Magazine Review: Bead Trends

Bead Trends is more than a magazine, much more. I just got the Sept/Oct 08 issue and was really suprised to see how thick this issue is, it’s really like a softbound book. Their love of creating jewelry is evident in the magazine which is filled . Filled with juicy photos and projects and thin on advertising, Bead Trends sets itself apart from the other jewelry craft magazines. The projects range from beginner to advanced so there is something for everyone. In addition to all the projects, each issue contains a “Designer Highlight” article and “Fabulous Findings” section to bring you the newest and most interesting new things to create with.

The Sept/Oct issue contains a great article about paper quilled jewelry that is gorgeous and stunning lampwork bangles projects. It may be a bit hard to find in your local book or jewelry supply store, if they don’t carry it tell them about it. You can also buy single issues online directly from the publisher or splurge on a years subscription..

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Selling Your Handmade Jewelry on Etsy: A Beginner's Guide

In the dimly lit corner of my small jewelry studio, the silver soldering torch hisses to life. The familiar scent of metal and flux fills the air. As a jewelry maker, I’ve always found a certain magic in the process of soldering. It’s the moment when separate pieces of metal, like puzzle pieces, come together to create a beautiful whole. Over the years, I’ve gathered my fair share of tips and tricks that have made this art form more of a delight than a chore. Here, I’ll share some of those secrets to help you master the art of soldering in your jewelry making journey.

1. Set the Stage for Success
Before diving into soldering, ensure that your workspace is well-organized and clutter-free. You need a clear and clean surface to focus on your work. Make sure you have all your tools and materials within easy reach. An organized workspace not only boosts efficiency but also minimizes the chances of accidents.

2. Fire Up the Torch with Confidence
The torch is often the heart of soldering, and it can be intimidating for beginners. When I was starting, I remember feeling nervous about lighting the torch. But here’s a tip: practice lighting and adjusting the flame without your jewelry piece. Get comfortable with the torch, and you’ll gain more control.

3. Understand the Three S’s: Surface, Solder, and Sweat
Surface preparation is key. Clean the metal surfaces you plan to solder meticulously. Use a brush or abrasive paper to remove any oxides or contaminants. Then, apply flux. It’s like a magical potion that prevents oxidation and helps the solder flow.

The solder itself comes in various forms: sheets, wire, and paste. Choose the type that suits your project best. For small, delicate joints, I prefer solder wire, as it’s easier to position accurately.

As for the ‘sweat,’ it’s the term for the moment when the metal reaches the right temperature, and the solder flows like liquid silver. It’s crucial to wait for this moment, rather than forcing the solder to melt. This requires patience and practice.

4. Master the Art of Heat Control
Controlling the heat is a skill that comes with time. It’s essential to understand that different parts of your jewelry piece may require varying levels of heat. Larger pieces need more heat, while smaller or delicate areas need a gentle touch. Don’t rush this process; take your time to heat evenly.

5. Use Third-Hand Tools and Binding Wire
These trusty sidekicks are indispensable for securing your jewelry pieces during soldering. The third-hand tool can hold your workpiece in place, leaving your hands free to manipulate the torch and solder. Binding wire is your invisible assistant, helping to align and support delicate elements during soldering.

6. Post-Soldering Care
Once your soldering is complete, it’s crucial to quench your jewelry piece in a pickling solution. This removes any remaining flux and oxides, leaving you with a clean, shiny piece. After pickling, give your creation a good scrub with a brass brush for that extra shine.

7. Practice Makes Perfect
Like any art, soldering takes time to master. It’s not uncommon to experience frustration in the beginning, but remember that practice is your best friend. Take on small projects, perfect your technique, and gradually work your way up to more complex designs.

Soldering is more than just a technical skill; it’s an art form that bridges the gap between separate elements and transforms them into a unified whole. My journey as a jewelry maker has been a series of sparks, flames, and, yes, occasional mishaps, but each experience has added to my skill and passion.

Solder Like a Pro with these great tips

Bezel Set Ring Tutorial

Torch Talk

Comments

SoftFlexGirl says
September 17, 2008 at 3:17 pm
I love this magazine too! It is really nice.
Sara
David Ross says
September 19, 2008 at 3:48 pm
It is great to read your review. It could not be more spot on with the vision we have for our publications. We will always only allow a small percentage to go to advertising as we want the publication to stay tru to submission and great photography.
If you could ad one more plug to this article it would be that we want submission to keep in the publication and to keep the variety high. We do not have a design team making jewelry all day so to keep the magazine full of great projects we rely on our readers to send in their submissions.
If you could and also spread the word to others that we are always looking for more variet and new submitters that would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for the great review…
Publisher
David Ross
Erin Prais-Hintz says
February 12, 2009 at 5:55 pm
I am so happy to find a review of this publication. I subscribe to all the major beading and jewelry magazines and I agree that Bead Trends has completely set itself apart and, I would dare say, above the others.
The photography is what propels this publication in the stratosphere. No other takes such care to showcase the designs. It is consistently raising the bar on true artistry and it is amazing how beautiful the pieces look.
The fact that the magazine submissions is all reader based designs is wonderful. It proves that there are talented designers in every corner of the world, and you don’t need any formal training or a title to be the next great thing. I do love to see a consistent take on things with a design team as with other publications, but Bead Trends affords the rest of us an opportunity to shine. I am one such designer. My star has never shone more bright than in the pages of Bead Trends.
I have been very fortunate to have my designs chosen for this publication many times. I am always humbled that they like what I do. I won’t ever be able to repay them for what they have done for me professionally and personally. I have no trouble believing that I am an artist when I see my work represented in the pages of this magazine. It is sublime.
I would definitely encourage anyone who is interested in trying new designs, whether beginner or advanced level, to subscribe to this publication. The lean advertising makes the cost quite a bit more than the others, but I find it is worth it.
Worth. Every. Penny.

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