I had the opportunity to interview the editor of Bead & Button magazine, Ann Dee Allen. I asked her about all kind of things from how to get published to the scoop on the magazine's future.

1. Could you start by giving us a little of your background and how you came to be the new editor of Bead&Button?

Thank you for asking, Tammy. My background is in writing, editing and public relations. I have over 25 years of experience working with magazines, newspapers, and nonprofits.

I’ve been knitting for decades and I love beautiful beads and beadwork.

2. Bead&Button is considered the “original” beading magazine. It sort of started the whole jewelry and beading periodical industry that we are so lucky to have now. How do you see yourself continuing this tradition while you manage to keep up with the other jewelry magazines on the market? Is this even something you think about when putting together an issue?

I view Bead&Button as the publication for the gourmet in all things bead-related. Quite honestly, there will never be enough space for wonderful projects, beautiful lampwork, interesting and accomplished people, and all of the other ideas we have! The realm of beading is expanding all the time, and the work keeps getting more sophisticated and awe-inspiring. And—as you know so well--with beadandbutton.com and the Internet, the universe is the limit.

3. Could you describe a typical day for you at the Bead&Button office?

That might be the hardest question of all. No day is like another.

Today, the magazine editors will meet and share ideas and updates on what they are doing. I will be writing an article and editing other articles. Tomorrow, we will be in the photo studio working on feature shots. I also have meetings this week with the art director, the publisher, and a colleague on our strategic plan.

4. What sort of plans are you working on for the distant future with Bead&Button?

We are planning to run more great projects, profile fascinating people, and provide more practical advice. I’d like to offer more resource information to readers and keep the higher-level projects coming.

5. What do you look for in projects and articles from freelance contributors? And, how much freelance work do you normally accept, or are most of your articles from staff?

We accept intermediate and advanced project submissions from freelancers. We accept a few beginner projects. Some of the projects are made by our editors. The editors decide which freelance projects to accept as a team. It’s a highly interactive, respectful process. So many factors go into the decision, such as the sophistication of the concept, its originality, the quality of the execution, color combinations, novelty or mix of techniques, and whether something similar has already been published. Of course we want a nice mix of necklaces, bracelets and other projects.

6. What advice would you give to a beader who wants to get their designs published?

Be highly original, offer something wearable and current, create the piece with the same precision you would use if were to try to sell it at its best price, use unique but attainable materials, and aim for adaptability of the technique or materials, and innovation. We reconstruct all projects and generally rewrite the instructions, always with the reader foremost in our minds. We stand by the instructions that way. We have excellent copy editors who take a good look at the copy from the point of view of the beader and the general reader.

7. What about the “button” side of Bead&Button? I remember from some of the very early issues, that there seemed to be a lot of button articles. How does this topic fit in with today’s Bead&Button, or does it still?

I would like to see us offer more on buttons. When it comes to projects, buttons are a little trickier because we strongly believe in maintaining the integrity of the button. For example, we wouldn’t want to see the shank cut from the button. However, we do like to see sophisticated designs that integrate buttons in a way that maintains their authenticity. We have a new design with buttons planned for an upcoming issue.

8. How involved are you with the shows put on by your publisher? What should we expect for this next show and future bead shows?

You’re talking about the Bead&Button Show coming up June 3-10 at the Midwest Airlines Center in downtown Milwaukee. I’m excited about being a judge for the Bead Dreams competition for the Show, and the editors will be there full time talking to participants and attendees. In terms of planning and operations, we have an events marketing staff that knocks my socks off in terms of what they do. They keep us informed about the details of the show and how we can be of help to each other. This year, we have master classes by Diane Fitzgerald, Larry Scott and Andy Cooperman, and of course, more than 480 workshops and classes. That’s not to mention the amazing exhibits, bead marketplace and other events. Everything is on the Internet at beadandbutton.com.

9. What audience do you try to target in your publication? Beginners? Intermediate? Hobbyists? Or everyone? Who do you envision are your typical reader?

We have something for everyone who desires to attain a new level of individual mastery. Our readers tell us that they receive a great deal of satisfaction from creating challenging and beautiful projects. They want to be inspired to apply their own creativity and skills and complete a relaxing project made from instructions they can count on. Simply put, beading makes our readers happy!

10. Is there anything else you’d like to tell my readers about Bead&Button?

We have a Web site redesign in the works. Be sure to flag beadandbutton.com as one of your favorite Internet sites. We’ll have more from our editors on the site, and they will be more visible at the Bead&Button Show. Personally, every day that I have the opportunity to speak directly with an inspired reader, talented designer or artist, lampworker, or writer is a great day for me. The work is fun and the materials and projects are gorgeous, but the people are the best part of the job. I’m hoping to get out to several beading venues to meet more people.