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.

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!

Connie Whittaker, Associate Editor

I had a passion for beads when I started working for a bead store in 2009. That passion quickly grew into an obsession! I couldn't wait to go home and create something with the beads I'd been handling all day. I soon began teaching and writing instructions for my classes. With my background in illustration, writing instructions let me combine my love of beading and drawing into one. Now, being on the Bead&Button team, I'm able to do the things I love, all day!

When I'm not at work, I'm visiting family or home with my husband and daughter. I continue to teach and any extra time is usually spent creating new designs. I am also a member of the Loose Bead Society of Greater Milwaukee and enjoy being involved in the beading community.

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.