So I’ve decided to start submitting some of my jewelry for publication. The hardest part is getting a decent picture. The light around here is unreliable, and my light box seems like it also works intermittently. So I made a necklace to submit for the Winter 2017 issue of Jewelry Stringing magazine. The theme I made this for is Winter Woodland. Here is what the submission guidelines had to say:
“Inspired by a wintery walk in the woods, submissions in this category should bring to mind snow-covered pine trees, cozy cabins, and the rustic serenity of a woodsy winter. Successful submissions should make use of matte winter whites, golds, wood elements, and botanical-inspired details. Mix these components with pine greens, browns, grays, and/or taupe. Designs could be something you might wear with a comfy sweater to a casual holiday get-together or while relaxing in front of the fire in a cabin in the woods.”
I do feel like I captured the feel and colors of this theme, but I did not capture a good picture of my necklace. I was going to keep trying, but I got sick and the deadline passed, so I did not submit it. But I thought I would share it here. Still not a great pic.
It’s a fun asymmetrical necklace that can be worn any way around. I love the variety of materials – plastic, wood, nut, glass, and a druzy. I used gold filled spacer beads and even 24 kt gold covered Soft Flex wire that I’ve had a long time. I strung it first on regular wire to make sure it worked so I wouldn’t waste that more expensive wire!
The cool wooden clasp is from Dobzie Wood by Burl Girl. The shop was on Artisan Component Marketplace, but lately I haven’t been able to get that website to open, so I’m not sure what is up with that.
One thing I realized in making this for possible publication is that a lot of my stash is old or from other people’s destashes, so it would be difficult to list where I got some of my materials. I know where I got the clasp and the druzy. The half round wooden beads are left from a challenge kit. The white and round green beads are from destashes. The long green beads are from a necklace I bought at a thrift shop. The rest of the pieces – no idea. Old as the hills.
Even though I didn’t submit this, it is progress that I even made something to submit. I did submit a picture of another necklace to a different magazine, but I didn’t hear anything back and the deadline was over a month ago. I don’t know if that means they are still considering or the answer is no or what. If they are not interested, I wish I would know for sure because I love the necklace and would show it on my blog! I feel good that I have started taking steps toward possibly being published in the future.
Bead Love 
Good for you! Photos are really important and are so difficult to get. You did a dry run and you will be ready to roll next time. My problem is remember to check for submission instructions and timeframes.
You are published every time you post an entry on your blog 🙂
I face similar issues when submitting pieces for publication. Since I am from India, most of my supplies are from India or china. so I have to either make sure that I buy supplies specially from US for these pieces or I use supplies that are generic enough to be found on US sites. Most editors in my experience accept close substitutions. Reg photography, I suggest you try Foldio if you dont have access to good natural light as it has powerful LED lights. Also use photoshop to edit your pictures
I know EXACTLY what you mean! We should be able to say “from Andrew Thornton’s de-stash” hahaha!
I also did a winter woods theme necklace and got distracted and didn’t send it in, too! How funny, we’re like beading twinsies from Team Andrew!! I will post my winter woods necklace soon on my blog! I think we both would have a good shot at getting in! Keep submitting! I think I’ll try for a bracelet next.
Just love that necklace! The clasp really makes the design sing.
Love your design. The necklace evokes woodlands and has a serene, harmonious feel to it.
Your designs are amazing so I hope you’ll keep working on getting published! I went a little crazy this time and submitted 7 necklaces for review. Fingers crossed!
I love what you did with this necklace and its rich mix of materials and versatility about how you can wear it. I’ll second what Divya said, you can find a similar bead out there to use for your materials list when you need to. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
This is a beautiful design! It is a challenge sourcing those more unique materials for publications. If I have a rare find I will go on Etsy and find an alternative resource. I can usually find something that is close enough. I might mention it to the editor when I submit and offer the alternative resource.