May 2016 Challenge: "The Four Elements"

A wonderful theme for May thanks to the winner of the March Challenge Sabina Vladimirova of Sabina Jewel:

The Four Elements:

The ancient Greeks believed that there were four elements that everything was made up of: earth, water, air, and fire. This theory was suggested around 450 BC, and it was later supported and added to by Aristotle. The idea that these four elements - earth, water, air, and fire - made up all matter was the cornerstone of philosophy, science, and medicine for two thousand years. 
Crystals and stones have been used in the arts of alchemy and magick for ages. Different stones are traditionally associated with the four elements of nature. 

ELEMENT OF AIR
Air Season, Symbols, Direction, & Colors - Spring; Wand or Swords; East; Sky Blue, Yellow, White
Air Related to - Thought, Reason, Intellect, Knowledge, Freedom, Memory, Awareness, Throat Chakra, Third Eye Chakra
Air Stones - Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Mica, Opal, Tiger Eye, Topaz, Turquoise, Sphene, White/Clear Fluorite, Zircon

ELEMENT OF EARTH
Earth Season, Symbols, Direction, & Colors - Winter; Pentacle, Stone; North; Browns, Blacks, and Greens
Earth Related to - Stability, Strength, Comfort, Grounding, Harvest, Animals, Root Chakra
Earth Stones - Agate, Celestite, Emerald, Green Jade, Green Tourmaline, Halite (salt rock crystal), Hematite, Jasper, Jet, Malachite, Onyx, Obsidian, Peridot, Quartz, Salt (all types), Schorl (Black Tourmaline)

ELEMENT OF FIRE
Fire Season, Symbols, Direction, & Colors - Summer; Sword or Candle or Wands instead; South; Red, Orange, Yellow-Orange
Fire Related to - Passion, Courage, Lust, Creativity, Fertility, Virility, Desire, Romance, Force, Enthusiasm, Root Chakra, Sacral Chakra
Fire Stones - Amber, Carnelian, Citrine, Fire Agate, Fire Opal, Garnet, Red Calcite, Red Jasper, Rubellite (Red Tourmaline), Ruby, Sard, Sardonyx, Sunstone, Volcanic Black Salt (natural)

ELEMENT OF WATER
Water Season, Symbols, Direction, & Colors - Autumn; Bowl or Cup; West; Blue, Light Gray, Sea Green, Silver
Water Related to - Emotions, Intuition, Divination, Healing, Dreams, Ocean, Rivers, Lakes, Throat Chakra, Heart Chakra
Water Stones - Amethyst, Aqua Aura Quartz, Aquamarine, Azurite, Moonstone, Azurite, Blue Calcite, Blue Lace Agate, Blue (Indigo) Halite/Salt, Blue Topaz, Celestite, Chalcedony, Chrysocolla, Indicolite (Blue Tourmaline) Lapis Lazuli, Moonstone, Pearl, Pink Tourmaline, Sapphire, Sea Salt, Selenite, Sodalite

The theme provides many possibilities for expression of art. Of course it is relevant also to beaded jewels. If for someone is difficult, can focus on only one or two elements, but it will be great if all are combined.
Internet is full of paintings and drawings on the topic. Here is some, just for inspiration.

Used information from meanings.crystalsandjewelry.com/



Please be sure to have your entry listed in your Etsy shop by May 5, 2016 23:59 EST and remember to include EBWC in the title and tags of your entry.

Kindly refer to the Challenge Rules below for details on what is allowed in Challenge entries to ensure that your entry is compliant:

https://www.facebook.com/notes/etsy-beadweavers-team/ebw-challenge-rules/935876293168291

Image source: https://fanpop.com
https://pixabay.com/en/users/ClkerFreeVectorImages-3736/

Voting for May "Hungarian Folk Art" Challenge

Sorry we had some technical glitches this morning so the poll will remain open until 7:30am pacific daylight time May 16th. 

Arlene of ArtfulAr, winner of the March 2013 "Faberge Egg" challenge has chose the May 2013 theme. She explained the guidelines as follows:

The theme I chose for the May 2013 Etsy Beadweavers Challenge is 'Hungarian Folk Art.'

Growing up in a Hungarian home, my Mother and Grandmother were so very talented in all the arts. Embroidery was one art they excelled in; doilies, napkins, tablecloths, etc. This theme is special to me and brings back wonderful memories. The beautiful rich colors and designs are a delight to the eye. Create your own art from the inspirational designs [form an image search], or any reference for Hungarian Folk Art of your choosing.

Vote for your favorite entry as shown in the mosaic below, and view each one in greater detail by clicking on the images within the mosaic, or the links below.

Voting for for this challenge is on May 9th - 15th. Click on the images within or the links below the mosaic to see additional views and read about each piece in detail.

  PLEASE VOTE ONLY ONCE FOR YOUR FAVORITE ENTRY

 

1. Purple Tulip Brooch - beadn4fun

2. Duck Duck Goose - TheBeadedBead

3. Floral Hungarian Bridal Wreath - SharonEdelmanforEPEC

4. Marika SuperDuo Beaded Necklace - Lirigal

5. Floral Brooch - suegoodebeads

6. Beaded Wall Hanging - DowntheCopperLine

7. Bead Embroidered Flower Headpiece - idahobeadweaver

8. Summertime - Maewa

9. Flower Pendant - alterdeco

10. Paprika Pendant - Svetush

11. Kalocsa Folk Embroidery Necklace - MoonsafariBeads

12. Red and White Diamonds - beaglebeads

13. Hungarian Star Necklace - FrancescasFancy

14. Hungarian Folk Art Beaded Purse - ArtMasquerading

15. Hungarian Folk Art Woven Cuff - jess2bead

Voting for January "Rising Star" Challenge

Sorry everyone but when the polling was launched yesterday #24 was missing from the list. We have to start a new voting session, so if you had cast a vote on January 9th you may need to re-vote. The new poll will be open until Jan 16th. New for 2013, the moderator team has opted for a challenge to be participated by previous non-winners of the EtsyBeadweavers team for a chance to show off their talents and compete for prizes in the process.

Rising Star

This special challenge's guidelines were as follows


• Deadline for submission is Jan 5, 2013, midnight Etsy Time.
• Winner will be getting a donated goodie bag of beads & related items.

Rule Exception for the January Challenge Only:
• Only entries from members who have NOT won a challenge (public and internal polls) in the last 3 years (since Dec 2009)
• Item is ANY new beadwoven item made from Sept 29 until January 2013 and must be listed in members shop by January 5th 2013 midnight Etsy time.
• Entry must be new and has not been previously entered in a challenge.
• Entry must tagged with EBWC only after the December Challenge has finished (Dec 16th)

Voting for for this challenge  is on January 9th - 15th.

Click on the images within or the links below the mosaic to see additional views and read about each piece in detail.

PLEASE VOTE ONLY ONCE FOR YOUR FAVORITE ENTRY

 

1. Life's Little Things - CheriCMeyer

2. Victorian Romance - DowntheCopperLine

3. Cotton Candy - terran

4. Party Time - beadifuljewelry

5. Beaded Ribbons & Bows Necklace - TerahClassyCreations

6. Emerald Green Headband - MegansBeadedDesigns

7. Universe - ABeadedWorld

8. Cosmic Splendor - EsmerldasStudio

9. New Year Fireworks Cuff - Starwaves

10. Pea-Clock Steampunk Necklace - beadn4fun

11. Golden God of the HAPPINESS - Maewa

12. Beadwork iPhone Bag - ArtMasquerading

13. Golden Turquoise Mask Bracelet - savoystudio

14. Mermaid's Abalone Beaded Collar  - HannahRachel

15. Coral sparkles set - AnnaCohen

16. Dreams Amulet Bag - BeadEnCounter

17. Sacred Scarabs - barbaraellis

18. Pink Golden Necklace - SpringColors

19. Be My Valantine - MaryTDesigns

20. a tiny piece of springtime - ajBead

21. Pink Freeform Slide Necklace - playnwithbeads

22. Beadwoven necklace, beaded beads - alterdeco

23. Verde Noir - flagrantdesigns

24.  Tiger Pendant - Jewelrybyjane29

Winning Entires from Past Challenges

Due to January's upcoming "Rising Star Challenge," the moderators of the EtsyBeadweavers team have compiled all of the team's past challenge winners, in accordance with their theme, and whether they won by team vote or popular vote.

Etsy Beadweavers Challenge Themes History:
Month - Challenge - Fan Favorite - Team Winner
Dec 2012 - Emotional Roller Coaster
Nov 2012 - Circles and Squares - Reginao - KrisDesignFSP
Oct 2012 - Misty Winter's Dawn - AngelqueCreations - Haute Ice Beadwork
Sep 2012 - Lunar Obsession - KrisDesignFSP - KrisDesignFSP
Aug 2012 - Hot Hot Hot - Zviagil - Medic5415
Jul 2012 -Tangerine Tango - Daniellart - CrimsonFrog
Jun 2012 - Mystery - Carousell - KraftKonfessions
May 2012 - Nautical Inspired - Zviagil - CrimsonFrog
Apr 2012 - Seed Beads Only - FrancescasFancy - FrancescasFancy
Mar 2012 - Destinations - LostAloha - LostAloha
Feb 2012 - Nest - KrisDesignFSP - KrisDesignFSP
Dec 2011 - Arabesque Style - Bead4Me - AngelqueCreations
Nov 2011 - Totally Twisted - KrisDesignFSP - KrisDesignFSP
Oct 2011 - Inspired by Picasso - Pinararpaci - ThistleDew4U
Sep 2011 - Lions, and Tigers, and Bears, Oh My! - Vicus - Haute Ice Beadwork
Aug 2011 - Summer's Juicy Fruit - Budaikata - BohoDameDesigns
Jul 2011 - Sizzling Sunshine & Soothing Water - AnnaHatvani - FrancescasFancy
Jun 2011 - Heal the World - 4uidzne - TheBeadedBead

May 2011 - Lord of the Rings - chrysanthemumveil - Haute Ice Beadwork (our first team poll)
Apr 2011 - Spring Around the Corner - Annahatvani
Mar 2011 - Fashion Through the Ages - 4uidzne
Feb 2011 - Royalty Throughout Time - Bead4Me
Dec 2010 - Simon & Garfunkle: Songs of Inspiration - TrizDesigns
Nov 2010 - Holiday Treasure - CieloDesigns
Oct 2010 - Autumn Falling of Leaves - MadebyOlga
Sep 2010 - Bollywood - HauteIceBeadwork
Aug 2010 - Gold and Silver - Bead4Me
Jul 2010 - The Secret Garden - TreasureBead
Jun 2010 - Phenomenon - Bead4Me
May 2010 - Embedded Colors in the World of Insects - EnchantedBeads
Apr 2010 - Light as a Breeze - Bead4Me
Mar 2010 - A Fairy Tale - Bead4Me
Feb 2010 - Ocean/Sea - Lauralia
Dec 2009 - Peace and the Winter Olympics - ArtBeadwork
Nov 2009 - Beauty of the Flower - grakowski
Oct 2009 - Super Power Jewelry - SmadarsTreasure & AngelqueCreations (tie)

Sep 2009 - Indian Summer Dream - TrinityDJ
Aug 2009 - First Ladies of Style - StudioAnnieVeillete
Jul 2009 - Here Comes the Bride - KraftyMax
Jun 2009 - Humor - LiciaBeads
May 2009 - Hollywood Red Carpet - CieloDesigns
Apr 2009 - Time Machine - Beadsbyvezsuzsi
Mar 2009 - Temptations - RachelesOriginals
Feb 2009 - Tropical Holiday - BeadCatcher
Dec 2008 - Snow Queen - GypsyEyesJewelry
Nov 2008 - Ancestral Experssions - TrizDesigns
Oct 2008 - Animal Instinct - TrizDesigns & SmadarsTreasure
Sep 2008 - Complimentary Contradictions - Beadsandblooms
Aug 2008 - Art Deco - gemsbyjules
Jul 2008 - A Midsummer's Night Dream - sweetfreedom
Jun 2008 - Anything Goes - PinkPoochDesigns (2nd-winner left team)
May 2008 - The Food Chain - Enchanted Beads
Apr 2008 - Fire and Flowers - DantesSpirit
Mar 2008 - Stormy Weather - ThePreciousBeads
Feb 2008 - Spring Break - AnotherCountry
Dec 2007 - Red - Fennell Skellyman
Nov 2007 - Caught in a Net - MistyRidgeBeads

November 2012 Theme Announced "Circles and Squares"

Kris, internal and popular vote winner of our September 2012 "Lunar Obsession" challenge has chosen the theme for our November 2012 challenge.

CIRCLES & SQUARES

Let´s play geometrically! Compose circles and squares into new shapes, emphasize the contrast between round and angular, soft and hard. There are no color restrictions but try to underline the contrast via your color choices. Shapes are not intended to be achieved by the shape of a particular bead only, but by the shapes and patterns in your weaving/embroidery.

THE CHALLENGE RULES

Any EBW member may create one new beadweaving of your own design (not from a tutorial, 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 or made-to-order item 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.

Your listing must be for sale for the duration of the challenge (not made to order), 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, or designation of buyer's choice) 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. Please do not put your shop on vacation mode when you have an item entered in the challenge, or deactivate your entry from the time you list, until the close of the challenge. If you must be away from your shop, please leave your challenge entry active, with a message explaining the date the item will shipped if purchased."

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. 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. 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. Let’s play fair with each other, and keep our challenges fun for all.