Feature In Bead Style Magazine
January 2015
*Both photos above were taken by Bead Style Magazine*
|
In March of 2014, I noticed there was going to be a design contest in one of my favorite beading magazines. On a whim, I entered my bridal necklace, not really thinking anything would come of it. The picture I entered was even posted sideways on their entry website page because I had taken it lengthwise on my cell phone. I saw the other designs as they poured in, and while I was proud and felt confident in mine, the other entries were amazing as well.
Several weeks later I got an email from a really nice lady at Bead Style who told me that my piece was chosen as a finalist, but that regardless of the contest results, they wanted to publish my piece in their magazine. I couldn't believe it!!! I was elated! I told her what an honor it would be, and I agreed. Several months passed before anything took shape, as they were not sure which issue they wanted to use it for. I sent in my piece, gave them all the information on the materials I used and where I purchased them, and waited very patiently. Eventually I learned that it would be published in the January 2015 issue. I was very excited once again!! Then I waited some more. :-) By October, I had exchanged several emails with that same really nice lady, in regards to the challenges of making the piece. Since they were going to explain how to make it in the magazine feature, I had to explain how I made it. I was surprised that I had to really sit and think about it. It took several tries before I got the pattern right, and only through photos I had taken while I was making it did I remember how I did it. Kudos to the Bead Style team on doing a great job explaining such a complex process! By mid-November, I knew the photos that Bead Style took of my piece would be emailed to me for use. I had the date I knew I would receive them firmly planted in my mind. Sure enough, the email came! What I didn't know, however, was that my design was chosen for their cover image! I was floored!!! I had actually just left a care center after seeing patients (I am a music therapist for Iowa City Hospice), and read the email on my phone while sitting in the car. My first reaction was to say "omigodomigodomigod" over and over again while looking all around to make sure no one was nearby before letting out several high pitched screams of joy! I was so excited I hardly knew what to do with myself. After repeating this reaction several times I texted my husband the good news! We enjoyed a celebratory dinner out that night, complete with an amazing dessert. No other necklace has been as important to me than this one. I worked MANY hours to put this piece together and to date, it has been the hardest, most complex piece I've ever made. It turned out beautifully and looked fantastic with my dress! To top it off, it's now been published in my favorite beading magazine! It doesn't get much better than that! If you would like a copy you can order one from their website at www.beadstylemag.com. You may also be able to order it digitally for a Nook or a Kindle as well. |
Support From Iowa City Hospice!
I have been blessed to work for an amazing organization, Iowa City Hospice. When I told our executive director she was thrilled for me! The very next day there was a feature on the ICH website. I love my ICH family. :-) You can see the feature here: http://iowacityhospice.org/in-the-spotlight/ .