In this issue:

• New Article: A Look at Today's Lapidary Journal
• In the Forum
• Announcements

Lapidary Journal - Magazine Review

Lapidary Journal has changed a lot over its 60-year history, but it still may be the most popular jewelry making and gemstone magazine. Find out whether a subscription to this monthly publication is right for you.

Click here to read the review

In the Forum

Installation of the new BellaOnline Forum software is almost complete, and the forums remain active. Here are some recent topics:

~ Finding good craft shows
~ Solder not flowing

Remember that you can share your designs and post supplies you have for sale or trade in the forum as well.

Announcements

• New Editor for Bead & Button Magazine

Ann Dee Allen is the new editor of the ever-popular magazine Bead & Button (Kalmbach Publishing). Ms. Allen was formerly the editor of The Business Journal Serving Greater Milwaukee and she has been a copy editor for The Milwaukee Sentinel. She holds a B.A. in journalism from the University of Wisconsin.

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• Rio Grande Catalog in Motion - February 2-5

Rio Grande's "hands-on show for jewelry makers" will be held at the Tucson East Hilton during the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show. For more information, visit the Catalog in Motion Website.

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• Ganoksin Extended 2007 Raffle - Prizes Awarded February 2

The Ganoksin Project hosts a massive online forum and database with advanced jewelry making and metal work information, and online membership is free. This year, their annual fundraising raffle has been slightly extended. Raffle tickets are $39.00 each, and the grand prize is $7,009.00 worth of amazing equipment, gift certificates and advertising. Visit the raffle website to see the total list of prizes and for more information.

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• 5th Annual "The Ugly Necklace Contest" - Entry Deadline March 15

The Land of Odds' unusual annual contest is in its fifth year, and I think it's more popular than ever. The challenge is, obviously, to create an ugly necklace. But in order to score well, you need to understand the principles of successful jewelry design and essentially demonstrate how you broke them. Click here to see the specific judging criteria. For more information, follow the links on the contest's home page.

You may submit your announcement for consideration using the contact form at the bottom of the editor bio page. Select announcements will be featured in the Newsletter or posted in the Jewelry Making Forum.