Sweet Bead Studio Blog

The Missing Link Book Blog Tour starts now!

The Missing Link blog tour

 A great big WELCOME to you!

It’s finally here:  the official release date of my new book, The Missing Link – From Basic to Beautiful Wirework Jewelry.  Over the next week you’ll find inspiration, ideas, and plenty of giveaways, so grab a seat and enjoy the book blog tour – I’m glad you joined us!  As a thank-you for visiting, you’ll find giveaways at the end of this post! 😉

The Missing Link by Cindy Wimmer

A seemingly simple spool of wire holds boundless possibilities for your jewelry designs.  It doesn’t matter if you’re new to wirework or if you’re an experienced pro, whether you prefer working with art beads, waxed linen or sheet metal.  Wire links are relevant to any jewelry medium and I’ll show you how in The Missing Link, a comprehensive 160-page compilation published by the incredible editors and staff at Interweave/ F+W Media.

Here’s what you’ll find in The Missing Link:

  • The fundamentals of wire, with tips and tricks with how to work with a variety of metal – from brass to sterling silver wire.
  • A comprehensive overview of essential tools (hint: only a handful of essential tools are needed!)
  • 30 custom wire links –  30!  Learn to make wire links with confidence following the detailed instructions and step-by-step photographs.  You’ll find links to suit any style from classic to rustic.
  • 15 jewelry projects – you’ll be inspired when you see finished designs created by an esteemed group of contributors.  See how they rock wire links using their own signature styles.

 

The Missing Link author Cindy Wimmer and contributors

Joined recently by contributing designers Tracy Statler and Christine Damm at artBLISS

One of the best experiences in creating The Missing Link was collaborating with an exclusive group of jewelry designers who I am fortunate to call friends.  Lori Anderson, Kerry Bogert, Diane Cook, Christine Damm and Tracy Statler added beauty and depth to the book with their one-of-a-kind designs.  Organic, bright, eclectic, vintage, whimsical and dramatic – these artists showed the many ways wire links can transform your designs.  I thank them for joining me and making the book complete.

Celebrate the launch with us all week and stop by the contributor’s blogs!  We’ll also be joined by jewelry designer, author, and founder of the Art Bead Scene, Heather Powers.  You’ll have a chance to win a copy of the book at each stop on the tour!  Keep reading for more giveaways!

The Blog Tour Schedule:

Oct. 15 –  Cindy Wimmer  {you are here}

Oct. 16 –  Tracy Statler  {Make Bracelets}

Oct. 17 –  Lori Anderson  {Pretty Things}

Oct. 18 –  Kerry Bogert  {Kabs Concepts}

Oct. 19 –  Diane Cook  {rosa & josie’s}

and          Heather Powers {Art Bead Scene}

Oct. 20 –  Christine Damm  {Stories They Tell}

Oct. 21 –  Cindy Wimmer  {all winners announced here!}

 

The Missing Link by Cindy Wimmer

Just released in Barnes & Nobles!

 

Here’s a glimpse of one of the 30 wire links you’ll learn to make in The Missing Link – a Swizzle Stick link.

Swizzle Sticks by Cindy Wimmer

One of the 15 jewelry designs:  “Grand Bazaar”  – featuring the Twist Again link.

Grand Bazaar by Cindy Wimmer

Now how about a little before and after?  I’ll share one of the links from the book, and a piece of jewelry designed with that link.  You’ll see just how VERSATILE and adaptable the links can be!

Here’s the Coiled Horseshoe link, a twist on a classic.  It’s shown on the cover of the book…

Coiled Horseshoe links by Cindy Wimmer

…used to make earrings.

Earrings by Cindy Wimmer

The Twist Again link – a clever design that incorporates 3 different gauges of wire –

Twist Again links by Cindy Wimmer

…Used as a focal, a charm holder to be exact!  This long, autumn-inspired necklace features a pendant by Heather Powers of Humblebeads.

Autumn Raven by Cindy Wimmer

Another favorite, the Spiral Swirl, also featured on the cover of the book

Spiral Swirl by Cindy Wimmer

– Simply add these links together to form a chain. Make one after another and soon you’ll have a show-stopping bracelet!  * I will be teaching this project at Star’s Beads – at this time the class is full.

Wirework bracelet by Cindy Wimmer

Are you ready for the GIVEAWAYS?

I’ve gathered 4 giveaway items just for you!  There are several ways to enter the give away, each counting as one entry.   The more ways you enter, the greater the chance you have to win one of these items – just let me know how you “entered” in the comments.   All winners will be announced here on Oct. 21st.

One entry for each:

  • Leave a comment on this blog post – I’d love to hear from you.

  • Pin it to Win It!  Simply pin The Missing Link book image on one of your Pinterest boards.  Please use #themissinglink in your pin description.

  • Mention the book/blog tour on your blog, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram – any of your favorite social media outlets – 1 entry each.

  • If you have had a chance to read the book, I’d appreciate an honest review either on the Amazon page or on the publisher’s site. Reviews are helpful for both the consumer and author – thank you.

Thank you for sharing my passion for wire links by helping me to promote The Missing Link!

NaOs spacer beads featured in The Missing Link

Win a set of 9 spacers created by Amber Van Meter of NaOs Glass.  I knew as soon as I came across these stunning beads that I wanted to use them in a project for the book.  I ended up making the cover necklace, “Sojourn by the Sea”, with 27 NaOs etched lampwork beads!

The Missing Link giveaway - antique buckle and wire

This giveaway set includes a luscious antique belt buckle and a coil of red brass wire. The detailed brass buckle features cut steel rivets. You’ll be all set to try your hand at making the project, “Ode to Downton Abbey”.

Twist 'n' Curl:  The Missing Link giveaway

Win my go-to tool for creating coils and jump rings!  I used the Twist ‘n’ Curl to make all of the coils found in wire link projects.  I’ve had one of these sturdy coiling tools with its anodized steel mandrel and aluminum handle for years.  I will be stocking these in my shop soon.

Unkamen Supplies gift certificate

Where do you go when you need wire – especially specialty, hard-to-find wire?  Unkamen Supplies on Etsy!  Ralph Helmrich and his team offer a fantastic range of wire (from sterling silver to raw copper and bronze) as well as other quality supplies. They have generously donated this $25 gift certificate so you can shop for the supplies on your wishlist!

Thank you for sticking with me to the end of this post. Can you tell how excited I am that The Missing Link is officially published??

Just a few more announcements –

If you bought your book from the publisher, Amazon, or another retailer, I am offering a very limited supply of bookplates. I’m so pleased with my custom bookplates made by Laron Glover of Ninth Moon!  Please send me a private message if you would like a signed bookplate to add inside your copy of The Missing Link.

The Missing Link by Cindy Wimmer bookplates

If you would like a signed copy of The Missing Link, please visit my book sales page.

I will be doing a book signing this weekend, October 19th at Star’s Beads. If you are in the Northern VA area, please stop in – I’d love to meet you!

Cindy Wimmer book signing

Thank you for stopping by The Missing Link book blog tour! Please be sure to visit each of the book tour stops each day for more behind-the-scenes, inspiration, and book giveaways!

Oct. 15 –  Cindy Wimmer  {you are here}

Oct. 16 –  Tracy Statler  {Make Bracelets}

Oct. 17 –  Lori Anderson  {Pretty Things}

Oct. 18 –  Kerry Bogert  {Kabs Concepts}

Oct. 19 – Diane Cook  {rosa & josie’s}

     Heather Powers {Art Bead Scene}

Oct. 20 –  Christine Damm  {Stories They Tell}

Oct. 21 –  Cindy Wimmer  {all winners announced here!}

 

– Cindy xoxo

Cindy Wimmer, jewelry designer

Cindy Wimmer is a jewelry designer with a passion for combining vintage elements with modern wire design.   She is the co-founder of artBLISS, hosting jewelry and mixed media workshops in the DC area. Her first wire jewelry design book, The Missing Link, just hit the shelves!

 

 

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181 Comments

  1. Marilyn WK on October 15, 2013 at 2:06 pm

    I can’t wait to get my hands on your book finally! I sure do wish I could get it in Kindle format though. (Then I would always know where it was!)

  2. Lynda Stone on October 15, 2013 at 2:23 pm

    This book looks like a “MUST-HAVE”!

  3. Liz Stern on October 15, 2013 at 2:36 pm

    Shared on FB, pinned on Pinterest – love, love, love your stuff!

  4. Melissa Meman on October 15, 2013 at 2:55 pm

    Cindy, congratulations on your beautiful book! I am not all the way through it yet, but love everything I have seen so far! I can’t wait to sit down with some wire and play! Thank you for your sweet message you wrote in mine! I am so proud of you, dear friend!

  5. Cindy on October 15, 2013 at 3:40 pm

    Thank you to everyone who has stopped by, left a comment, and helped promote the release of the book. I have enjoyed reading each and every one of your comments and they have really made my day! Thank you. xoxo

  6. Maryellen Siegel on October 15, 2013 at 4:21 pm

    I can’t wait to get your book! It has inspired me to finally really learn about wire working!

  7. Anna on October 15, 2013 at 4:24 pm

    This looks fantastic. I’ve got to get a copy. Saw a reference to this via Diane Cook on FaceBook.

  8. KJ on October 15, 2013 at 5:49 pm

    I cannot wait for my copy to arrive. I asked my Mom to get your book for me for my birthday.

  9. Ginger B. on October 15, 2013 at 5:59 pm

    I look forward to receiving my copy of your book. You were such a kind swap partner, and I’m excited to learn from your new book.

  10. Theresa Buchle on October 15, 2013 at 6:03 pm

    I’m blogging, tweeting, & posting to FB plus you’ll be my first pin on my new Pintrest jewelry board. Yay! Even seed beads need good wire work to show them off at their finest.

    Theresa

  11. Alicia on October 15, 2013 at 6:20 pm

    Can’t wait for your book too! Would you consider a Kindle edition too?! Congratulations! ~ I’ll be checking the blog hop, it sounds like a wonderful journey!

  12. Stacie on October 15, 2013 at 7:51 pm

    yahoo! The official release is here! Love the book…just received my copy in the mail today!!!

  13. Ann Schroeder on October 15, 2013 at 7:57 pm

    Love the book and this post! More ways to use the links! I’m so excited about learning the links. I bought a tumbler! I’m excited to see the rest of the hop this week. I pinned the book, wrote a review on the Interweave site, and shared the blog hop on Google+. I hope you’re having the most wonderful time!

  14. christine on October 15, 2013 at 8:44 pm

    I received my book over a week ago and am loving all of the techniques and designs!!
    Congratulations, Cindy!!

  15. Kathy Combs on October 15, 2013 at 9:40 pm

    Cindy, your book is beautiful and has already inspired me to play with some new wire links. I even incorporated a couple into a necklace design I plan to submit for publication. If it gets picked I will for sure plug your awesome book in the article. Thank you!

  16. Liz on October 15, 2013 at 9:41 pm

    Congratulations on your book publication! I can’t wait to get my book. I love the beautiful connectors that I have seen previewed and anxiously await trying my hand at them.

  17. Melissa Trudinger on October 15, 2013 at 10:10 pm

    Congratulations Cindy! I’m very impatiently waiting for my copy of this book — I was able to pre-order it from a local online bookseller, but I suspect it’ll be a week or two yet before it makes its way to Australia! In the meantime, I’m loving the glimpses I’m getting from various blogs, and Facebook! I’ve shared this blog post on FB and pinned the book to my Pinterest books board, looking forward to seeing the rest of the blog tour this week too!

  18. Emma Todd on October 15, 2013 at 10:10 pm

    Yay Cindy! What a great kickoff to this blog tour. I can’t wait to see everyone’s part of the process. I think the bookies such a beautiful reflection of your style, I love the look. I’ll be sure to write are view for the .ca amazon once I’ve put plier to wire and done some proper reading!

  19. Emma Todd on October 15, 2013 at 10:11 pm

    Oh hey I read your mind and blogged about receiving my copy of the book on Saturday 😉

  20. Emma Todd on October 15, 2013 at 10:14 pm

    Shouting out on Pinterest too. Congrats on the buzz too

  21. Elizabeth on October 15, 2013 at 10:33 pm

    All of your stuff looks amazing! I can’t wait to pick up your book – I need to learn more about wire! 🙂

    I have pinned your image here – http://www.pinterest.com/pin/259449628506633277/

    and shared via Fb here – https://www.facebook.com/PrettyShinyObject

  22. Alisa Siceloff on October 15, 2013 at 11:08 pm

    Oh, your book looks fabulous! And the prizes are great too! I’m also going to pin the book on pintrest.

  23. Victoria Barton on October 15, 2013 at 11:20 pm

    first time here. I found you through Unkamen on face book. off to follow you and do the other entries and explore your site.

  24. Polly Barker on October 15, 2013 at 11:41 pm

    I ordered the book tonight! cant wait to touch it —

  25. Karen Hess on October 16, 2013 at 12:04 am

    I’ve got my book and I’m off to the races! I’m like a kid in a candy store and can’t wait to turn the page and try the next link. Thank you SO much for this book, dear Cindy!

  26. Darlene Sanders on October 16, 2013 at 12:13 am

    I’ve been doing chain maille for awhile but have been thinking about doing wire work. I think your book is the push I need!

  27. Janeen Burlingame on October 16, 2013 at 1:07 am

    I have been thinking about buying your book and it was great to see in this blog many of the beautiful designs. Congratulations.

  28. sandi m on October 16, 2013 at 1:58 am

    Cindy, What a fantastic book just like I thought it would be. I read it cover to cover in one sitting, and even pulled out some wire and made several of the links! I already have ideas brewing to incorporate some of them in designs for upcoming holiday shows.
    Looking forward to visiting all the tour stops.
    Warmest Congratulations!!
    sandi

  29. Kimmy DuBois on October 16, 2013 at 2:13 am

    Loved the book! I can not stop looking at the pictures!! Fabulous photography.

    Very helpful resources at the end. The step by step instructions are easy to follow.

    Looking forward to incorporating your inspirations into my work.

    Thank you!

  30. Shannon Chomanczuk on October 16, 2013 at 3:35 am

    I have the e version of the book and I love it! I cannot wait ro start trying some of the links. Such a great book congratulations!

  31. Leah on October 16, 2013 at 3:37 am

    Your book looks amazing, Cindy! The Twist Again Link is definitely my favorite. I love all the extra detail.

  32. Leah on October 16, 2013 at 3:44 am

    Just pinned this on Pinterest, too!

  33. Leah on October 16, 2013 at 3:47 am

    And I’ve shared on Facebook!

  34. jeanniek on October 16, 2013 at 4:19 am

    Congratulations Cindy, I can’t tell you how happy I am for you. I have my copy and I’m waiting until I can find a little block of time with no one around and no interruptions so I can savory every page.
    I wish you much success! jeannie

  35. Gail on October 16, 2013 at 4:36 am

    I can’t wait to get your book!

  36. Rose Yingling on October 16, 2013 at 5:51 am

    I just received your book last week. Have only had time to do a quick look through, but that was enough to get me excited.

  37. Susan Cornish on October 16, 2013 at 6:42 am

    Dear Cindy, So looking forward to getting your book, I have always preferred working with wire in my designs. I have already pinned about your book on Pinterest and was surprised when you responded to my comment. Just goes to show what a nice person you are.The blog hop looks like fun. Best wishes

  38. Christie on October 16, 2013 at 6:50 am

    So excited- just got the email saying the book is on its way to me 🙂 I shared the link on my FB business page ( CharisDesigns) and pinned it. Can’t wait to get mine and start playing!

  39. Denise on October 16, 2013 at 7:46 am

    I can’t wait to get my hands on this book – love the sneakpeaks. The wire links look awesome to try!

  40. Denise on October 16, 2013 at 7:49 am

    Just pinned the book!

  41. Melanie Swope on October 16, 2013 at 8:08 am

    YaY !!! So excited for you, congratulations !!!! I hope you are enjoying all the excitement that your book is creating !! It looks FABULOUS !!!!!! Thank you for the chance to win. Mel

  42. Melanie Swope on October 16, 2013 at 8:20 am

    I also pinned to the board Beading & Jewelry !! MS

  43. Janeen Burlingame on October 16, 2013 at 8:49 am
  44. Julie Walker on October 16, 2013 at 8:51 am

    Exquisite wire working skills! Thanks for inspiration.
    Makes me want to get my wire out and play!

  45. Lana on October 16, 2013 at 10:09 am

    Congrats Miss Cindy!!! I have the downloadable copy…I love it …

  46. Lana on October 16, 2013 at 10:16 am

    Shared on FB 🙂

  47. Michelle Buettner on October 16, 2013 at 10:54 am

    Cindy – Congratulations on your book! Finally, a wire book with something new – and boy do all the links look super cool!! I got tired of waiting on the hubby to pre-order it, and just told him I was going on your website to do it now – and he said, “wait, I think that’s the one I ordered from Amazon yesterday.” I told him – “Silly, you were supposed to order it from Cindy’s site so I can have it autographed!! But with Amazon, we’ll have it today or tomorrow because they’re shipping center is here in Phx. (he better have ordered the right book or he’s in trouble!!) So, I can’t wait to lock myself in my studio this weekend and play, play, play! I pinned it yesterday – but not sure I used the hashtag – my bad! 🙂 I’ll go adjust that right now! And, I’ll do a little fb and twitter shout out too. Congrats to you – this is fabulous!!

  48. Lisa M on October 16, 2013 at 11:14 am

    Squeeeeaaaallll!!! I’ve been eyeing your book since the pre-orders started coming out! Love, love, love the samples you showed from the book! So inspiring! Thank you so much for this awesome giveaway and I am keeping my fingers crossed!!

  49. Doreen on October 16, 2013 at 11:21 am

    Cindy, congratulations on your beautiful book! Makes me wonder if even I could make some of those beautiful links!

  50. Doreen on October 16, 2013 at 11:22 am

    Shared on pinterest 🙂

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Cindy Wimmer is a jewelry designer with a passion for combining vintage elements with modern wire design. She is the co-founder of artBLISS, hosting jewelry and mixed media workshops in the DC area. Her best-selling jewelry design book, The Missing Link, was released in Fall 2013. Read more.