques.

Of course, as with any hobby, the more you practice, the better you will become! By refining your skills, soon your friends will be asking, "Where did you buy that amazing necklace?"

And there are all kinds of things you can do with your newfound skills. I've seen booths of beautiful handmade jewelry at craft fairs and farmers markets. Many people I know make jewelry for friends at Christmastime. You can even host a trunk show of sorts by showing your jewelry at a home party. The sky's the limit!

Now, get out there and create!

Debbie Blair

Managing Editor

Enter Your Jewelry Designs in Bead Star 2012!

cchatenever — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 10:00:00 GMT

You know you're a star...now it's time to make sure the rest of the beading world knows it, too! Beginning on April 1st, 2012, you will be able to enter your jewelry designs in our Bead Star 2012 competition. Read through the official rules for more information about our entry requirements and guidelines, and then visit www.beadstar.com on April 1st to enter photos of your designs!

Check out last year's issue!

A summary of the competition timeline:

April 1st--27th: Entry Period

During this period, Beading Daily members are invited to enter Bead Star 2012 by uploading photos of their jewelry designs. Each member may enter one design in each of our contest categories: Ceramics, Crystals, Glass, Metals, Pearls, Plastics, and Stones (a total of 7 possible entries for each member).

April 28th--May 10th: Selection of Finalists

At this point the editors of Jewelry Stringing magazine will select 20 finalists in each of 7 categories.

May 11th--28th: Voting Period

The finalists will be published in online voting galleries and Beading Daily members will vote for their favorite entries in each category. All those who entered should encourage their friends and family to visit www.beadstar.com to cast their votes during this period!

June 1st: Contestants Notified of Results

All contestants will be notified of their status via email by June 1st.

June 15th: Winning Designs Due

All winners are required to submit their actual project with step-by-step instructions and complete materials, tools, and resources lists to Jewelry Stringing magazine by June 15th. Projects will be returned by December 31, 2012.

December, 2012: Winning Designs Published in Jewelry Stringing Magazine

Winning designs will be published in the Winter 2012 issue of Jewelry Stringing magazine, which will be available on newsstands worldwide mid-December 2012.

For further details, consult our official contest rules.

We can't wait to see all of your Bead Star 2012 entries!

Chloe

Assistant Editor

Mad Men Inspired Jewelry!

DanielleF@9 — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 03:00:00 GMT

The wait is over! Season 5 of Mad Men premieres this Sunday. Are you a fan, too? Over the summer, my husband and I caught up on the series, so we're greatly anticipating the return of Don, Betty, Joan, Roger, and the rest of the crew. I admit: I'm hooked!

The show is good for many reasons, one of which, of course, is the gorgeous 60s era clothing and accessories. In honor of the show's return, I thought I would pull together jewelry designs fitting of the show's sometimes likeable, sometimes despicable heroine Betty Francis (formerly Draper). The jewelry shown is from past issues of Bead Star, our annual publication of winning jewelry designs selected by Beading Daily readers. This year's Bead Star winners will be published in Jewelry Stringing magazine. There is still time to enter! Just submit your best designs between April 1 and 27. Grab some beads, turn on Mad Men, and start beading some winning jewelry!

Clockwise from top left: Crystal Cleopatra by Julie Carlson-Herrera from Bead Star 2011; Betty Draper from Mad Men; Pearl Plush by Moira McEvoy from Bead Star 2011; and Coppery Flower by Kathy M. Pak from Bead Star 2010.