About Wirework 2010
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November 16 |
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November 11 |
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October 30 |
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October 15 |
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September 25 |
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September 24 |
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September 22 |
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September 9 |
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September 8 |
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September 3 |
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September 2 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. |
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September 1 |
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August 31 |
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August 28 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. |
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August 27 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. |
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August 26 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! |
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August 25 |
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August 24 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. |
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August 21 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. |
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August 20 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. |
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August 19 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. |
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