If you are a subscriber to Step By Step Beads, you will already be aware that after the Jan/Feb 2010 issue, you will be receiving Beadwork Magazine instead.  If you are used to picking it up on the newsstand, you might not already know.   Last week, Interweave Press announced that the two magazines would merge, keeping the Beadwork name.  Step By Step Beads was acquired in 2006 when Interweave took over Lapidary Journal from the Primedia family of magazines.

The immediate past editor of Step by Step Beads magazine, Leslie Rogalski, has recently assumed the role of Online Editor for …read more

Oh good!  Another beautiful wire jewelry book to review and give away to a lucky reader!

Denise Peck is the editor of Step by Step Wire Jewelry magazine, and she has written 101 Wire Earrings, Step-by-Step Projects and Techniques.  The first part of the books covers the basics of wire, the tools, and all the techniques you’ll need to make all of the projects in the book.  This section is excellent, with clear photos and well-written instructions.
The main part of the book is devoted to the projects.  Each of the 101 earring designs has a photo, a list of all tools …read more

Fall Challenge Title: Around the World
Deadline: September 7, 2009
Challenge Rules: One entry per person, please (so send your best work!). Submissions must be of the type you would see in Stringing magazine—in other words, projects created using simple stringing, crimping, wireworking (simple loops, wrapped loops, jump rings), and simple knotting techniques. If in doubt, see Stringing 101 (it’s in every issue of Stringing) for a list of acceptable techniques. Projects created using beadweaving or other non-stringing techniques (such as netting; peyote, brick, right-angle weave, and square stitches; bead embroidery; chain mail; and macramé) will not be considered for winners.
To enter, …read more

Custom Cool Jewelry
by Melinda Barta
Melinda Barta came up with a brilliant idea for this fun book. Instead of spreading her many talents out too thinly, she concentrated on just three areas: pendants, charms, and clasps.
It’s often hard to find exactly that perfect piece to customize your jewelry, and if you can make your own pendants, charms, and clasps, you can add them to readily available lain beads to create a masterpiece that is distinctively yours. Melinda includes over 275 quick and easy ideas for mixed media components as well as 7 full stringing projects. Once you start …read more

Summer Challenge Title: Magical Forest
Deadline: June 8, 2009
Challenge Rules: One entry per person, please (so send us your best work!). Submissions must be of the type you would see in Stringing magazine—in other words, projects created using simple stringing, crimping, wireworking (simple loops, wrapped loops, jump rings), and simple knotting techniques. If in doubt, see Stringing 101 (it’s in every issue of Stringing) for a list of acceptable techniques. Projects created using beadweaving or other non-stringing techniques (such as netting; peyote, brick, right-angle weave, and square stitches; bead embroidery; chain mail; and macramé) will not be considered for winners.
To enter, …read more

The deadline for entering this year’s contest is May 1!!  Get your entries in as soon as possible.  To inspire you, Jaime Guthals of Interweave Press has created a fun youtube video with the winners from last year…click below and then get to work!
Complete rules

Come one, come all and enter our second annual Bead Star contest, Bead Star 2009! Winning entries will once again be published in Bead Star magazine, the first-ever publication comprised entirely of prize-winning designs selected by beaders worldwide. Besides fame, winners will also receive exciting prizes donated by our generous sponsors.

Deadline to submit images: May 1, 2009
Rules and submission information

Some of my favorite beading magazines have wonderful free projects online for your holiday beading frenzy! Here are a few of my favorites.

Interweave Press:
Holiday Crochet Necklace

Kalmbach Press:
Vintage Filigree Earrings

Simply Beads Magazine:
Using paint and innovative craft supplies

I just received an email from Beadwork Magazine detailing their upcoming themes. If you’ve ever thought about submitting a project, this could be your year!
2009 Beadwork Magazine Themes

In 2009, Beadwork Magazine debuts its fresh, stylish redesign. We will also introduce exciting new content throughout the year. We’ve surveyed our readers extensively to match our changes to their desires. Our readers are savvy, sophisticated beaders, who are passionate about their craft. Relaxation and creative expression are what beading gives them. They want inspiration, beautiful designs, interesting techniques, and connections with others who share their love of the …read more

Beading Daily has a GREAT chart that shows you which wire gauge to use for which beads! Check it out.

Surprise! This is a Blogtoberfest Sponsored Post. If you would like to enter for a chance to win the secret gift behind this blog, please leave a comment. Prize and Winner will be announced in two days! Check back to see if you’re the lucky winner and what you’ve won!
You also have lots of chances to win great Blogtoberfest prizes! Today, October 14th, your chances (and prizes) are hiding at the following blogs: A Child Chosen, Babylune, Baking Delights, …read more