Julia Gerlach, Editor

Few things are as satisfying to me as making something I like with my own hands, the key phrase being something I like. I’ve dabbled in a number of crafts over the years, including embroidery, crochet, sewing, and paper crafts, but it wasn’t until I took up beading in 2002 that I began to find real satisfaction in my pursuits. Perhaps it’s because I have a fondness for very small things, as my mother insists, or maybe it’s because beadwork is so versatile and  forgiving. If I don’t like my pattern or design, I can just tear it out and I haven’t destroyed anything but a bit of thread! (I mourn the yards of fabric that have met an untimely end at my hands.) 

So, I’m delighted to be able to work with beads every day, heading up the talented team of designers and editors bringing you Bead&Button and BeadAndButton.com. I’ve been working on the magazine since 2005 in various capacities, and enjoy it all, especially working with the creative and spirited Bead&Button contributors and readers. 

I have a BA in music and philosophy from Milwaukee’s own Alverno College (where I learned to graciously accept that I was not going to be the next Itzhak Perlman). Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter, reading, doing crossword puzzles, and gardening.

Anna Elizabeth Draeger, Associate Editor

After about 10 years of beading, I began teaching, focusing my creative energy on designs that would help my students master specific techniques in a patient environment. Although beading brings me great personal satisfaction real joy still means sharing my love of beading with room full of people who get as excited about it as I do.

There is something very special about helping someone take raw materials and turn them into something beautiful with their own hands, and working as an associate editor at Bead&Button magazine allows me to do just that on a daily basis. Even though our readers aren't in the room with me, they are never far from my mind as I prepare our jewelry project articles. After a project appears in the magazine, support is available for readers in our forums, blogs, and through Ask Anna – our online Q&A column and outlet for all your design questions. Being part of the beading community keeps us all connected, encouraged, and committed to our work.

When I'm not a work or at home with my two boys, I teach at local bead stores. February finds me in Tucson each year to teach as a Swarovski Elements Ambassador, and recently I taught five workshops in Germany, my first trip overseas! My first book, Crystal Brilliance: Making Jewelry with Crystal Beads published by Kalmbach Books, was a personal goal that I finally realized, and now I can't wait to finish the next book.

Jane Danley Cruz, Associate Editor

I feel like I was born with a needle and thread in my hand.  My mother taught me to embroider when I was 4 years old and to knit, crochet, and sew shortly after that. She encouraged me in all things creative and taught me to read instructions to learn new techniques. Until I discovered beading in 2004, crochet was my preferred form of expression.  However, once I learned peyote stitch from the Basics in Bead&Button, there was no turning back. 
 
I have a bachelor's degree in journalism from Southern Illinois University and have worked in advertising, human resources and real estate.  I relocated to Wisconsin from Chicago to pursue my beading passion and I'm excited to be a part of the Bead&Button team and to be surrounded by beautiful beadwork every single day.  It's no wonder I dream in beads!

Stacy Werkheiser, Associate Editor

I first discovered beading books and magazines while working at my local public library. So many people were checking out beading titles that I knew there was something special about this hobby! I myself was bitten by the bug while working for three years as the copy editor for Bead&Button and BeadStyle magazines. Now, as associate editor of Bead&Button, I get to bead on the job. One of the things I love about bead stitching is that an inexpensive tube of seed beads and a spool of thread can make a large project or several small ones. In all of my crafting, I lean toward the practical and economical.

When I’m not stitching beads, I’m stringing words. I work on most of Bead&Button’s non-project stories, including the table of contents, Expert Advice, Artist Profile, and Basics. I also post regularly in our Editors’ Blog. Drop by and say hello!

Lora Groszkiewicz, Editorial Assistant

I joined Bead&Button in November of 2000. My job started at 25 hours a week but quickly increased as the magazine and the Bead&Button Show grew. I like to think of myself as the hub of the office, taking care of all the phone calls and e-mails we receive. I also log in article proposals and send out contracts.

My favorite part of the job is handling Bead Dreams. Seeing photos of pieces created by artists from all over the world is one thing, but I am in total awe when I actually get to see and touch the pieces in person.

Lynne Soto, Contributor

I came to Bead&Button as an associate editor in May 2006 and found the job to be the perfect combination of the writing and editing I've practiced in my career and my personal interest in beading. In March 2009, I left the magazine and later that year formed Lessons with Lynne, my beaded jewelry teaching enterprise. I now teach customized beading projects to individuals and groups through the Bead&Button Show, the Whitefish Bay Community Recreation Department, and Milwaukee-area bead stores. I also design and make custom beaded jewelry for classes, publication, and gifts. I enjoy working on special assignments and contributing beading projects to Bead&Button. I'm a member of the Loose Bead Society of Greater Milwaukee, and serve on the group's programming committee.