Etsy BeadWeavers

March 2012 Theme Announced " Destinations:

2011-12-22T09:01:00.000-08:00

The winner of the team vote in our December challenge, Jacquie Champion of Angelqlue Creations has selected her March theme for 2012.

"Destinations"

During the winter months here in the Pacific North West we all dream of warmer, sunnier weather after many long days of dark dreariness and rain, oh so much rain. Many of us migrate to warmer climates in Feb and March for a period of time. I will be heading to Hawaii, Where would you go? Pick a destination of where you would like to travel, it does not have to be a warmer climate or even a real location it could be a fantasy destination. Design your entry around the destination and explain why you chose this destination and how your entry fits. Lets all have some fun.

You may list your entry anytime between now (Dec 23, 2011) and the 5th of March 2012, but don't tag it EBWC until after February 15th, 2012. Only current members of Etsy Beadweavers may enter the challenge. If you are not a member, but have an Etsy shop and are into beadweaving please check out our membership requirements and complete the short survey at the button on the right. JOIN ETSY BEADWEAVERS.

THE CHALLENGE RULES

Any EBW member may create one new beadweaving of your own design (not from a kit, book, magazine, Tutoruial or class) in response to the challenge theme. Your work should be entirely beadwoven, or have a substantially woven component, to feature and promote our art form. You may not renew an existing piece or list a tutorial as an entry.

Members are expected to participate in challenges when possible, and required to do so once each year, they are also required to vote each month both here and internally on our forum. Start the weaving anytime after the theme is announced. Complete and list the work for sale on Etsy by the 5th of the month of the challenge, before midnight Etsy (Eastern Standard) time. Your listing date is proof you entered by the deadline, and also determines your placement in the mosaic, so DO NOT RENEW your work until after the voting poll opens on the 9th.

Your listing must be for sale for the duration of the challenge, unless it sells from your shop. If that happens, please alert the moderators to your sale, and you can still participate. If you must reserve your listing for purchase, please follow Etsy's recommendations and edit both your title and your description to begin with: "RESERVED FOR (buyer's Etsy username) ONLY." Etsy does not allow the listing of items not for sale, so reserving your entry to sell elsewhere or keep for yourself is not permitted.

WHAT INFORMATION MUST BE IN MY LISTING?

Your listing must include the following four (4) things:

1. The theme of the challenge. For example, “This (describe your work) was created for the Etsy Beadweavers Team (insert the month) challenge on the theme (insert the title of the theme).”

2. An explanation of how your work relates to the theme.

3. The address of our team blog where the voting will take place and the voting dates. For example, “Please visit our team blog, http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com between the 9th and 15th and vote for your favorite entry.”

4.Tag your entry EBWC. This is how we find your entry. Please test this tag by seaarching "handmade" and "EBWC" on Etsy. If your entry does not appear in this search within an hour after listing and tagging it, please contact a moderator for assistance. Please do not apply this tag until after the previous challenge poll closes on the 15th, and remove the tag after the voting poll closes, so entries for the next month’s challenge can be featured.

About Promoting the Public Voting Poll

The purpose of the public poll is to bring as many viewers to our team blog as possible, increasing awareness of Etsy Beadweavers and our art form. The winner of the public poll should be the work that the most viewers liked the best. Promote the challenge by inviting as many friends, acquaintances, co-workers and family members as you like to vote for their favorite entry. Please use your blog, Facebook, Twitter and any other resources you have to drive traffic to our blog during the challenge. Feel free to say which entry is yours. Many friends will choose to support you with a vote. But please DO NOT request that your friends vote for your work, or that of another member. Please let them make up their own minds about which entry they like the best. Let’s play fair with each other, and keep our challenges fun for all.

Congratulations to the Winners of the December Challenge "Arabesque Style"

2011-12-16T08:45:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Isabella of Bead4Me winner of the December Challenge Fan favorite "Arabesque Style" vote. Isabella's Arabesque Bouquet Necklace received 63 of 667 votes (9%)
The runners up are:
2nd place - 7. Iznik bracelet - MoonsafariBeads with 50 votes (7%)
3rd place - 22. Bead Embroidered Cuff Bracelet - HannahRachel with 44 votes (6%)
Tied for 4th place -4. Paisley Brooch - beadn4fun and 14. Jasmine - a Persian Princess Necklace - Vicus with 41 votes each (6%)
Tied for 5th place - 17. Peacock Necklace - TerahClassyCreations and 19. Arabian Nights Arabesque Cuff - AngelqueCreations with 39 votes each (5%)
6th place - 5. Your Heart was my Motif - josjewels1 with 33 votes (4%)
7th place - 9. Turkish Delights Necklace - 4uidzne with 32 votes (4%)
8th place - 1. Aladdin's Treasure - beadifuljewelry with 30 votes (4%)
9th place - 12. The Sultana's Necklace - crimsonfrog with 28 votes (4%) and
10th place - 18. Rivoli Beadwoven Necklace - SpringColors with 25 votes (3%)

Congratulations also go to Jacquie Champion of AngelqueCreations and her #19 - Arabian Nights Arabesque Cuff winner of the Team vote, Jacquie will have the honors of selecting the theme for the March Challenge

Voting for the December Challenge - "Arabesque Style"

2011-12-08T09:04:00.000-08:00

The winner of the team vote in our October challenge, Joanne Teague of ThistleDew4U, has selected the December theme for our final challenge of the year. The theme of December's Etsy Beadweavers challenge is "ARABESQUE STYLE." Arabesque is an ornamental design style consisting of interwoven vines, flowers, leaves and geometric forms, often combined with other motifs. Motifs in Persian art can be a paisley, a geometric shape, a horse, lion, or flower. Western art motif examples include acanthus, egg and dart, and fleur de lis. Arabesque patterning is used in Persian rugs, tilework, medieval manuscripts, embroidery patterns and architecture.

The subject is broad, spanning several centuries and cultures with a wealth of inspiration material.

What did our entrants make of it? Please view this month's contest entries below.

Voting for this challenge runs December 9th - December 15th.
Click on the image of each entry for more details

Please vote only once for your favorite!

Click on any image in the mosaic to see additional views and read about each piece in detail.

February 2012 Challenge theme announced "Nest"

2011-11-22T19:00:00.000-08:00

The winner of the team vote in our November Challenge "Totally Twisted", Kris of KrisDesignFSP has a theme for our first challenge of the new year Februaryt 2012. And she would simply want to call it NEST. She has described her idea so well that I think it best to just quote her directly:

“It will still be winter in the Northern hemisphere in February and I believe thinking about nestling could make us feel comfortable. What I would like us to do: If you think about (or google for) "nest", you will find much more than birds building nests. Insects like bees, hornets and others also do.

So let´s get inspired by their pieces of art. Let´s see what ideas nature gives us. I´m sure, everybody will find a way to find their own interpretation of NEST……My intention is NOT building whatever nest in beads. When you think about what associations we have with the term "nest", it´s not necessary to construct a complete copy of a natural item.

For me structures are important. You cut out a certain detail and transform it into beaded art, the main thing is that everybody will have the association NEST!

You may list your entry anytime between November 22, 2011 and the 5th of February 2012, but don't tag it EBWC until after Decemberr 15th.Only current members of Etsy Beadweavers may enter the challenge. If you are not a member, but have an Etsy shop and are into beadweaving please check out our membership requirements and complete the short survey at the button on the right. JOIN ETSY BEADWEAVERS.

THE CHALLENGE RULES

Members are expected to participate in challenges when possible, and required to do so once each year. Start the weaving anytime after the theme is announced. Complete and list the work for sale on Etsy by the 5th of the month of the challenge, before midnight Etsy (Eastern Standard) time. Your listing date is proof you entered by the deadline, and also determines your placement in the mosaic, so DO NOT RENEW your work until after the voting poll opens on the 9th.

WHAT INFORMATION MUST BE IN MY LISTING?

Your listing must include the following four (4) things:

1. The theme of the challenge. For example, “This (describe your work) was created for the Etsy Beadweavers Team (insert the month) challenge on the theme (insert the title of the theme).”

2. An explanation of how your work relates to the theme.

About Promoting the Public Voting Poll

Congratulations to the Winner of November "Totally Twisted" challenge

2011-11-16T07:33:00.000-08:00

This month we have a first for the team in that one entry has won both the Fan favorite and the Member Favorite vote, congratulations go to Kris of KrisDesignsFSP and her "Totally Twisted" necklace. Kris received a landslide 201 (33%) of the Fan vote and 71 (52%) of the Member vote.

The runners up on the fan vote are:
2nd place - 5. Starlit evening - FleurDeIrk with 54 votes (8%)
3rd place - 8. 2 Mechanics Night Out Spiral Necklace - 4uidzne with 39 votes (6%)
4th place - 18. Crystal Pearl Twisted Choker - CJewelCreations with 36 (5%)
5th place - 12. Autumn Jasper Chip Choker - AngelqueCreations with 29 votes (4%)
6th place - 24. Deco Twist Necklace - deborahaweaver with 28 votes (4%)
7th place -23. Hibiscus - Annahatvani with 18 votes (2%)
8th place- 37. Rivoli Beadwoven Autumn Colors Necklace - SpringColors with 17 votes (2%)
9th place - 10. Twisted in Blue Brilliance - ABeadedWorld with 16 votes (2%)
and 10th place - 2. Spiral Wedding Party Bouquet Necklaces - DownstreamDiva with 15 votes (2%)

Kris will have the honors of selecting the theme for Feburary 2012, we take a break from the Challenges in January.

Voting for the November Challenge "Totally Twisted"

2011-11-08T13:26:00.000-08:00

The November Challenge chosen by Marsha of HauteIceBeadwork, presents us with an interesting theme. "TOTALLY TWISTED! This challenge is an opportunity to design your own unique twist on any of the many beaded spiral techniques. You may use a skill you have, or learn a new technique to add to your repertoire. You can weave a basic spiral rope, or a double or maybe even a triple spiral. Bead a Cellini Spiral, Dutch Spiral, Russian Spiral Weave, or African Helix. You can use spiral fringe or twisted loop fringe, or maybe you know some corkscrew-y stitch not mentioned here. Show us you best beaded DNA! You may use other design components, and personalize your work in any way you choose, but let something totally twisted be the featured part of your entry."

Please click on any image in the mosaic below to see additional views and read about each piece in detail.

Voting for the challenge runs November 9th - November 15th, 2011.

Please vote only once for your favorite.

1. Triple Mobius Duet - rebeccanebesar

http://www.etsy.com/listing/82868125/triple-mobius-duet

2. Spiral Wedding Party Bouquet Necklaces - DownstreamDiva

http://www.etsy.com/listing/83047419/trio-set-of-spiral-wedding-party-bouquet

3. cold and twisted necklace - DesigningRoseStore

http://www.etsy.com/listing/83223327/cold-and-twisted-necklace

4. Totally Twisted Chunky Beadwork Necklace - BeadsNJane

http://www.etsy.com/listing/83435393/totally-twisted-chunky-beadwork-necklace

5. Starlit evening - FleurDeIrk

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84049263/black-pearl-rope-necklace-starlit

6. Spiral Dream Beadwoven Necklace - njdesigns1

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84217640/spiral-dream-beadwoven-necklace-ebwc

7. Twisted in Blue - randomcreative

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84327464/beaded-wrap-braceletnecklace-twisted-in

8. 2 Mechanics Night Out Spiral Necklace - 4uidzne

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84176844/2-mechanics-night-out-spiral-necklace

9. Christmas Berries - ArtBeadwork

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84465875/christmas-berries-bead-woven-bracelet

10. Twisted in Blue Brilliance - ABeadedWorld

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84467807/twisted-in-blue-brilliance-november-ebwc

11. Lemon Twist - BlissWorksStudio

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84556536/lemon-twist-beadwoven-necklace-ebwc

12. Autumn Jasper Chip Choker - AngelqueCreations

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84635433/autumn-jasper-chip-bead-woven-celini

13. Cubed Spiral Twist Necklace - HauteIceBeadwork

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84675885/cubed-spiral-twist-necklace-ebwc

14. black magic seed beads twisting into the night for November's neck - BoonieBeads

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84553441/beadwoven-necklace-made-with-a-batch-of

15. Rainbow Round Dance Snake Necklace - Beadoodled

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84784742/rainbow-round-dance-snake-necklace-ebwc

16. Galaxy Twist - beadn4fun

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84845663/galaxy-twist-ebwc

17. Beadwoven Spiraling Amber Bracelet and Earring Set - beadbug

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84881597/beadwoven-spiraling-amber-bracelet-and

18. Crystal Pearl Twisted Choker - CJewelCreations

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84926413/crystal-pearl-twisted-choker-free

19. Silver twisted - ByMaja

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84964377/silver-twisted-ebw-team-november

20. Red and Silver Spiral Necklace - MaryTDesigns

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84966506/red-and-silver-spiral-necklacenovember

21. Totally Twisted - KrisDesignFSP

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84968125/totally-twisted-necklace-created-for-the

22. Midnight Garden - time2cre8

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84976006/midnight-garden-necklace-bead-crochet

23. Hibiscus - Annahatvani

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85110503/hibiscus-bead-embroidered-necklace-with

24. Deco Twist Necklace - deborahaweaver

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85162896/deco-twist-necklace

25. Bracelet BLUE WAVES - pasipuosiu

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85177740/bracelet-blue-waves-ebwc-november

26. Sun & Clouds Necklace - BohoDame

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85184674/sun-clouds-necklace

27. Blue totally twisted bracelet - LadyNayana

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85193734/blue-totally-twisted-bracelet

28. Out of Character - MyOrcaDreams

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85237812/out-of-character-a-beadwoven-bracelet-in

29. Beta Blues Necklace - tenstoreylovesong

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85305794/beta-blues-necklace

30. Caramel Twirl - aprilisforeve

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85322014/square-pendant-necklace-caramel-twirl

31. Olivine Green Cube Crystals Twisted Bracelet - Jewelrybyjane29

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85323931/olivine-green-cube-crystals-olive-green

32. Twigs - Kankou

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85344154/triple-twist-beadwoven-necklace-twigs

33. The Purple Twisted Pearl Necklace Set - crystalwonders

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85358284/the-purple-twisted-pearl-necklace

34. Spiral Into Autumn Necklace - KathysBeadTreasures

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85372645/spiral-into-autumn-necklace

35. Totally Tempting Turquoise Twist - Ilovebeads84

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85392190/totally-tempting-turquoise-twist

36. Oceans of Opalite Beadwoven Necklace - backstagecrafts

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85406984/oceans-of-opalite-beadwoven-necklace

37. Rivoli Beadwoven Autumn Colors Necklace - SpringColors

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85411362/rivoli-beadwoven-autumn-colors-necklace

38. Double Dutch Spiral Necklace - SallyGoRoundTheMoon

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85422990/double-dutch-spiral-necklace-in

39. Tears of the night - LevyMarina

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85425985/tears-of-the-night-november-ebwc

40. Midnight Flower - beadwoman3

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85438081/midnight-flower

December Challenge Theme Announced "ARABESQUE STYLE."

2011-10-20T08:46:00.000-07:00

The winner of the team vote in our October challenge, Joanne Teague of ThistleDew4U, has selected her December theme for our final challenge of the year.

The theme of December's Etsy Beadweavers challenge is "ARABESQUE STYLE." Arabesque is an ornamental design style consisting of interwoven vines, flowers, leaves and geometric forms, often combined with other motifs. Motifs in Persian art can be a paisley, a geometric shape, a horse, lion, or flower. Western art motif examples include acanthus, egg and dart, and fleur de lis. Arabesque patterning is used in Persian rugs, tilework, medieval manuscripts, embroidery patterns and architecture. Think of it as your own creative fodder. The subject is broad, spanning several centuries and cultures with a wealth of inspiration material. What will you make of it? We shall see. Joanne offers this inspirational image to get you started: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

You may list your entry anytime between now and the 5th of December 2011, but don't tag it EBWC until after November 15th.Only current members of Etsy Beadweavers may enter the challenge. If you are not a member, but have an Etsy shop and are into beadweaving please check out our membership requirements and complete the short survey at the button on the right. JOIN ETSY BEADWEAVERS.

THE CHALLENGE RULES

Any EBW member may create one new beadweaving of your own design (not from a kit, book, magazine, or class) in response to the challenge theme. Your work should be entirely beadwoven, or have a substantially woven component, to feature and promote our art form. You may not renew an existing piece or list a tutorial as an entry.

WHAT INFORMATION MUST BE IN MY LISTING?

Your listing must include the following four (4) things:

1. The theme of the challenge. For example, “This (describe your work) was created for the Etsy Beadweavers Team (insert the month) challenge on the theme (insert the title of the theme).”

2. An explanation of how your work relates to the theme.

About Promoting the Public Voting Poll

Congratulations to the Winners of the October Challenge "Inspired by Picasso"

2011-10-16T13:25:00.000-07:00

Congratulations go to Nazo of Pinararpaci and her One Picasso's Ladies is Lying on My Neck Necklace winner of the "Inspired by Picasso" Challenge Fan favortie vote, Nazo's entry received 113 votes (18%) of the 623 votes. The runners up were as follows:

2nd place -24. Harlequin Clown Mask - 4uidzne with 59 votes (9%)

3rd place - 28. Rivoli Beadwoven Blue Bracelet - SpringColors with 43 votes (6%)

4th place - 18. Galactic Concerto Brooch - thistledew4u with 40 votes (6%)

5th place - 33 -Picasso inspired Blue and Orange Ballerina - ArtBeadwork
with 34 votes (5%)

6th place -14. Black Grey Bead Embroidered Necklace - BlissWorksStudio with 22 votes (3%)

7th place - 25. Tears In the Night - StickLizardDesigns with 20 votes (3%)

8th place - 35. Red Bead Embroidered necklace - crimsonfrog with 18 votes (2%)

9th place - 6. Beads Brooch/Pendant - BeadEnCounter with 17 votes (2%)

and a 3 way tie for 10th place with 16 vote each are - 12. Picasso's Garden - beadn4fun , 13. Picasso's Eyes - Amykohndesigns and 37. The Picasso Zorro - iHeartAdornment

Congratulations also go to Joanne of ThistleDew4U and her 18. Galactic Concerto Brooch - thistledew4u

winner of the Team Favorite vote, Joanne will have the honors of selecting the theme for our December challenge

Voting for October Challenge - "Inspired by Picasso"

2011-10-08T08:40:00.000-07:00

The October 2011 challenge, chosen by Sarah Breese of BohoDameDesigns,
invited our members to create original designs "Inspired by Picasso." We were challenged
"... to do a bit of research on Pablo Picasso's many different styles and create your own beadwoven masterpiece, inspired by his work. Picasso's journey as an artist took him through many different periods such as Blue, Rose, Cubism, Neo-Classicism, and Surrealism. With so many artistic periods to choose from, the sky is the limit for this challenge.If you would like to work from a specific drawing, painting or sculpture - as I did with my "Inspired by Picasso" bracelet - that is perfectly fine. You can reference your source of inspiration in the description, but it is copyright infringement to post any photos of Picasso’s work along with your work, and direct copying of any portion of his imagery is also prohibited, and will result in disqualification. I hope you all have a blast doing a bit of research and learning about one of the greatest artists of modern times"

Please click on any image in the mosaic below to see additional views and read about each piece in detail.

Voting for the challenge runs October 9th - October 15th, 2011.
Please vote only once for your favorite.

TOTALLY TWISTED! November Challenge Theme Announced

2011-09-20T12:17:00.000-07:00

Marsha of HauteIceBeadwork, winner of the September Lions and Tigers and Bears, OH MY! challenge presents us with an interesting theme. TOTALLY TWISTED!

This challenge is an opportunity to design your own unique twist on any of the many beaded spiral techniques. You may use a skill you have, or learn a new technique to add to your repertoire. You can weave a basic spiral rope, or a double or maybe even a triple spiral. Bead a Cellini Spiral, Dutch Spiral, Russian Spiral Weave, or African Helix. You can use spiral fringe or twisted loop fringe, or maybe you know some corkscrew-y stitch not mentioned here. Show us you best beaded DNA! You may use other design components, and personalize your work in any way you choose, but let something totally twisted be the featured part of your entry.

You have from today September 20 until November 5th to create and list your entry. Only current members of Etsy Beadweavers may enter the challenge. If you are not a member, but have an Etsy shop and are into beadweaving please check out our membership requirements and complete the short survey at the button on the right. JOIN ETSY BEADWEAVERS.

THE CHALLENGE RULES

WHAT INFORMATION MUST BE IN MY LISTING?

Your listing must include the following four (4) things:

1. The theme of the challenge. For example, “This (describe your work) was created for the Etsy Beadweavers Team (insert the month) challenge on the theme (insert the title of the theme).”

2. An explanation of how your work relates to the theme.

About Promoting the Public Voting Poll

Congratulaltions to the winners of the September Challenge Lions and Tigers and Bears, OH MY!

2011-09-17T06:59:00.000-07:00

Congratulations go to Evi of Vicus and her Emerald City Treasure - Vicus winner of the September Lions and Tigres and Bears, OH MY Challenge Fan favortie vote, Evi's Emerald City Treasure received 87 votes (15%)

The Runners Up are:
2nd place - 13. Lions & Tigers Beadwoven Tile Bracelet - TerahClassyCreations with 79 votes (14%)
3rd place -  22. Eye of a Tiger - SpringColors with 59 votes(10%)
4th place - 9. The Lion's Tale Necklace - HauteIceBeadwork with 50 votes (9%)
5th place - 16. Dorothy's Mane Man's Medal- The Order of Oz - scarboro with 36 votes (6%)
6th place -  2. On the Way to Emerald City - AngelqueCreations  with 31 votes (5%)
7th place - 12. Beaded Tiger eye on the yellow brick road - ile1974 with 21 votes (3%)
8th place - 17. The Forest of Oz beaded charm bracelet - AmethystRavenstar with 20 votes (3%)
9th place - 7. Dandy Lion's Beaded Oz Collar - HannahRachel with 17 votes (3%)
10th place -  19. Rainbow Necklace - Horse of a Different Color - FrancescasFancy with 16 votes (2%)
Congratulations also go to Marsha of HauteIceBeadwork for her The Lions Tail Necklace. Marsha is the winner of the Team Favorite vote and will have the honnors of selecting the theme for our November Challenge.

Voting for September Challenge - "Lions and Tigers and Bears, OH MY!"

2011-09-09T08:37:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay in posting the challenge voting but we had some technical difficultlies last evening. This being the case the voting will remain open until the 16th at midnight.

Ann of FrancescasFancy, challenged us to create a piece for "Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!" Walk on your wild side and unleash your inner beast! Find inspiration in any animal of your choice, and then, add an element of magic and mystery from the books or movie, The Wizard of Oz.

Use your wildlife in any way you like. It might be a face, silhouette, a foot or paw print, scary or humorous pose, or whatever you find interesting. Then add a hint of the Emerald City with a splash of green, or walk the beads in steps made by the ruby slippers. You might weave the yellow brick road, or the flying monkeys may swing into your work. Maybe you twist a creation reminiscent of a tornado, with swirling colors in chaos.

There are an abundance of iconic elements to draw from. You could play on one of the many themes of Dorothy's journey in her search for a way home. The only requirements are to have an animal represented and something from the magical land of Oz.

The response was 28 amazing entries, please vote only one for your favorite entry that you feel meets the requirements of the challenge.

October Team Members Challenge Theme "Inspired By Picasso"

2011-08-22T13:46:00.000-07:00

Sarah Breese of BohoDameDesigns won our August Challenge Team Poll, and her prize is selecting our October theme. She tells us:

"Recently I visited the Picasso exhibit at the de Young Museum in lovely San Francisco. Creatively speaking, it was incredibly inspirational for me as a beading artist. I thought it would be fun for you all to do a bit of research on Pablo Picasso's many different styles and create your own beadwoven masterpiece, inspired by his work.

Picasso's journey as an artist took him through many different periods such as Blue, Rose, Cubism, Neo-Classicism, and Surrealism. With so many artistic periods to choose from, the sky is the limit for this challenge.

If you would like to work from a specific drawing, painting or sculpture - as I did with my "Inspired by Picasso" bracelet - that is perfectly fine. You can reference your source of inspiration in the description, but it is copyright infringement to post any photos of Picasso’s work along with your work, and direct copying of any portion of his imagery is also prohibited, and will result in disqualification.
I hope you all have a blast doing a bit of research and learning about one of the greatest artists of modern times."

You may begin your entry today, August 21st, and must list your finished item by midnight Etsy time on October 5th. Please be sure you read the following challenge rules that apply to EVERY challenge and understand them as well.

THE CHALLENGE RULES
Any EBW member may create one new beadweaving of your own design (not from a kit, book, magazine, or class) in response to the challenge theme. You work should be entirely beadwoven, or have a substantially woven component, to feature and promote our art form. You may not renew an existing piece or list a tutorial as an entry.

Members are expected to participate in challenges when possible, and required to do so once each year. Start the weaving anytime after the theme is announced. Complete and list the work for sale on Etsy by the 5th of the month of the challenge, before midnight Etsy (Eastern Standard) time. Your listing date is proof you entered by the deadline, and also determines your placement in the mosaic, so DO NOT RENEW your work until after the voting poll opens on the 9th. If your listing sells, you can still participate in the challenge, but please alert the moderators to the sale.

WHAT INFORMATION MUST BE IN MY LISTING?
Your listing must include the following four (4) things:
1. The theme of the challenge. For example, “This (describe your work) was created for the Etsy Beadweavers Team (insert the month) challenge on the theme (insert the title of the theme).”
2. An explanation of how your work relates to the theme.
3. The address of our team blog where the voting will take place and the voting dates. For example, “Please visit our team blog, http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com between the 9th and 15th and vote for your favorite entry.”
4.Tag your entry EBWC. This is how we find your entry. Please test this tag by searching "handmade" and "EBWC" on Etsy. If your entry does not appear in this search within an hour after listing and tagging it, please contact a moderator for assistance. Please do not apply this tag until after the previous challenge poll closes on the 15th, and remove the tag after the voting poll closes, so entries for the next month’s challenge can be featured.

About Promoting the Public Voting Poll
The purpose of the public poll is to bring as many viewers to our team blog as possible, increasing awareness of Etsy Beadweavers and our art form. The winner of the public poll should be the work that the most viewers liked the best. Promote the challenge by inviting as many friends, acquaintances, co-workers and family members as you like to vote for their favorite entry. Please use your blog, Facebook, Twitter and any other resources you have to drive traffic to our blog during the challenge. Feel free to say which entry is yours. Many friends will choose to support you with a vote. But please DO NOT request that your friends vote for your work, or that of another member. Please let them make up their own minds about which entry they like the best. Let’s play fair with each other, and keep our challenges fun for all.

Congratulations to the winners of the August Challenge, "Summer's Juicy Fruit!"

2011-08-16T09:03:00.000-07:00

Congratulations go to Katalin Budainé Nagy of Budaikata, the 1^st place winner of the Summer's Juicy Fruit Challenge Fan Favorite Vote for her "Summer's Juicy Fruits Jewelry Set." Katalin’s beautiful entry received 96 votes (19%).

The runners up are:

2nd Place - # 12 Citrus Slice Bracelet – BohoDameDesigns with 86 votes (17%)

3rd Place - #13 Lemonade – Vicus with 36 votes (7%)

4th Place - #3 Bottled Cherries – 4uidzne with 32 votes (6%)

5^thPlace - #19 Wild Blueberries Bead Embroidered Collar Necklace – glimmerstone with 31 votes (6%)

6th Place - #16 Peach Profusion Necklace – HauteIceBeadwork with 26 votes (5%)

7th Place - #8 Life’s a Peach Beadwoven Amulet Bag – beadn4fun with 22 votes (4%)

8th Place - #7 Summer Berries Bead Woven Bracelet – iceboxgems with 21 votes (4%)

9th Place - #22 Bracelet TuttiFrutti – enchantedbeads with 19 votes (3%)

10th Place - #5 Strawberry Fields Forever – randomcreative with 18 votes (3%)

Congratulations also go to Sarah Breese of BohoDameDesigns and her Citrus Slice Bracelet, the winner of the Summer's Juicy Fruit Challenge Team Vote!

Sarah will have the honors of selecting the theme for the October challenge.

Voting for the August Challenge - Summer's Juicy Fruit

2011-08-07T20:53:00.000-07:00

The August 2011 challenge, chosen by Sharri Moroshok of the Beaded Bead,
invited our members to create original designs inspired by the theme "Summer's Juicy Fruit."
Please click on any image in the mosaic below to see additional views
and read about each piece in detail.

Voting for the challenge runs August 9th - August 15th, 2011.
Please vote only once for your favorite.

September Team Members Challenge Theme "Lions and Tiger and Bears, Oh My"

2011-07-21T09:24:00.000-07:00

Ann of FrancescasFancy, and winner of the Sizzling Sunshine and Soothin Water July challenge offers us this delightful inspiration for our September challenge "Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!" Walk on your wild side and unleash your inner beast! Find inspiration in any animal of your choice, and then, add an element of magic and mystery from the books or movie, The Wizard of Oz.

Current Etsy Beadweaver Team members may begin your entry today, July 20th, 2011, and must post you completed project for sale in your shop before midight, Etsy time on the 5th of September Good Luck!

Not a member and would like to join in on the challenges, you must maintain an Etsy Shop with a minimum of 50% bead woven items, if your work fits the description then apply for membersip by clicking the Join EBW button on the right hand side of the blog and completing a short survey. You will be notified within a week of your application if you have been accepted or not, so if you want to enter the current challenge please allow sufficient time to process your application.

THE CHALLENGE RULES

Currenty EBW team member may create one new beadweaving of your own design and not a tutorial (not from a kit, book, magazine, or class) in response to the challenge theme. You work should be entirely beadwoven, or have a substantially woven component, to feature and promote our art form. You may not renew an existing piece and your work entry must be the original and not a tutorial of your design. Members are expected to participate in challenges when possible, and required to do so once each year. Start the weaving anytime after the theme is announced. Complete and list the work for sale on Etsy by the 5th of the month of the challenge, before midnight Etsy time. Your listing date is proof you entered by the deadline, so DO NOT RENEW your work until after the voting poll opens on the 9th. If your listing sells, you can still participate in the challenge, but please alert the moderators to the sale.

WHAT INFORMATION MUST BE IN MY LISTING?

Your listing must include the following four (4) things:

1.The theme of the challenge. For example, “This (describe your work) was created for the Etsy Beadweavers Team (insert the month) challenge on the theme (insert the title of the theme).”

2.An explanation of how your work relates to the theme.

3.The address of our team blog where the voting will take place and the voting dates. For example, “Please visit our team blog, www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com (http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com) between the 9th and 15th and vote for your favorite entry.”

4.Tag your entry EBWC but not before the current challenge has ended. This is how we find your entry. Remove the tag after the voting poll closes, so entries for the next month’s challenge can be feature.

Congratulations to the winners of the July Challenge "Sizzling Sunshine and Soothing Water:

2011-07-16T00:12:00.000-07:00

Congratulations go to Anna of AnnaHatvani for her Galapagos Cuff winner of the July Sizzling Sunshine and Soothing Waters challenge receiving 66 (15%) of the 427 fan votes. The runners up are:
2nd Place - #6. Sizzlin" Summer Sun - 4uidzne with 45 votes (11 %)
3rd Place - 8. Sunset Lake Beaded Dangle Earrings - carosell with 39 votes (9%)
4th Place - #19 Sizzling Sunshine and Soothing Water Lariat - daniellart with 37 Votes (9%)
5th #32 Sun Setting over Water - TapestryBeadwork with 34 votes (8%)
6th Place - 24. Blazing Sunset Bracelet Cuff - FrancescasFancy with 21 votes (5%)

Tied for 7th Place - #4. South Sea Treasure - crimsonfrog and #10. Baja Sunlight Bead Woven Necklace - AngelqueCreations with 19 votes (4%)

8th Place - #3 Aegean Jewel - PeregrineBeader with 17 votes (4%)

9th Place - #14 QUEHANNA Soothing Waterfall Pendant necklace - crownrosegems with 15 votes (3 %)

and 10th Place - #9. A Gem in the Med - Lacygems with 12 votes (3%)

Congratulations also go to Ann of FrancescasFancy and her Blazing Sunset Bracelet winner of the Internal vote with 21 member votes. Ann will have the honors of selecting the theme for the September Challenge.

Voting for the July Challenge - Sizzling Sunshine & Soothing Water

2011-07-07T10:11:00.000-07:00

The July 2011 challenge, chosen by Marsha Wiest-Hines of HauteIceBeadwork, invited our members to create original designs inspired by the theme "Sizzling Sunshine & Soothing Water."
Please click on any image in the mosaic below to see additional views and read about each piece in detail. When the Mosaic was created one entry was missed so we do not have a photo of the entry please go to the link to view the entry
#32 Sun Setting over Water - TapestryBeadwork

Voting for the challenge runs July 9th - July 15th, 2011. Blogger polling was down when I needed to post the polling so I am using a different site to record the votes, please go to the right side bar and click on the link, you should be taken to GetPolling where you will see the entries listed. Please vote only once for your favorite.

August Challenge theme Announced "Summer's Juicy Fruit"

2011-06-22T09:56:00.000-07:00

"Summer's Juicy Fruit"

Sharri Moroshok of the Beaded Bead, and the winner of our June challenge, says "I'm so pleased to be naming the August Etsy Beadweavers Team Challenge theme! The June Challenge was a very serious one. I know creating my "Forgotten Coast" piece was a real catharsis about last year's Gulf Oil Spill. But I thought a celebration of the summer season might be in order after the soul searching!

It's summer - at least in the northern hemisphere - and with the season comes Nature's answer to candy! From rich red and blue and purple berries to pastel melons to peachy peaches and plummy plums. Color, texture, shape. A study of one type like a still life painting, or a riotous fruit salad. Express it in beads!

Google "summer fruit images" and you will find an abundance of inspiration. Or just visit your local Farmers Market, take in the sights and smells of summer's bounty and let it fuel your creativity."

The theme was announced on our forum June 20, 2011 so members you may start your entry and list in your Etsy shop after the July challenge finishes (July 16, 2011) and before midnight Etsy time on August 5, 2011

Not a member and would like to join in on the challenges, you must maintain an Etsy Shop with a minimum of 50% bead woven items, if your work fits the description then apply for membersip by clicking the Join EBW buttonon the right hand side of the blog and completing a short survey. You will be notified within a week of your application if you have been accepted or not, so if you want to enter the current challenge please allow sufficient time to process your application.

THE CHALLENGE RULES

Currenty EBW team member may create one new beadweaving of your own design and not a tutorial (not from a kit, book, magazine, or class) in response to the challenge theme. You work should be entirely beadwoven, or have a substantially woven component, to feature and promote our art form. You may not renew an existing piece and your work entry must be the original and not a tutorial of your design. Members are expected to participate in challenges when possible, and required to do so once each year. Start the weaving anytime after the theme is announced. Complete and list the work for sale on Etsy by the 5th of the month of the challenge, before midnight Etsy time. Your listing date is proof you entered by the deadline, so DO NOT RENEW your work until after the voting poll opens on the 9th. If your listing sells, you can still participate in the challenge, but please alert the moderators to the sale.

WHAT INFORMATION MUST BE IN MY LISTING?
Your listing must include the following four (4) things:
1.The theme of the challenge. For example, “This (describe your work) was created for the Etsy Beadweavers Team (insert the month) challenge on the theme (insert the title of the theme).”
2.An explanation of how your work relates to the theme.
3.The address of our team blog where the voting will take place and the voting dates. For example, “Please visit our team blog, www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com (http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com) between the 9th and 15th and vote for your favorite entry.”
4.Tag your entry EBWC but not before the current challenge has ended. This is how we find your entry. Remove the tag after the voting poll closes, so entries for the next month’s challenge can be feature.

Congratulations the winners of the June "Heal the World"

2011-06-16T09:37:00.000-07:00

Congratulations go to Sharayah of 4uidzne, winner of this months "Heal the World" popular vote. Sharayah's entry Eating Disorders won 73 (15%) of the 472 popular votes.

The runners up were:

2nd place - 10. Forgotten Coast - TheBeadedBead with 57 votes (12%)

3rd place - 19. Mojo for a Mustang - BoonieBeads with 46 votes (9%)

4th place - 13. Uranium238icus Paeonia Suffruticosa - Beadhisattva with 39 votes (8%)

5th place - 15. Motherhood - Annahatvani with 32 votes (6%)

6th place - 12. Curly Leaves - debger with 31 votes (6%)
7th place - 9. Honeybee - formely WhiteRabbitJewels now CrimsonFrog with 27 votes (5%)

tied for 8th place 3. Onyx beadwoven necklace - Navajo - Kankou and 8. Dying Coral Reef - AngelqueCreations with 26 votes (5%)

9th place - 5. Ray of Hope - beadn4fun with 21 Votes (4%)

10th place - 4. This Island Earth - ElementalNature with 15 votes (3%)

Congratulations also go to Sharri of TheBeadedBead and her entry The Forgotten Coast for winning the internal member vote. Sharri will have the honors of selecting the theme for the August Challenge.

Once again I would like to thank and congratulate all of our members who participated in this challenge, to friends, family and general puplic for voting for your favorite and for making our EBW monthly challenges the joy and fun that they are.

Voting For the June Challenge - Heal the World

2011-06-07T12:51:00.000-07:00

The June 2011 challenge, chosen by Anna Hatvani, invited our members to create original designs inspired by the theme "Heal the World."
Voting for the challenge runs June 9th - June 15th, 2011. Please vote only once for your favorite entry.

Please click on any image in the mosaic below to see additional views and read about each piece in detail.

1. Eating Disorders: The Healing Journey - 4uidzne
2. Healing Bag - Starwaves
3. Onyx beadwoven necklace - Navajo - Kankou
4. This Island Earth - ElementalNature
5. Ray of Hope - beadn4fun
6. Building Together - randomcreative
7. Trotters - DogmawGlass
8. Dying Coral Reef - AngelqueCreations
9. Honeybee - WhiteRabbitJewels
10. Forgotten Coast - TheBeadedBead
11. Peace on Earth - enchantedbeads
12. Curly Leaves - debger
13. Uranium238icus Paeonia Suffruticosa - Beadhisattva
14. Pink Slide - crownrosegems
15. Motherhood - Annahatvani
16. Serenity Bead - AnnetaValious
17. Green can - Sobby
18. Beadwoven Bracelet Unique Jewelry Heal the World - SpringColors
19. Mojo for a Mustang - BoonieBeads
20. Beaded Band Aid Cuff: Love Heals All Wounds - vanishingpearl
21. Ray of Hope - Megbeads
22. The Green in Greedy Necklace - Janiesgems
23. Heal The World Beaded Art - jess2bead

July 2011 challenge theme announced: Sizzling Sunshine and Soothing Water

2011-05-18T15:12:00.000-07:00

As our July theme, Marsha Wiest-Hines of HauteIceBeadwork challenges us to

bead the summery delight of opposites, Sizzling Sunshine and Soothing Water. You will start your project by finding an image that combines water and sunshine. You might look through books, magazines, postcards, travel brochures, or through the lens of your own camera. Then, inspired by some aspect of your image (colors, shapes, whatever you find most appealing) you will create a beadwoven work that represents the dichotomy that is the best summer has to offer. Your listing will include the image you have chosen, and an explanation of how it inspired your work. Please be sure to credit thesource of your image if the photography is not your own.

You may start your entry today May 18th, 2011 and list in your shop after the June entry is finished on June 15th, 2011. All entries must be listed on Etsy before Midnight July 5th, 2011 Etsy time.

THE CHALLENGE RULES

Any EBW member may create one new beadweaving of your own design and not a tutorial (not from a kit, book, magazine, or class) in response to the challenge theme. You work should be entirely beadwoven, or have a substantially woven component, to feature and promote our art form. You may not renew an existing piece and your work entry must be the original and not a tutorial of your design. Members are expected to participate in challenges when possible, and required to do so once each year. Start the weaving anytime after the theme is announced. Complete and list the work for sale on Etsy by the 5th of the month of the challenge, before midnight Etsy time. Your listing date is proof you entered by the deadline, so DO NOT RENEW your work until after the voting poll opens on the 9th. If your listing sells, you can still participate in the challenge, but please alert the moderators to the sale.

WHAT INFORMATION MUST BE IN MY LISTING?

Your listing must include the following four (4) things:

The theme of the challenge. For example, “This (describe your work) was created for the Etsy Beadweavers Team (insert the month) challenge on the theme (insert the title of the theme).”
An explanation of how your work relates to the theme.
The address of our team blog where the voting will take place and the voting dates. For example, “Please visit our team blog, www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com (http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com) between the 9th and 15th and vote for your favorite entry.”
Tag your entry EBWC but not before the current challenge has ended. This is how we find your entry. Remove the tag after the voting poll closes, so entries for the next month’s challenge can be feature.

Congratulations to Amanda of chrysanthemumveil Winner of the "Lord of the Rings" Popular Vote

2011-05-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

Congratulations go to Amanda of chrysanthemumveil and her Nightingale Necklace. Amanda received 108 (17%) of the popular vote.

This month we also had an internal vote with the members of Etsy Beadweavers on our new forum Etsybeadweavers Freeforums. The winner of the internal member vote is Marsha of HauteIceBeadwork and her "Ash and Amber" The Balrog.

On Saturday/Sunday Blogger had some problems and we saw an influx of voting that was very odd (several enteries votes were increased by over 100 votes in one day). Because of widespread blogger isses over the weekend (our blog was one of thousands affected) when the polling closed it revereted back to the Friday count. The problems we experience were out our control and so any ligitimate votes we received on weekend are not included in this tally. The winning order of the voting was not affected but some of us lost votes (mine included - AngelqueCreations).

So moving on I would like to announce the Popular Vote runner's up of the May Challenge "Lord of the Rings"

2nd Place #5. The Dead Marshes - 4uidzne with 100 votes (15%)
3rd place #10. EDORAS - crownrosegems 81 votes ( 12%)
4th place #17. Ash and Ember - The Balrog- HauteIceBeadwork with 46 votes (7%)
5th Place #9. Key to the Shire Beaded Necklace - crystalwonders with 38 votes (5%)
Tied for 6th place - #4. Leaves of Lothlorien Necklace - RareSpecimens and #31. Ent Necklace- Burarum - WhiteRabbitJewels each with 27 votes (4%)
7th Place #25. The Eye of Sauron Ring - bysalla with 25 votes (3%)
Tied for 8th place #6. The Light Star of Earendil - AngelqueCreations and 29. Sea Green Ornate Necklace - SilverDragon with 23 votes (3%)
9th place #8. One Ring to Rule Them All - MyOrcaDreams with 20 votes (3%)
and 10th place #1. The One Ring - NewWorldElegance with 14 votes (2%)

Congratulations to everyone who entered the challenge this month, it was awe inspiring to see all the wonderful creations. I can't wait to see what everyone enters for "Heal the World" the theme for the June Challenge

Voting For the May Challenge - "Lord Of the Rings"

2011-05-07T17:39:00.000-07:00

The May 2011 challenge, chosen by Sharayah Sheldon of 4uidzne, invited our members to create original designs inspired by J.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings."
Voting for the challenge runs May 9 -May 15 2011.

Please click on any image to be taken to the artist's listing to see more images and read about the work in detail.

1. The One Ring - NewWorldElegance
2. Heart Bracelet in Metallic Gray and Bright Red - enchantedbeads
3. Éowyn Beadwoven Pendant - beadn4fun
4. Leaves of Lothlorien Necklace - RareSpecimens
5. The Dead Marshes - 4uidzne
6. The Light Star of Earendil - AngelqueCreations
7. Gollum - Kankou
8. One Ring to Rule Them All - MyOrcaDreams
9. Key to the Shire Beaded Necklace - crystalwonders
10. EDORAS - crownrosegems
11. The One Ring - MelJoyCreations
12. The Leaves of Lothlorien - ElementalNature
13. Shield Necklace - annamei
14. Arwen Evenstar - SpringColors
15. Mallorn of Lothlorien Beadwoven Necklace - MaryTDesigns
16. Goldberry - roseworksjewelry
17. Ash and Ember - The Balrog- HauteIceBeadwork
18. Memories of Rivendell - glimmerstone
19. Greenleaf Bead Embroidered Bib Necklace - beadsandblooms
20. Ring of Fire Beadwoven Bangle - LaBellaJoya
21. Arwen Necklace - tenstoreylovesong
22. Galadriel's Gift to Gandalf - ArtMasquerading
23. Beaded Links - BoonieBeads
24. Shieldmaiden's Neckpiece - flagrantdesigns
25. The Eye of Sauron Ring - bysalla
26. Gandalf Beaded Tapestry - arjarvis
27. Nightingale Necklace - chrysanthemumveil
28. Galadriel's Circlet of Elanor - njdesigns1
29. Sea Green Ornate Necklace - SilverDragon
30. The Prancing Pony Fantasy Bottle Ornament - FrancescasFancy
31. Ent Necklace- Burarum - WhiteRabbitJewels

Lord of the Rings: what does it inspire in you - some strategies and politics of choosing?

2011-04-23T15:45:00.000-07:00

The Etsy Beadweaver’s (EBW) May 2011 challenge is to bead something inspired by J.R. Tolkien’s "Lord of the Rings" Trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring, Two Towers, & Return of the King. Your design should be based on, or created for a character, creature, prop, or location in the story and when listing your challenge submission in your Etsy shop you should specifically state your choice, and explain how your bead work represents your chosen aspect of Tolkein’s Lord of the Rings trilogy in your listing.

When I first heard about this month’s challenge I headed to my bookshelves to find my rather battered copy of Lord of the Rings. Flipping through its pages bought fond memories flooding back to me of long hours spent reading it over the summer holidays when I was totally immersed in its tales of middle earth, Hobbits, princes, wizards, dragons and of course the Dark Lord Sauren. Now I wonder at it's politics and where my pleasure would lie reading it now (more of that later!).

In the 1960s I had only images from my imagination to conjure up the worlds created by Tolkein. Now imagery abounds amongst the artwork, films, wallpaper and even video games that have been inspired by it. Just go to Google and search for images for Lord of the Rings and you can’t help but be overwhelmed by the drama and atmosphere of the colours, patterns and characters that are readily available to inspire beadwork. Take for instances, The Mines of Moria image (above) I found on Google images – the wonderful colours and shapes alone could be the theme for a monthly challenge.

In fact the plethora of places, characters, creatures or props that could inspire is part of the challenge of this challenge. How do you choose and why do you choose what you do? Here's six strategies that might help those feeling overwhelmed or those just not quite sure where to start:

Take a quiz and see which Lord of the Rings ‘Race’ you are and then use what you find to bead something for that ‘Race’. http://quizfarm.com/quizzes/new/Kryssi/which-lord-of-the-rings-race-are-you/
Scroll through an alphabetical listing of the characters until you find one whose name and temperament you like. http://www.sparknotes.com/film/lordoftherings/characters.html or http://lotr.wikia.com/wiki/List_of_characters
Go to Google images and search for Lord of the Rings wallpaper – this search created the greatest diversity of images for me. Scroll through looking for shapes, colours and atmospheres that speak to you.
Search online for Lord of the Rings jewelry – yes it exists! See the Ring of Aragorn (Also known as the Ring of Barahir) image (left) I have included in this blog. Here are some sites to get you going:http://www.lotrfanshop.com/ or http://www.lordoftheringsjewelry.org/
Play a free online Lord of the Rings computer game searching for that image that you can’t resist being inspired by - link here http://www.lotro.com/
Be challenged to choose by taking a critical look at the gender, ‘race’ and class controversies underpinning the imagery of Lord of the Rings and see how this might take your beading to a different place. For instance, Kim (2004) wrote that ‘goodness correlates to whiteness, both racially and as color scheme, and is associated with Europe, particularly England and the Scandinavian countries, the West, and the North. Evil is invariably black, savage, Southern (or "Southron"), and Eastern. All racially "white" actors, whether from New Zealand (where the film was shot), Australia, the US, Ireland, or England, are assimilable as Middle-earth heroes (although they must adopt British accents), and the "good" display a heterogeneous mix of European (mostly British and Scandinavian) cultural references”. For a more detailed look at these issues see: A Reflection on Tolkien's World - Gender, Race & Interpreted Political, Economic, Social & Cultural Allegories by Michael Skeparnides - http://www.sffworld.com/authors/t/tolkien_jrr/articles/areflectionontolkiensworld.html

Personally, it is the final strategy that offers the biggest challenge to me - to my pleasant memories of first reading Lord of the Rings in the 1960s it adds a new twist and tension and to my decision as a beader it brings me to decisions about how I can honor my own values of equity and justice in 2011 in what I choose to bead for the EBW May Challenge. A challenge indeed!

Best beading wishes in making your choices and as always I look forward to what our monthly EBW challenge inspires in each of us.

References
Kim, Sue, Beyond Black and White: Race and Postmodernism in The Lord of the Rings Films
MFS Modern Fiction Studies - Volume 50, Number 4, Winter 2004, pp. 875-907

June 2011 Challenge "Heal the World"

2011-04-22T06:53:00.000-07:00

For our June challenge, April challenge winner Anna Hatvani challenges us to "HEAL THE WORLD."

“Many of us work or volunteer at animal shelters, churches, and in other social fields, and all of us experience daily the wounds of the Earth. Imagine the future our children will inherit: nuclear catastrophies, epidemics, extinct species, environmental pollution, wasted water and energy, the effects of Global Warming, child abuse, and wars all around....

This is a great opportunity to raise awareness through your art. You cannot solve the world's problems on your own, but you can stand for a good cause, and tell us about it in BEADS!

Please write approximately 100 words describing your choice (providing some data on the matter) and please title your work to arouse interest. (If you are a kind of person who prefers to create harmonic and peaceful pieces, do not hesitate to enter this challenge - then show the ideal state)."

Here are some ideas to get you started:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWf-eARnf6U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNs_vAVcECE

You may start your entry today and list in your Etsy shop after the May challenge has ended and by midnight June 5th, 2011.

THE CHALLENGE RULES

WHAT INFORMATION MUST BE IN MY LISTING?

Your listing must include the following four (4) things:

1.The theme of the challenge. For example, “This (describe your work) was created for the Etsy Beadweavers Team (insert the month) challenge on the theme (insert the title of the theme).”

2.An explanation of how your work relates to the theme.

Spring Swap between Esty Beadweaver Members

2011-04-18T13:30:00.000-07:00

This year we once again asked members if they were interested in designing and creating something for another member of our team. Those that were interested were provided with the interests and style of their partner and then challenged to create a piece specifically for them. These are the results were amazing.
EBW SPRING SWAP 2011
First Row:
1. Anna Hatvani to Jacquie Champion, 2. Callie Mitchell to Anna Hatvani, 3. Carol Holmes to Callie Mitchell, 4. Charlene Abrams to Carol Holmes, 5. Cheryl Boutilier to Charlene Abrams, 6. Chris Maj to Cheryl Boutilier,
Second Row:
7. Deb Andersen to Chris Maj, 8. Ginny Bracht to Deb Anderson, 9. Hadas Ferber to Ginny Bracht, 10. Jane Cucchiara to Hadas Ferber, 11. Jessie Yost to Jane Cucchiara, 12. Kinga Nichols to Jessie Yost
Third Row:
13. Lisa Fuller to Kinga Nichols, 14. Maria Nyberg to Lisa Fuller, 15. Mariya Zhalnina to Maria Nyberg, 16. Megan Baker to Mariya Zhalnina, 17. Melissa Kauffold to Megan Baker, 18. Mindy Patterson to Melissa Kauffold,
Fourth Row:
19. Orna Voloh to Mindy Patterson, 20. Rhiannon Fisk to Orna Voloh, 21. Ruthie Stickney to Rhiannon Fisk, 22. Silvia Sernicola to Ruthie Stickney, 23. Sue Charette-Hood to Silvia Sernicola, 24. Jacquie Champion to Sue Charette-Hood
Click each smaller images to see a larger image.

Congratulations to AnnaHatvani Winner of the April "Spring Around the Corner" Challenge

2011-04-16T10:48:00.000-07:00

Congratulations AnnaHatvani and her La Primavera necklace winner of the April Challenge "Spring Around the Corner" with 291 (31%) of the popular votes.

Congratulations to the runners up

Tied for 2nd place - 14. The Key to My Heart is Spring - 4uidzne

and 44. Raindrops on Lilacs - HauteIceBeadwork with 76 votes each (8%)

3rd place - 43. Coronation of Spring Necklace - CieloDesign with 45 votes (5%)

4th place - 39. Spring Is Coming Beaded Bottle - notsoplainbyjane with 40 votes (4%)

5th place - 31. A Spring Bouquet - ladyvoodoo with 31 votes (3%)

6th place - 21. Gold and Pink Swirly Flower Pendant Beadwoven Necklace - SmadarsTreasure with 28 votes (3%)

7th place - 35. Spring Bridal Clutch - WhiteRabbitJewels with 25 votes (3%)

Tied for 8th place - 27. Spring Tulips - ArtfulAr and 1. Spring Fantasy - enchantedbeads with 20 votes each (2%)

Tied for 9th place - 45. Cherry blossom Spring brooch - BeadCatcher and 42. Snow on the Crocus - savoystudio with 17 votes (2%)

and a three way tie for 10th place

28. Spring Flowers Necklace - BettyStephanBeadwork, 17. Diva Delight - beadifuljewelry and 4. Rock On Spring - vickiethomas with 16 votes each (2%)

Congratulations to everyone who 49 entries to the challenge, all the pieces were worthy of a win and we are all winners as we challenge ourselves to expand our skills.

Voting for the April Challenge "Spring Around the Corner"

2011-04-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

The April 2011 challenge chosen by Isabella of Bead4me challenges our members to "Spring Around the Corner" and celebrate the coming of spring.

Voting for the challenge opens April 9 -April 15 2011.

1. Spring Fantasy - enchantedbeads

2. Winter Ebbs to Spring's Flow - gypsyeyesjewelry

3. Cottage Garden Amulet Bag - ktracton

4. Rock On Spring - vickiethomas

5. Dogwood Garland Necklace - PeregrineBeader

6. Beaded Cuff Bracelet - Skinny Fringed - randomcreative

7. Spring Lilac Bead Embroidered Brooch Corsage - beadn4fun

8. Signs of Early Spring Shell Necklace - Jewelrybyjane29

9. Spring mood brooch - BeadsForBeauty

10. Fairy Blossom - sydneyalfano

11. Blush of Spring - ElementalNature

12. Fairy Branch Necklace - bysalla

13. Fleurs des Champs Bridal Cuff - beadsofaquarius

14. The Key to My Heart is Spring - 4uidzne

15. Birds and Fishes - Kankou

16. Springing Ahead Beadwoven Necklace - MaryTDesigns

17. Diva Delight - beadifuljewelry

18. Golden Beaded Bridal Crystal choker - crystalwonders

19. Sun Shine Garden Bead Embroidery Necklace - creationsbyana

20. Ladybug Ladybug Bracelet - dreambeadweaver

21. Gold and Pink Swirly Flower Pendant Beadwoven Necklace - SmadarsTreasure

22. SpringTime River Bed Bracelet - myfairladyvt4

23. Lime Spring - NewWorldElegance

24. April Showers - beadacious1221

25. Leafing Out - njema

26. Spring Awakening Beadwoven Necklace - njdesigns1

27. Spring Tulips - ArtfulAr

28. Spring Flowers Necklace - BettyStephanBeadwork

29. Rivoli Beadwoven Pink Necklace - SpringColors

30. Fresh floral necklace - BrightB

31. A Spring Bouquet - ladyvoodoo

32. Spring shell necklace - nellienits

33. Oozing with Spring Fever Bracelet - Janiesgems

34. Cherry Blossom Pink Hex Necklace - FrancescasFancy

35. Spring Bridal Clutch - WhiteRabbitJewels

36. La Primavera - Annahatvani

37. Crazy Russian Spiral Necklace in the Spring - maneklady

38. Pond Thaw Necklace - ThePreciousBeads

39. Spring Is Coming Beaded Bottle - notsoplainbyjane

40. Sleepy Idaho Spring Brooch - idahobeadweaver

41. Lacy Rose Pink Quartz Woven Bracelet - KRDesigns11

42. Snow on the Crocus - savoystudio

43. Coronation of Spring Necklace - CieloDesign

44. Raindrops on Lilacs - HauteIceBeadwork

45. Cherry blossom Spring brooch - BeadCatcher

46. Spring Affair Earrings - AmaryllisBoutique

47. Day Lilly Beadwoven Lariat - AngelqueCreations

48. Spring hand beaded onto a BoonieBead - BoonieBeads

49. Orange in Spring necklace - annemei

Good Luck to all 49 entries, they are amazing. We have such talent in our group!

Special thanks to Ann of FrancescasFancy for creating the Mosaic once again and to Marsha of HauteIceBeadwork and Kinga of WhiteRabbitJewels for reviewing all 48 entries.

Spring Around the Corner - inspirations beyond our corner for the next EBW challenge

2011-03-22T00:25:00.000-07:00

Isabella challenges us to bead "Spring Around the Corner" as our April theme.

For some of us that corner might be days or weeks away for others, such as people like me who live in the Southern Hemisphere it might be many months away or if I lived near the Tropics it might never arrive. In some cultures seasons do not link to the European traditions of Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter at all. If you were in India you might be challenged to bead something inspired by the Festival of Colours (Holi) which is also known as the Festival of Spring. Look at the wonderful images for this Festival on Google images - its hard not to be inspired.

So, it seems that what corner Spring is around depends on which corner of the globe you are in and who you are. There is a really helpful discussion on how to define Spring and when Spring is in different parts of the world on Wikipedia (links below). I really encourage you to visit it for some surprising thoughts on Spring.

For some inspirations on Spring that challenge you to think about beading beyond the corner nearest to you try exploring the Festivals that spring brings in different parts of the world where Spring exists. In Vietnam where late Jan or early Feb means Spring is just around the corner so is the New Year and celebrations with firecrackers. In Australia, Spring brings horse racing fever for many as well as hay fever as the national flower – the golden wattle – often blooms but it also brings an amazing celebration of spring blooms in Canberra (our capital) called Floriade. In ancient Mesopotania Spring marked the sowing of the barley and great festivities. For over 17 pages about spring festivals in different cultures and times visit the Wiki link below. Amongst them are wonderful Springtime inspirations.

Current trends being discussed on the web for Spring jewelry include eco themes and flora and fauna themes and use of natural materials that capture the idea that we need to care for our planet if the wonderful natural things that spring bring in different parts of the world are to survive.

Greeting cards that celebrate spring from different parts of the world also offer points of inspiration – I have included two here. One from India (Happy Holi above) and one from Vietnam. Perhaps Spring from a corner far away from you could be your beading inspiration.
Remember whatever your source of inspiration make sure you tell us all about it when you do your challenge listing.

Sources and inspirations

Wikipedia on Spring - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring
Wikipedia on Spring Festivals - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Spring_festivals

May challenge theme: Lord of the Rings

2011-03-18T01:24:00.000-07:00

"LORD OF THE RINGS" Sharayah challenges us to find inspiration in the J.R. Tolkien "Lord of the Rings" Trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring, Two Towers, & Return of the King. Your design should be based on, or created for a character, creature, prop, or location in the story. You must specifically state your choice, and explain how your work represents that aspect of the trilogy in your listing.

Here is a Wikipedia article to get you started: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lord_of_the_Rings

You may start your entry today and list in your Etsy shop after the April challenge has ended and by midnight May 5th, 2011.

THE CHALLENGE RULES

Any EBW member may create one new beadweaving of your own design and not a tutorial (not from a kit, book, magazine, or class) in response to the challenge theme. You work should be entirely beadwoven, or have a substantially woven component, to feature and promote our art form. You may not renew an existing piece or list a tutorial of your design as an entry. Members are expected to participate in challenges when possible, and required to do so once each year. Start the weaving anytime after the theme is announced. Complete and list the work for sale on Etsy by the 5th of the month of the challenge, before midnight Etsy time. Your listing date is proof you entered by the deadline, so DO NOT RENEW your work until after the voting poll opens on the 9th. If your listing sells, you can still participate in the challenge, but please alert the moderators to the sale.

WHAT INFORMATION MUST BE IN MY LISTING?

Your listing must include the following four (4) things:

1.The theme of the challenge. For example, “This (describe your work) was created for the Etsy Beadweavers Team (insert the month) challenge on the theme (insert the title of the theme).”

2.An explanation of how your work relates to the theme.

Congratulations to Sharayah of 4uidzne winner of the March challenge "Fashion Through the Ages"

2011-03-16T16:00:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Sharayah and her Flapper barrette winner of rthe March Challenge "Fashion through the Ages" with a landslide of 248 votes (26%) of the record 942 votes.

A big round of applause also goes to the following runners up and to all 38 entries.

2nd place - #5 Dragonfly Diva - Annahatvani - 167 votes (17%)

3rd place - #1 The Baroque Baroness - GinaParisJewelry - 68 votes (7%)

4th place - #20 Victoria's Secret - HauteIceBeadwork.- 59 votes (6%)

5th place - #19 Art Deco - TapestryBeadwork - 47 votes (6%)

6th place - #15 Pucci Fashion Inspired Bib Necklace - beadn4fun - 43 votes (4%)

7th place - #8 Art nouveau Necklace - MacrameByMaja - 34 votes (3%.)

8th place - #17 Fuchsia, Purple and Bronze Textured Bracelet - SmadarsTreasure - 30 votes (3%)

9th place - #24 Black and White Art Nouveau Flower Necklace - notsoplainbyjane. - 27 votes ( 2%)

and 10th place - #36 Romantic Vibes - enchantedbeads - 25 votes (2%)

Congratulations to everyone who entered the challenge, beautiful entries everyone!

Voting for March challenge - Fashion Through the Ages- begins 8th March midnight

2011-03-07T17:57:00.000-08:00

The March 2011 challenge chosen by Patrizia of Triz Designs challenges our members to chose a fashion style from any period of fashion and design a piece to fit that chosen style/period. Voting for the challenge opens midnight 8 March 2011 until midnight 15 March 2011.

Entries

The Baroque Baroness - GinaParisJewelry. http://www.etsy.com/listing/67930822/the-baroque-baroness-baroque-jewelry-of
Victorian Romance Necklace - BettyStephanBeadwork. http://www.etsy.com/listing/68370801/victorian-romance-necklace
Beadwoven quartz necklace - Khadija - Kank http://www.etsy.com/listing/68500379/beadwoven-quartz-necklace-khadija
Flower Power Beadwoven Necklace - beadsandblooms http://www.etsy.com/listing/68546716/flower-power-beadwoven-necklace
Dragonfly Diva - Annahatvani http://www.etsy.com/listing/68547649/dragonfly-diva-black-and-turquoise-art
A Material Girl's True Colors - randomcreative. http://www.etsy.com/listing/68749379/beaded-bangle-bracelet-a-material-girls
Cuff TSARINE Tribute to Alexander Mc Queen - beadsofaquarius. http://www.etsy.com/listing/68765282/cuff-tsarine-tribute-to-alexander-mc
Art nouveau Necklace - MacrameByMaja. http://www.etsy.com/listing/68767763/art-nouveau-necklace
Gabrielle Necklace - MoreThanSomewhat. http://www.etsy.com/listing/68848141/gabrielle-necklace
Flapper - 4uidzne. http://www.etsy.com/listing/68873925/flapper-march-ebwc
Lady of Pompeii Necklace - RareSpecimens. http://www.etsy.com/listing/68876364/lady-of-pompeii-necklace-ebwc
Boop Boop A Doop Peyote Beaded Cuff Bracelet - crystalwonders. http://www.etsy.com/listing/68945413/boop-boop-a-doop-peyote-beaded-cuff
Mary Quant Bracelet - Starwaves. http://www.etsy.com/listing/68963414/mary-quant-bracelet-ebwc
Pucci Fashion Inspired Bib Necklace - beadn4fun. http://www.etsy.com/listing/68975876/pucci-fashion-inspired-bib-necklace-ebwc
Blue Beaded Amulet Bag Necklace - jess2bead. http://www.etsy.com/listing/68983731/1920s-flapper-blue-beaded-amulet-bag
Swim Little Fish Bracelet - DogmawGlass. http://www.etsy.com/listing/69078327/swim-little-fish-bracelet
Fuchsia, Purple and Bronze Textured Bracelet - SmadarsTreasure. http://www.etsy.com/listing/69116643/fuchsia-purple-and-bronze-textured
The Black Orchid Beadwork Earrings - chrysanthemumveil. http://www.etsy.com/listing/69122537/the-black-orchid-beadwork-earrings
Art Deco - TapestryBeadwork. http://www.etsy.com/listing/69150712/etsy-beadweavers-march-challenge-fashion
Victoria's Secret - HauteIceBeadwork. http://www.etsy.com/listing/69180058/victorias-secret
Baby Pink Glass Necklace - Jewelrybyjane29. http://www.etsy.com/listing/69204780/50s-early-60s-baby-pink-glass-necklace
Renaissance Elegance - ArtfulAr. http://www.etsy.com/listing/69244943/renaissance-elegance-ebwc
Madness and Methods - MyOrcaDreams. http://www.etsy.com/listing/69245319/madness-and-methods-a-hand-woven-bead
Black and White Art Nouveau Flower Necklace - notsoplainbyjane. http://www.etsy.com/listing/69261480/black-and-white-art-nouveau-flower
1920's Flapper Glass Bead Headband - Fivefootfury13. http://www.etsy.com/listing/69324965/1920s-flapper-inspired-hand-woven-glass
Sea and Spring Reversible Beadwoven Bracelet - littlestonedesign. http://www.etsy.com/listing/69328377/sea-and-spring-reversible-beadwoven
Victorian Mourning Necklace - MaryTDesigns. http://www.etsy.com/listing/69358525/victorian-mourning-necklace
Piano Hammer Necklace - vanishingpearl. http://www.etsy.com/listing/69360359/piano-hammer-necklace-inspired-by-henry
Rivoli Beadwoven Blue Necklace - SpringColors. http://www.etsy.com/listing/69398006/rivoli-beadwoven-blue-necklace-unique
From my heart ... pendant - BeadsForBeauty. http://www.etsy.com/listing/69400353/from-my-heart-pendant
Art Deco Feathered Collar - kuzmadesign. http://www.etsy.com/listing/69402749/art-deco-feathered-collar-ebwc
Metropolis Handbeaded Necklace - ambrosianbeads. http://www.etsy.com/listing/69417285/ebwc-metropolis-handbeaded-necklace
Victorian Violet Rose Choker - FrancescasFancy. http://www.etsy.com/listing/69422870/victorian-violet-rose-choker
Medieval Cross Pendant - BeadCatcher. http://www.etsy.com/listing/69429124/medieval-cross-pendant
Silver grunge/punk bracelet/keychain - SparrowsMeadow. http://www.etsy.com/listing/69429703/silver-grungepunk-braceletkeychain
Romantic Vibes - enchantedbeads. http://www.etsy.com/listing/69430959/romantic-vibes-victorian-brooch-with
80's Triangle Bracelet - roseworksjewelry. http://www.etsy.com/listing/69439416/80s-triangle-bracelet-ebwc-march-2011
Lady Herbenton's New Vintage Fashion - creationsbyana. http://www.etsy.com/listing/68792210/lady-herbentons-new-vintage-fashion-bead

The March challenge - inspiring fashioning designs beyond what we know

2011-03-01T00:45:00.001-08:00

The March 2011 challenge chosen by Patrizia of Triz Designs challenges our members to chose a fashion style from any period of fashion and design a piece to fit that chosen style/period. She gave a beginning link to help out: http://www.fashion-era.com/fashion_eras.htm

If you are needing some more inspiration, wanting to think outside the box a little or just plain interested in fashion in different places and times here are some other resources you might enjoy.

The Fashion Encyclopedia - http://angelasancartier.net/all-articles. An amazing A-Z of fashion language and trends to expand your focus. Just browse a letter and be amazed. In ”H” you can read about trends in Hawaiian shirts, helmets, Halloween wear and Headdresses just for starters. I’d love to see more colour images to go alongside the text but a fascinating resource for exploring fashion trends from a different angle.

History of Western Fashion Design http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Western_fashion. If you want to delve a little more into a specific Fashion era imagine any era in Western fashion from 1100 onwards and then check out what Wikipedia’s History of Western Fashion Design can tell you.

Fashion from 1860 – 1960 http://www.1860-1960.com/cloth.html. Quite a few images as this is a site that sells vintage fashions including what it calls ‘ ethnic’ fashions. A great place to see the colour and textiles used in different eras in different places. It inspired me to search Google images for specific types of fashion images for different countries and decades. For instance, I searched for 1930s Chinese wedding fashion - what a wonderful array of images for inspiration.

As you plunder and pause over the amazing world of fashion expand your thinking by considering the unconventional fashion eras (e.g. communist party fashion in the USSR or Suffgratte fashions - see the Suffgratte brooch in the image with this post), fashion eras in different parts of the globe (India, Ancient Thailand or Kenya). Ask questions about what were the trends for men and women did people of different status have different fashions, did people have special fashion for special occasions or times of the year, how was colour used, what accessories were popular? You can then use this to design a piece that challenges us all to think beyond our own fashion worlds. For instance, what would it be like to have a piece designed for a Royal male for his wedding in Thailand? Or, for the Indian Bride in the photo above?

Looking forward to seeing how much we can design beyond what we know.

.(Suffragette brooch)

April Theme: Spring around the corner

2011-02-25T13:14:00.000-08:00

Isabella challenges us to bead "Spring Around the Corner" as our April theme. With the melting of the snow and return of gentle rains come delicate shoots from the earth, balmy breezes, and the promise of warm days ahead.

Celebrate the coming of spring with your beading for this challenge. In your listing, mention what aspect of the season has inspired your work.

You may start your entry today and list in your Etsy shop after the March challenge has ended and by midnight April 5th, 2011.

THE CHALLENGE RULES
Any EBW member may create one new beadweaving of your own design (not from a kit, book, magazine, or class) in response to the challenge theme. You work should be entirely beadwoven, or have a substantially woven component, to feature and promote our art form. You may not renew an existing piece. Members are expected to participate in challenges when possible, and required to do so once each year. Start the weaving anytime after the theme is announced. Complete and list the work for sale on Etsy by the 5th of the month of the challenge, before midnight Etsy time. Your listing date is proof you entered by the deadline, so DO NOT RENEW your work until after the voting poll opens on the 9th. If your listing sells, you can still participate in the challenge, but please alert the moderators to the sale.

WHAT INFORMATION MUST BE IN MY LISTING?

Your listing must include the following four (4) things:

The theme of the challenge. For example, “This (describe your work) was created for the Etsy Beadweavers Team (insert the month) challenge on the theme (insert the title of the theme).”
An explanation of how your work relates to the theme.
The address of our team blog where the voting will take place and the voting dates. For example, “Please visit our team blog, www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com (http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com) between the 9th and 15th and vote for your favorite entry.”
Tag your entry EBWC but not before the current challenge has ended. This is how we find your entry. Remove the tag after the voting poll closes, so entries for the next month’s challenge can be feature.

Congratulations to Isabella of Bead4me winner of the February Challenge "Royalty Throughout Time"

2011-02-17T10:15:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Isabella of Bead4me and her Princess Montana Royal Necklace winner of February's Challenge "Royalty Throughout Time". Isabella won with an impressive 82 votes (9%) of the 827 responses for this challenge.

The following runner up's and all 62 entries deserve our congratulations as we had an outstanding response to this challenge

2nd place - 40. Exquisite bead embroidered neck adornment - WhiteRabbitJewels (81 votes 9%)

3rd Place -39. Cleopatra of Egypt - sedonaskye (71 votes 8%)

4th Place - 41. Don't look away - ballroomchic (45 votes 5%)

5th place - 2. Zulu Lace - AnnetteMackrel (40 votes 4%)

Tied for 6th place with 33 votes each 3% are

58. Cuff for Queen Emma of Hawaii - heartinhawaii

and

8. Mayan Dynasty - 4uidzne

Tied for 7th place with 30 votes each 3%

54. The Swan Princess Bead Embroidered Necklace - sandystreasure

and

49. Young Queen's Jewels - Egyptian Pectoral Necklace - FrancescasFancy

9th place - 1. Marie Antoinette Inspired Choker - megansbeadeddesigns with 29 votes 3%

10th place - 31. Marie Antoinette - Pink Leather Cuff - triz with 28 votes 3%

Voting for A Touch of Royalty challenge begins

2011-02-08T15:31:00.000-08:00

This month's challenge theme "A Touch of Royalty" was chosen by Miriam of CeiloDesigns winner of the November challenge "Holiday Treasures, Miriam has challenged our members to design for "Royalty throughout time - From the aristocrats of the French revolution to ancient kings and queens and modern day princesses, royalty has always inspired and set new trends in the jewelry world. This challenge should reflect and be inspired by one specific royal figure! Anything goes!"

The voting starts on Feb 9 and runs until midnight on Feb 16 due to the technical difficulties
The list for #2 and #3 are reversed - sorry for this if voting for either one please note the change.

1. Marie Antoinette Inspired Choker - megansbeadeddesigns

Link here to see images of this item on Etsy

2. Zulu Lace - AnnetteMackrel

Link here to see images of this item on Etsy

3. Liliuokalani - sydneyalfano

Link here to see images of this item on Etsy

4. Crown Jewels Bracelet - Starwaves

Link here to see images of this item on Etsy

5. Tudor Brooch - ktracton

Link here to see images of this item on Etsy

6. Amethyst Dreams - Arjumand's Bracelet - Annahatvani

Link here to see images of this item on Etsy

7. Royal Chocker - annamei

Link here to see images of this item on Etsy

8. Mayan Dynasty - 4uidzne

Link here to see images of this item on Etsy

9. Royal Jewels - MelJoyCreations

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10. Queen's Day Unity Bracelet - jdnative

Link here to see images of this item on Etsy

11. Thistle Cuff / Mary Queen of Scots - PeregrineBeader

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12. Princess Diana Tribute Beadwoven Necklace - MaryTDesigns

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13. Princess Belle Swarvoski Crystal Beadwoven Necklace -

AngelqueCreations

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14. Marie Antoinette Inspired Necklace - Jewelrybyjane29

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15. Esmeralda Gypsy Queen - Earrings - ile1974

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16. Kyanite Krowns Beaded Embroidery Necklace - lrcoastalart

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17. Fit For a Princess Cocktail Ring - TheCrimsonMoon

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18. Kings and Queens Handmade Glass Bead Bracelet - Fivefootfury13

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19. Everything the Light Touches - gypsyeyesjewelry

Link here to see images of this item on Etsy

20. Princess Montana Royal Necklace - bead4me

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21. Silver and Montana Blue beadwoven necklace - Kate Windsor - Kankou

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22. The Kahena Queen Of The Berbers - beadsofaquarius

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23. Mourning Jewelry - deborahaweaver

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24. Elizabethan Ruff and Pearl Necklace - beadn4fun

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25. Simply Regal Pearl and Crystal Beadwoven Necklace - beadsandblooms

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26. The King and I - redphoenixjewelry

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27. Princess and the pea - MacrameByMaja

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28. Czar's Daughter necklace - hands2heal

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29. Chinese Box - LeviraArt

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30. A Royal Pain - Beadwoven Cuff Bracelet - artsylis

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31. Marie Antoinette - Pink Leather Cuff - triz

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32. Evil Queen box & Heart necklace - Sobby

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33. Peyote stitch beadweaving Victorian Ribbon Choker - greendragon9

Link here to see images of this item on Etsy

34. Ordinary Princess Acorn Cap Beaded Necklace - jess2bead

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35. Queen Elizabeth Chocker - kuzmadesign

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36. Cobalt Blue and Golden Necklace for Sisi - crystalwonders

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37. Ruby Jewelled Bracelet Cuff - flagrantdesigns

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38. Royalty throughout time - enchantedbeads

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39. Cleopatra of Egypt - sedonaskye

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40. Exquisite bead embroidered neck adornment - WhiteRabbitJewels

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41. Don't look away - ballroomchic

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42. Del Signore Beadwoven Medallion - njdesigns1

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43. Cleopatra's Radiance - beadedbear

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44. Elizabeth I Bracelet - arosebyname

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45. Night at the Opera Necklace - CieloDesign

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46. The People's Princess - beadprestige

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47. Princess Jasmine Beaded Browband - RabbitHollowCreation

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48. Everafter Pearl & Ruby Red Beadwoven Set - pleaseabledesigns

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49. Young Queen's Jewels - Egyptian Pectoral Necklace - FrancescasFancy

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50. Boudica Corset Style Beaded Cuff - windyriver

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51. Victorias emeralds - Medic5415

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52. Swarovski Crystal AB Woven Necklace - KRDesigns11

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53. Crystal Beadwoven Lavender Choker Unique Jewelry Lady Diana -

SpringColors

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54. The Swan Princess Bead Embroidered Necklace - sandystreasure

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55. The Once and Future Queen - chrysanthemumveil

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56. Aqua Terra Bead Embroidered Wearable Art Necklace - glimmerstone

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57. Alexandra Necklace - MoreThanSomewhat

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58. Cuff for Queen Emma of Hawaii - heartinhawaii

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59. Amphitrite-Goddess of the Sea Necklace - vanishingpearl

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60. Queen of Hearts - roseworksjewelry

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61. ETRUSCAN Filigree lace sky earrings - LaPerLaA

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62. Empress Alexandra jewelry set - BeadCatcher

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