The Ultimate Bead Jewelry Magazine List!

• Tweet
• Sharebar

• Tweet

I thought I’d put together a list of magazines that might be of interest to all those bead jewelry makers out there. I originally put this list together just for myself, but realized that this is a great resource for anyone who interested in making jewelry (or anything else) with beads.

Many of these magazine publishers not only produce regular magazines but also publish quarterly or bi-annual “special issues” which are often compilations of articles from previous issues. I’ve also included the web links to all these magazines because many of them allow you to order a subscription online and have sample projects and web-only features like community forums and special content.

And if you’re looking for a special gift for that bead-a-holic in your life (even if that beader is YOU) then this list might serve as a great “wish list” of possible gift ideas!

Happy Beading!
(Editor’s Note: since writing this, some of these magazines have unfortunately gone out of business!)

Beading and Jewelry Magazines

A “Best of…” book will collect a lot of past jewelry magazine articles in one great place!

Bead & Button Magazine – One of the more popular beading magazines today that can often be found on the grocery store magazine rack. Lots of great photos and “how-to’s”. Generally geared for the beginner, but there are definitely some advanced projects. Covers a little bit of everything. This magazine is kind of the “gold standard” in jewelry and beading magazines. Even if you haven’t been subscribing for years, you can still find a lot of their best articles in the many The Best of Bead & Button books and collections.

Bead Unique Magazine – A refreshing look at beading, this magazine not only covers all sorts of bead jewelry projects, but also covers some other non-jewelry beading projects like beaded wine glasses, throw pillows and home decor. If you have a passion for (and a house full of) beads, then this might be the perfect magazine to give you some great ideas for getting those beads of the organizers and onto your wrist…or into your living room…or even on your wall!

Beadwork Magazine – Published six times a year, this magazine is aimed at the jewelry and beading artist who is looking for more techniques and interesting ideas. Some issues have explanations of different kinds of gemstones and cover a variety of wirework and beading projects.

BeadStyle Magazine – Offering a little bit of everything for the beading jeweler. They market themselves as the “world’s best selling beading magazine.” From projects to descriptions of gemstones and beads to basic wirework. If you want a lot of great beading and jewelry making instructions right away and don’t want to wait for the subscription, then you can also buy the Best of BeadStyle: Discover Beading which includes 30 different projects!

Art Jewelry Magazine – While this is meant for all levels, I found some of the articles to be a little advanced, but still very well-written and helpful. This magazine covers a lot of working with clay, gemstones, wire, metal, glass, crystal and more. There are lots of unique artistic ideas here.

Jewelry Artist Magazine – This jewelry magazine is meant more for the serious jewelry designer who wants to work with precious metals, gemstones and other materials other than just beads. It includes articles on how to use your supplies and materials more efficiently, how to market yourself and how to really move into the world of professional jewelry design!

Step By Step Wire Jewelry Magazine – With the popularity of wire jewelry, it should come to no surprise that there’s an entire magazine dedicated exclusively to making jewelry with wire. Published 5 times a year, this magazine covers tips and tricks for making wire jewelry, has plenty of tutorials and instructions and includes projects from the beginner to advanced level.

Belle Armoire – A magazine specializing in making bead jewelry “art” to wear. Published six times a year, many of these projects are aimed at the advanced beader, but many of the ideas here can be applied towards simpler pieces if you’re intimidated at first. This is a great magazine if you like combining clothing and jewelry in a variety of ways.

Ornament Magazine – Dedicated to the ornamentation of humans past and present, this magazine covers ancient, ethnic and international fashion, jewelry, beading and wearable art. There are some truly amazing and unique works of art here!

Out of Print/Back Issues of Jewelry Magazines

Simply Beads Magazine – Another great magazine that was for the widest beading target possible, from the beginner to the expert. Lots of photos and patterns and projects can be found in each issue, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pins, bag charms and belts. The magazine is now out-of-print, but the link goes to where you can get back issues!

Step By Step Beads Magazine – A great magazine for the beginner that covers a lot of the basics very well with clear photos and descriptions. Also features products and tools that could always help the amateur bead jewelry maker. It has now merged with BeadWork Magazine, but you can still find back issues online.

Wire Artist Jeweler – As the name implies, this magazine is really aimed at mostly wirework, but with wire you almost always use beads! This is perfect for the bead jewelry maker who may be afraid of diving into wire work or not sure how to begin. The photos and explanations of techniques in this magazine are absolutely stunning! Update: I’ve been informed this magazine is no longer bring printed, though you can order back issues from their website!

Jewelry Crafts Magazine – A very “artsy” magazine with a professional feel that has projects including lampworking, silversmithing, regular beading and even cane making. Definitely not for the beginner, but offers some great unique ideas if you’re already making your own jewelry with beads. Out of print, but you can probably still find back issues on eBay!

Magazines with some Beading

Lapidary Journal – http://www.lapidaryjournal.com/ – This is really meant for the jewelry professionals, including jewelry store owners, gemologists and trained jewelry artisans. The Lapidary Journal has been covering jewelry and gemstones for over 50 years!

Whispering Wind – http://www.whisperingwind.com/ – A magazine dedicated to the American Indian culture and ways which often includes some beading and Indian crafts with an obvious Southwest theme.

Cross Stitch and Beading - http://www.jilloxtonxstitch.com/ – This magazine mostly covers cross stitch, but almost always has a few projects which require basic beading to accent or highlight the cross stitch work.

Expression – http://expressionartmagazine.com/ – Covers all sorts of unique artistic projects with paper, clay, metalwork and more. Many of the project mix various materials. Some of the beading projects involve these unique mixtures for some beautifully refined artistic results.

Did I miss any?