If you've picked up your September 2008 issue of Art Jewelry, you may have already checked our Web site for the promised online article on patinating techniques for copper by Pat Gullett. And you've no doubt been disappointed. Have no fear; the story isn't gone, just delayed for a while.

It was one of those publishing things. We had the story all laid out and ready to go, and then we had a sudden thought. Take a test strip comparing three different patinas, like this:
 

Obviously, the subtle color differences are the point of the article. But much as I would like to think that I control the universe at times, I have absolutely no control over the uncountable number of computer monitors and printers being used by our readers. The story's effectiveness would be affected by any number of factors — paper weight, ink quantity, resolution of print quality, the calibration of the monitor... and speaking just for myself, the monitor on my home computer hasn't been checked since I took it out of the box and plugged it in over three years ago. So, just so I can have complete control over what you see, the story will appear in the November 2008 issue, which will be on newsstands in the beginning of October. 

In the meantime, we've substituted a chain mail project by John Fetvedt for our subscribers, showing you how to make a pair of graduated Byzantine pattern earrings. I love these earrings, in both the original sterling silver, but especially with gold-filled jump rings mixed in for variation; they're light and pretty and unbelievably slinky.