Bead Trends magazine again!

I have had the good fortune to be published this year (2010) in Bead Trends magazine not once but twice!  These earrings were in the October issue.

And this necklace is appearing in the recently published November issue.

Add to that the excitement of knowing that the editors at Bead Trends have also selected a piece for the upcoming April issue... well, my PR cup runneth over! 

Woohoo..... super excited on my end of things!

Bead Trends and submitting photos for publication

In April 2009, a friend and fellow jewelry artist walked into my classroom after the dismissal bell had rung for the day.  She had with her a copy of a magazine called Bead Trends. 
"I think you should submit photos to this publication."
"Really?"
"they published my things and your wire work is way better than my bead stringing.  Submit something.  See what happens."
She dropped the April issue on my desk, smiled and walked out again. 
I flipped throught he magazine and saw all the wonderful things that people had created.  Could my pieces really compete with these seasoned artisans?  By the following morning I had decided to investigate the magazine further.  I went to their website and poked around a bit.  ALL their photographs were submitted by artists, some of whom design and create jewelry for a living and those who likeme are hobby jewelry designers. 
I read up on their requirements for submission and decided to try it.  I submitted three photos of pieces I had created and waited to hear back.  It was so simple.  All I had to do was send an email to the address listed with my name, contact info, a description of the piece in question and a photo of the piece.  Simple. 

Amazingly, they accepted one of my rings for publication!  I was thrilled! 
The editor wrote a letter explaining that I was to send the ring to their company in a secure box, well wrapped and insured to them within a specified period of time.  They would then have their photographers photograph the item and then would send it back when the issue with my piece feautred was released.  They also sent two copies of the magazine as well as a $20 certificate for me to spend at Fire Mountain Gems. I thought this was a great deal!
I have since submitted and had several other jewelry pieces accepted for publication, including a pair of earrings featured in this month's issue.  I highly recommend this publication for great jewelry ideas as well as a means for getting pieces published.  It's great PR and super easy to get pieces accepted. 
My next goal is to be the 16 page feature artist in an issue.  Still working on that idea though.

Piece in progress....

... but now I need help.  I need some input about what to make this piece into.  A pendant?  Necklace?  Brooch?  Something else?

Any ideas out there in blogger land?

A new piece in progress

So, I haven't done a piece in progress post in a while.  And now I have a piece in progress to share.

A friend of mine from back in MN was looking over one of my recent steampunk pieces and remarked that it was lovely.  She then lamented that she has longed to see a steampunk necklace, pendant or brooch that has a skull and cross bones and wings.  Her Steampunk costume persona is that of an airship pirate.  I decided that day to order some brass embellishments and get after that idea. 
I started with an old vintage rhinestone buckle.  A lot of the rhinestones are missing but it still has a lot of shine to it.  I then wired swarovski crystals around the oustide.  I added the brass charms and am now about halfway through adding cogs and other watch parts to it.  I haven't decided yet if it should be a pendant or a brooch.  I also think it needs some additional wire work and perhaps some more beads....