Interview with Cynthia Machata of Artisan Whimsy

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of corresponding with Cynthia Machata, Lead Editor for Artisan Whimsy: A Creative Bead Chat, asking about my work with freeform peyote, self-publishing, teaching and more. 

Artisan Whimsy is the brainchild of Melinda Orr, with the goal of 'bringing the handmade beading/jewelry community together in a place where newbie or skilled artisans could share and learn'.  The free online magazine definitely lives up to it's vision.

The content of these online magazines is more fluid than the mainstream publications we all already know and love.  A single issue may combine artist interviews (such as the one featuring yours truly, starting on page 78 in case you're curious), sneak peaks into artists' studios, lots of gorgeous eye candy for inspiration, and a variety of short tips and tutorials, including tips and techniques for beading, wirework, manipulating photos, improving one's blog and running a craft-based business.  They can even include embedded video tutorials. 

Interested in writing an article?  Consider submitting your idea!

 A little peak inside (I think the layout and design is lovely): 

In parting, I'll also add a shout out to Creative Spark, another free glossi edited by Hope Smitherman and produced by ZnetShows.  Especially if you have a love for crystals or sea glass. 


Do you have a favorite online beading magazine?  I'd love to hear. 

Newest Issue of Creative Spark is Now Live!

Click to view Creative Spark Winter 13-14 on GLOSSI.COM

The latest issue of Creative Spark, (the fabulous on-line beading magazine produced by Hope Smithermanhttp://znetshows.com/ and ZnetShows ) has hit the newstands, er airwaves, er Internet.   This time around, the focus is pearls, with a little crystal sparkle thrown in for good measure and features the original jewelry designs from eighteen designers, including yours truly.

I fell in love with Christina's Champagne necklace!

But that's not all.  Besides the eye-candy and inspiration of seeing so many designs (I loved seeing just how unique the designs all were, starting from a similar set of materials), there's also: 

Like my Primrose Bangle?  There's a free tutorial!

Color:  Check out Amy Severino's gorgeous color palettes in winter themes

Creative Spaces: Enjoy a peak into each of the designers' work spaces as we were all asked to share pictures of our studios. 

Community:  Be inspired by a gallery of bracelets created for the 7000 Bracelets of Hope project.

Classes:  Check out three diverse tutorials from design team members (including a little right angle weave project I worked up) and a fourth tute from one of ZnetShows wholesale buyers.

And because it's entirely digital, Hope was even able to embed a video tutorial (as well as a couple other surprises)!  How cool is that?

Best yet?  It's absolutely free to download.

Don't just take it from me - give it a click and check it out for yourself.  (A note to tablet users - because it is sooo image heavy, I had a little trouble bringing it up on my iPad.  It's best to start it loading and then walk away for a little bit.)

ZnetShows is even hosting a giveaway for those willing to help spread the word about this fabulous resource via social media.  The full details are included in this post on ZnetShows blog.  (As a designer, I'm not eligible for the giveaway - but you certainly are!)