Fit to Print Review: Stringing and Easy Wire Magazine

"A Little Fresh Air" by Erin Prais-Hintz from Stringing Summer 2011

Need a quick jolt of inspiration?  Look no further than Interweave Press' latest issues of Stringing and Easy Wire magazine.  Both issues are packed with art bead inspired projects by today's top designers.  You'll find a few of our Art Bead Scene editors within the pages of these awesome publications.

Stringing Magazine projects include designs with toggles, the oh-so trendy circle motif, a brush of blush theme featuring necklaces inspired by Pantone's color of the year, earthy primitives and power packed posies.  You'll also find 16 bracelets and 26 earring designs dripping summer's juiciest colors.  There are articles on trying overhand knots, designing jewelry collections and 30 favorites materials from Jamie Hogsett, Michelle Mach and Danielle Fox - find out what they couldn't live without on their beading table this summer!

I'm escpeically excited about this issue of Easy Wire magazine.  And it's not just because I have 4 projects in this issue!  Oh no, it's because it's packed with innovative and deciptively simple projects using wire!  I'm completely inspired by this magazine.  You'll find projects in here from Lori Anderson, Lorelei Eurto, Cindy Wimer, Cassie Donlen, Kerry Bogert, Andrew Thornton and many more - including some of our long time Art Bead Scene readers!  Congratulations to Cristie Clothier for the great cover design!  This issue is also bursting with art beads - such a great resouce for ideas on how to utilize your favorite beads.  I'm ready to pull out the wire and get to work!

And finally before I go today, I wanted to tell you about a new website from Interweave. It's called the Flockshop and you'll be able to save 40-60% off craft supplies from your favorite brands and Interweave products. Later this summer the Flockshop will be curated by popular bloggers sharing their favorite finds and yes, I am one of those lucky curators. I will be working hard to bring you some amazing bead supplies hand-picked by me! The website launched yesterday, be sure to subscribe so you won't miss a single deal!

Fit to Print Review: 101 Bracelets, Necklaces and Earrings

101 Bracelets, Necklaces and Earrings from Interweave Press

I picked this magzine up the other day and have been pouring over it during my lunch breaks.  I dissect each project, discovering the surprising ways the contributors kept 101 designs fresh, beautiful and innovative.  If you love Stringing magazine, you'll want to pick up this issue.  The projects are strung or simple wire-work and bursting with creativity.

There are 3 awesome features including a primer on what makes a successful bracelet, the tricks of layering necklaces and an easy way to knot pearls.  And dear reader, after seeing Danielle Fox's 'Bunny Love' bracelet you will have an inexplicable desire to knot pearls!  Gaea Cannaday has a great project that takes you through the steps of creating a natural patina on copper. And you can learn how to make a handmade sterling silver chain bracelet from Janice Berkebile.

I should mention there are only 3 earring projects.  My favorite part of the magazine - they are heavy on the art beads and showcase the work of a wide range of talented beadmakers.

I encourage you to look at your favorite projects, study them as a lesson and take this short quiz:

1. What is the first thing I notice about this design?

2. Break down the color combination - could I use this in my own work?

3. Are there any usual design elements that were utilized?  (I noticed jump rings used as spacers and seed beads used as a decorative ring to end a bracelet)

4. Is there anything usual about the clasp or how the focal bead is attached?

5. How can I use this inspiration to create something original?

Review -- Handcrafted Jewelry magazine

I was thrilled today to pick up the latest issue of Interweave's "Handcrafted Jewelry" magazine.  This magazine fills a niche that's been missing in many magazines, taking basic beading projects to the next level.  Along with the beading skills jewelry makers already know, the magazine introduces resin, polymer clay, enamel, fabric, collages, and more.  It's definitely a must-buy!

Several projects really caught my eye, including Barbara Lewis' enameled beads (I've been fortunate enough to take her classes).  She shows how to incorporate fabric and fibers into designs, and the magazine even gives a "ribbon roundup" to get you on your way.

an example of Barbara Lewis's work with her enameled beads and fiber

As a collector of vintage tins, I'm also loving Candie Cooper's dapped bead caps made from discarded cookie tins.  She makes them extra-special by making beaded felted balls to place in between the tin caps to create a stunning pair of earrings.

earrings by Candie Cooper

The rest of the magazine is an amazing and accessible blend of jewelry types, as you can see by the table of contents:

BF1000_TOC

My recommendation -- don't miss a single issue of this magazine.  If you think you've seen it all, buy this magazine.  If you feel you've fallen into a jewelry rut, buy this magazine.  You won't regret it!

Purchase "Handcrafted Jewelry" magazine at your local bookstore or by clicking here.

Lori Anderson creates jewelry for her web site lorianderson.net.  She writes the blogs Pretty Things and An Artist's Year Off.  She lives in Maryland.