Handcrafted jewelry by Cindy Wimmer

 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! 😉

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.

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:

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.

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

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…

…used to make earrings.

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

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

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

– 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.

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!

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!

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”.

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.

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.

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!

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 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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