Hazel L. Wheaton, Editor

I joined Kalmbach in October 2005. I was the managing editor of Lapidary Journal for 10 years, gaining knowledge about jewelry and gemstones and the endlessly fascinating people who work with them.

A native of Pennsylvania, I graduated from Haverford College and spent my junior year in Edinburgh, Scotland, which instilled a love of travel, whiskey, and really good tea. Prior to entering jewelry publishing, I worked in travel publishing, a career that took me to New York City and then London, where I lived for four years.

Outside of work, I'm an avid movie-goer and reader (because I apparently don't get enough of words during my work hours), a sports fan (my Wisconsin coworkers have been surprisingly understanding about my Pittsburgh sympathies), wine enthusiast, music lover, and devotee of really bad science fiction movies.

Click here to visit Hazel's forum profile page.

Annie Pennington, Associate Editor

I joined the staff of Art Jewelry in August 2011.  Prior to moving to Wisconsin, I lived in St. Louis, MO where I stayed busy working multiple art-related jobs: I was the Assistant Gallery Director for the Edwardsville Arts Center, an artist assistant to a local jewelry artist, I ran a jewelry photography business out of my home, and managed to find time to create artwork for exhibition and sale (I still do!).

I received my BFA in Jewelry Design from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, KS and my MFA in Metalsmithing from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville in Edwardsville, IL. My “wearable sculpture” has its roots in the combination of old-school traditional metalsmithing techniques with unexpected, alternative materials. To see photos of my work, please visit www.anniepennington.com.

When I’m not at work or in my studio preparing for upcoming exhibitions and sales, I can be found watching obscure horror movies, finding materials to include in my artwork (I have recently discovered the plethora of amazing fibers available for tying flies for fly fishing!), or exploring the local music scene.

I live near Milwaukee with my partner-in-crime, Brandon, and our cat, Cinderella.

Click here to visit Annie's forum profile page.

Reidin Dintzner, Assistant Editor

An early devotee of science fiction/fantasy novels and Masterpiece Theatre, I was the kid in the corner who would rather read than have meaningful interactions with real people. I was also the one everybody else cheated off on vocabulary tests. So when the time came to choose what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, I decided that reading sounded good and got my BA in literature and publishing.

After working a few jobs that had nothing to do with either literature or publishing, I discovered that taking classes was the only way to stay sane, and thus began my love affair with metalworking. I also managed to squeeze in some graphic design, cooking, and welding classes before miraculously landing here at Kalmbach in August 2011.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading (what a surprise), baking, tai chi, watching really bad movies, taking classes, and random DIY home-renovation projects. It’s my dream to restore an old Victorian some day.

Click here to visit Reidin's forum profile page.

Theresa D. Abelew, Editorial Associate

Raised in a small Wisconsin town and armed with an assortment of plastic beads and Barbie Shrinky Dinks, I learned at an early age the joy of “artistic expression,” as well as how to round up cows that broke loose from neighboring farms. These talents have served me well later in life. With decades of jewelry experimentation and a degree in graphic design, I spent several years as an animal control officer for Milwaukee County. In 2007, I finally crossed over and joined the advertising staff of Bead&Button and BeadStyle, Art Jewelry's sister magazines. Although I still love my beading magazines, I was even more excited to join the talented and diverse staff of Art Jewelry in January 2011.

With an audio book blasting away, I am usually found working on various jewelry, painting, photography, or stained glass projects. When I do get out of the studio, I am either working on yet another home remodeling project, going to book club, spinning Poi with my Fire Dance Troupe, watching classic movies, or finding a new hobby to try out.

I live in Milwaukee with my husband, Brit, our two rescue dogs, too many cats, and a rotating cast of stray/injured/orphaned domestic animals that we foster for a local animal shelter.

Click here to visit Theresa's forum profile page.

Linda Kast, Publisher

Do what you love; love what you do.

That sage advice dispensed long ago from my mother launched my career in publishing. From my first encounter with an X-acto knife and running galleys through a waxing machine to everything that's now digital, I engaged in a love affair with reader service. Whether it's creating and distributing content for magazines, books, Web sites, or videos, I am most comfortable connecting with groups who are passionate about their interests and activities.

I joined Kalmbach and the staff of Art Jewelryin November 2007. Born and raised in Chicago, I graduated from Elmhurst College with a BFA in time arts/communications and have spent long hours in the darkroom, at the copy desk, and among colleagues discussing the merits of various media. When I'm not working, I'm making jewelry, knitting, crocheting, or studying fiber arts and embellishment techniques for my next project.