About Wirework 2010

Published: September 24, 2009

Editor Linda Augsburg journals about the progress of Wirework 2010, our new special issue from the publisher of Art Jewelry, Bead&Button, and BeadStyle magazines.

March 23
Art Jewelry Editor, Hazel Wheaton, mentioned that she was referring folks to our Wirework 2010 blog in her newsletter and I was reminded that it's been a while since I've updated you here! As you may know, Wirework 2010 has been on sale since mid-January, so for about 9 weeks now (not that I'm keeping track!). It's been great to hear the feedback on the issue. We've had some great suggestions for future articles, some very nice comments from readers who love the projects, and some project ideas from designers for the next issue. And while we busily make decisions about the scheduling of the next installment of this annual, I just wanted to thank all of you who have read it, who have bought it, and who have sent me notes about it! More updates as I have them--promise!

December 15
Woo Hoo!! I just did my final sign off on Wirework 2010. I once more reviewed the pages to make sure the computer gremlins didn't shift anything around, that everything looked good, and it's electronically wooshing its way to the printer as I type. I really think you're going to love the issue. As it turned out, we have 30 all new projects in the issue. When we create the covers to advertise these special issues, we have to do it so far in advance that we have to be careful. We definitely don't want to over-promise and under-deliver, so the cover said 20+ projects. But now the final count of 30 guarantees me that everyone who's pre-ordered it will be thrilled with what they're getting. And speaking of pre-ordering it, if you want to do so, click the Buy Wirework 2010 link at www.WireworkMag.com.

December 4
How does the time get away from me? I guess as we wind down these last days putting the final touches on Wirework 2010, I'm focusing more on the pages than on the journal. Sorry about that! I just want to make sure that we give you the very best instructions and information we can! I'm so excited about this issue, in fact, I was working on one of the projects to give as a gift this Christmas just the other day! And I'm working on a bracelet that isn't in the issue, but was made using the jump ring maker that we used to show you how to make your own jump rings. Don't have a jump ring maker? Fear not! We also provide two other methods of making your own rings.

November 16
It's been a whirlwind six weeks, but today is the payoff! This afternoon, I attend what we call a pin-up, which is where we pin all of the layouts for the issue up on a wall and I really get to see every page. Then I get to figure out how to fit it all in and in what order. Then the fun begins of final looks, making sure everything's correct and accurate. Perfection is unattainable, of course, but we certainly aim for it being the best issue we can produce! So it will be a busy week or so. I'll keep you posted as we polish Wirework 2010 up so it shines!

November 11
Everything's on track with Wirework 2010. I learned an interesting lesson the other day working on a project. Sometimes, it's easier to work with gravity on your side. I was adding dangles to a chain on Kate Richbourg's earrings and was having a difficult time keeping the chain from twisting as I worked. Then I looked across my office at the bookshelf and a mug on top of it. Once I hung the earring wire over the lip of the mug, the chain was hanging perfectly at eye-level and it was easy as pie to put the dangles through the chain links without anything twisting. Plus I wasn't hunched over my desk trying to do it, straining my shoulders. So when you're having a challenge working on something, look around to see if there's a better solution. You never know what you'll find.

October 30
Another couple of very busy weeks working on Wirework 2010. Still wrapping up the writing of some instructions and the photos that will accompany them. I've had a great time making some wonderful jewelry--and I can't wait to wear the samples that I made in the photo studio! I made two rings this week from Sharon A. Clark, a copper set from Gina Crow, a coiled wire bracelet from Rachel Nelson-Smith, and a necklace and earrings from newcomer Debbie Mixner. There were other projects last week, but it's been such a wonderful whirlwind of activity, it's difficult for me to remember which ones! You'll see them all soon enough in the pages of Wirework 2010 magazine.

October 15
Do not let my lack of journal entries make you think I'm not hard at work on Wirework 2010! Though I have had some days out of the office, I've been writing instructions and article and thinking about what you, our potential readers, hope to see in Wirework 2010. Every time I work on step-by-step photos in the studio or write instructions, I get more excited about sharing the projects with you and seeing your interpretations of them. We're working on that aspect, but that's a matter for January 2010, not today. Meanwhile, I just wanted all of you to know I haven't forgotten about you--I've just been busy as a bee!

September 25
A busy day getting the web page polished. The preview videos is live, as is this journal, and I think we've got everything shiny and ready to go. Next week, instructions, instructions, instructions. And some video work. I can't wait to share the Wirework 2010 projects.

September 24
We finalized this site and the video that gives you a sneak peek into the upcoming issue. The art director, Lisa, has designed the look of the pages, so I have a template to work in as I pull together the instructions. Some other projects have taken some of my time, like Jewelry Classes On Demand, but I'm back on track with Wirework 2010 this week. I'll keep you posted!

September 22
Meeting about the preview video, the look of the pages, and more today. Then I'm on a plane to NY/NJ for 26 hours of CHA Board responsibilities. Having one of those rush-rush days.

September 9
Of course, now that I'm ready to dive into the editing phase, the materials arrive. Still waiting on one more order. But my calendar's got some non-Wirework 2010 responsibilities in the next few days, so I'll have to juggle things for a week or so. But that's okay, because it's all great stuff to juggle!

September 8
After a long weekend, I'm back at work. Today, I'll begin writing the instructions for the projects that we took photos of over the last few weeks. Since I'm still waiting on some materials, it seems like this is the perfect time to dive into those instructions. Then, when the other materials arrive, I can space out the photo dates so I can write the instructions either right before or right after we photograph the step-by-step shots. Here's to getting started on step 2!

September 3
I finished up Laura Timmons' crystal necklace and earrings and I have to tell you, when I balance the wow factor with the fact that the piece is easy and fast to create, I find myself thinking this would be a great gift for some friends and family for holidays and special occasions. The cupchain is available in many colors, then you just pick four crystal colors and you're off to the races! Might have to think about that over this long holiday weekend...

September 2
In today's photo time, I was able to complete half of two projects.

The first was a crystal and wire necklace from Laura Timmons. It was one of those projects where you can take a few photos, but then there's repetition until you reach the other end. So after the first few shots, I put that project aside and started on another project.

Next was Brenda Schweder's steel wire project. I have to confess, I haven't worked with steel wire before, so there were a few missteps until I got it all figured out. This project takes a little more fussing than some others-partially because steel wire is harder than most wires I work with and partially because it needs to be handled differently since it can rust. So in addition to the forming process taking a bit more work, there are some steps in between, like hammering the wire, cleaning the wire, and protecting the wire with wax, that add a bit of time to the project, and to shooting the steps. However, I really love the look of it--it's black, so it's very modern looking, especially with the hammered edge. And the crystals that are included in this piece also bring in a very contemporary look.

Once I got Brenda's piece to its natural stopping point, I started back on Laura's and got to that next point so I could take another picture. Now I can work to the next stopping point before tomorrow's studio time.

September 1
Busy day today, filled with figuring out if I truly had everything I needed, placing a last-minute order, and getting all of the supplies organized. Now I'm waiting on the first order to arrive so I can head into the studio once again.

August 31
I shopped for supplies Friday after work, Sunday at a bead show, and again today. I'm getting close to having most of what I need, which is great, and of course, a few purchases that served as backups. A few projects needed one or two of something, and for some of that, I was able to step into the "office bead stash". The staffs of Bead&Button and BeadStyle magazines graciously allowed me to go through their workrooms to find the miscellaneous things I needed--what a great resource!

August 28
Another studio day. I was able to create Scott David Plumlee's bracelet in the hour I had today (and an hour or two before process time). Sometimes preparing things for shooting step shots is beneficial, other times it's not. Today was one of the "not" days. The rings in this bracelet form a very snug chain, which means that when you try to make it out of order, it's a bit more difficult because you're trying to close jump rings that are pretty full. This project will be a case of "do as I say, not as I did". In order to maximize time, I built segments of the chain so I could just close a ring here and a ring there and voila, 20 minutes of progress made in just a few minutes. But, as I said, with rings this full, that's easier said than done. So trust me on this one, follow the instructions we provide and you'll do just fine!

It's a great bracelet. Scott David even sent along one of his tools--pliers with two different sized barrels for making consistent loops. One barrel makes 3.5mm loops and the other makes a 4.5mm loop. I had them shoot both the specialty pliers and my regular round-nose pliers being used, so we can show both versions. Though I'm a minimalist as far as tools go, I think if you made a lot of rings or a lot of double-wrapped loops, these might just come in handy, especially if you like your rings and loops very consistent.

August 27
Talk about a day filled with studio time. First, thanks to the two colors of jump rings that John Fetvedt provided, I was able to photograph very clear steps for his earring project. The chainmail weave is worked in very small silver rings, and, though they're lovely, photographing them was giving me fits! But John sent along some larger rings in two different colors, which makes showing the process much clearer. Have I mentioned how much I enjoy making chain?

Then from the photo studio to the video studio. Today, we filmed the introduction video for Wirework 2010. There's still much to do beyond just filming the video, but once I'd written my script and done my hair and makeup, I perched myself on the high stool and off we went. I'm finally getting more comfortable using the teleprompter, which makes filming much easier. Once the video is edited, images of the pieces are added, and everything's tweaked, we'll post it on the Wirework 2010 page so you can get a sneak preview.

August 26
Meetings and getting organized filled today's schedule. I placed some orders for materials to create several of the pieces today--I love how spreadsheets make this process easier for me!

After work, there was a lovely celebration here at the headquarters of the Bead&Button Show. The Loose Bead Society, based in the Milwaukee area, provides a lot of assistance to us during the Bead&Button Show and we always throw an appreciation dinner in their honor. It's a great opportunity for us to get feedback on how things went and what they thought of the show, classes, and more. Not only was it great to see these very enthusiastic jewelry makers, but I also got to talk about Wirework 2010 and Jewelry Classes on Demand, and received some great feedback about both projects!

August 25
Another hour of studio time and another project photographed! Sometimes it's tough to get the right angle on a shot, but our patient photographers are willing to shoot until we're happy with the result. And communication is the key. I try to explain the step that I'm hoping the photo will communicate and that gives them the guidance they need to change the angle or have me change something in order to show the important focus of that step.

August 24
I ran short of one size of jump rings in the cosmic ring bracelet, but they arrived in the mail today and I was able to complete the bracelet. It's really wonderful--it has a nice weight to it, which I love in a chainmail bracelet.

Now I'm pulling together the list of supplies I need for the remaining projects. Though we have some great bead shops in town, and I'll be shopping them for the beads I need, there's always a shortage of jump rings in various gauges and sizes. And our jump ring maker isn't ready for its debut, so I'm better off ordering what I need for rings and for wire.

August 21
So today I finished the second session of step-by-step photos. I completed the entire project from Spiderchain, only to discover I made a mistake early on. Argh. Back to the studio this afternoon. Thank goodness they have an opening!

It's my own fault, obviously, as Spider's instructions were perfectly clear. Normally I prepare the instructions and edit them and then I head into the studio to have the photos shot. That gives me time to really dissect and understand the piece and work through it in my head. But in my rush to get photos underway, I skipped that step, simply glanced over the instructions, and misread something fairly important. That's why reading the instructions along with the photos is so important and that's why we provide you with both--clear instructions and photos to help you along. In addition, if I had actually taken a good look at the finished piece of jewelry Spider sent before I started making my version, I would have instantly seen my mistake. My only hope is that you'll all take a cue from me and actually use the photos and instructions we provide!

That's all for now. By the end of the day, I should have that necklace all fixed up. I hate to lose the time it took previously, but it's a valuable lesson for me while working through the remaining projects.

August 20
I mentioned yesterday that it was the official hands-on starting day for Wirework 2010. But I didn't really explain how long it's been "on my plate," so to speak.

The actual planning of the projects and articles for the issue started in late May. (Of course, the concept started being discussed months before that, but that's another story.) I was able to talk to many wirework designers the night of the "Meet the Teachers" reception at the Bead&Button show. (And you thought that was just a great opportunity to shop! Nope, I did a good portion of the project requests that very evening!) Then there was follow-up, emails and phone calls with potential contributors, meetings, planning, discussions, and so much more. For those of you who don't know much about the planning and creation of a magazine, it's not really like you see in 13 going on 30 or even really The Devil Wears Prada, at least not in the world of how-to jewelry magazine publishing. But I'm lucky to be working with a great team of artists, photographers, designers, and coworkers and I'm so excited about pulling together this collection of all-new projects to share with all of you.

August 19
Today marks the first official day actually working on the projects and text for the Wirework 2010 issue. Not that I haven't been working on the issue, mind you, but this was my first hands-on, nose-to-the-grindstone day.

I have to admit, it's not so much "nose to the grindstone" as much as it is "yippie, I get to make jewelry!" You see, in order to show you how to make each project, something I think makes this "special issue" truly special, I'll remake each piece of jewelry and have the step-by-step photos taken along the way. So today, our trusty photographer Jim worked his magic making those shots clear while I worked my way through the first half of two projects. I know that sounds a little strange, but it's the most efficient way to work in the photo studio. I book one-hour blocks of time in the studio. I set up my shots so I can work one piece of jewelry to that point in the instructions that says "repeat steps 2 through 7 on the remaining pairs of rings" for instance. Then I put that project aside and start on the next project. I do the same with it, taking it to a logical stopping point. And then, if there's still time left, I start with the third project. In my time between studio sessions, I get those projects ready for the next steps and prepare to get others started.

So without giving away too many secrets, today I worked on a chain bracelet from Rebeca Mojica of Blue Buddha Boutique and a chain necklace from Spider of Spiderchain. Both are great projects and I love making chain, partially because of the order of it (a nice thing in the sometimes chaotic life) and partially because it's a great project for when I just want to follow someone else's instructions instead of being creative and designing something myself. And since these two fabulously creative women have taken care of the creative designing, I can just sit back and follow their lead so you have photographic reference when you make your own version.

And that's why I believe that I've got a very sweet gig here as editor of Wirework 2010. More updates to come-I want to bring you along through the process of creating this issue, giving you a backstage pass, if you will.