Are You Up To The Challenge?
Beadwork Magazine
Beadwork, published by Interweave Press, is an excellent next step for the beader who has progressed beyond simple stringing techniques offered in BeadStyle magazine.
Beadwork follows the same format as most crafting or creative magazines: a few feature articles and regular departments, but the main focus is on instructional and project how to's.
What makes Beadwork unique from other beading magazines that I've read is that it does cover a gamut of styles. From seed bead weaving to simple wirework to stringing, there are projects for every intermediate beader who is looking for a challenge. That's the other facet of Beadwork that puts it a step beyond most comparable magazines. The projects are not just stringing beads on a wire...intertwined in a seemingly easy stringing project is a lovely beaded bead or a ladder stitch sweater guard finding that encourage experimentation and increase artistic skill. Even the strictly stringing projects are at an intermediate level.
I also like the fact that the jewelry projects in Beadwork are not limited to bracelets, necklaces and earrings. A recent issue featured the aforementioned sweater guard, a bow-shaped broach, and rings. Again, stepping beyond the "norm" to show how beading can be incorporated into many, many different accessories.
Each project sheet features materials and tools required for the project, as well as step by step written instructions. While the more "basic" techniques are not detailed in each project listing, there is a section at the back of the magazine that does go into more detail on how to crimp, make wire loops, right-angle weave, ladder and peyote stitches etc.,.
Each project listing has a quick paragraph about the contributing artist, and clear color photos of the entire finished piece as well as of close ups of detail. Illustrations to show specific techniques within projects are included too.
Also included is a comprehensive calendar of events, and classifieds (bead shops, mainly) sorted by state.
For subscribers, there is a secret password printed on the mailing label (only available to you and your mailman :-D ) for the Beadwork website which allows you to access additional projects and articles.
Sounds like I think this magazine's perfect, right? Well, as usual, I'll complain about the number of advertisements...I'll bet at least 1/2 of the 128 pages of my current issue are advertisements (to give BW a break, it IS Tuscon time, and there's an entire section devoted to the biggest gemstone and beading show in the country.) but I do get tired of seeing the same ads in every beading magazine I look at. Outside of that minor complaint, however, I do like Beadwork quite a lot.
Bottom line, I'd highly recommend Beadwork for the beader like me who is looking to move to the next level of skill in his or her beading work. For beginning beaders, a look-see might be in order, but those who are really just starting out might become frustrated with advanced methods.
