Etsy BeadWeavers' July Challenge - Here comes the bride...

WOW!! The entries for the challenge are in and you are in for a real treat! Thirty-nine Etsy BeadWeavers Members have the talent and took the time to create these amazing and beautiful challenge pieces! Please take the time to visit each entry and read their story about how their piece relates to the theme "Here comes the bride..." Using tiny little beads with a needle and thread and incredible patience, Etsy BeadWeavers Team brings these selections to you to vote and choose your favourite.

You can click on the item in the text list below the mosaic which links to the Etsy Shop listing of each entrant where you will see more detail of each piece! Be sure to come back on the 9th when the poll will be available for you to cast your vote, June 9th thru the 15th!

1. Pearl Romance Collar - nemeton


2. Intertwined in Love for Wedding Bliss - kraftymax


3. Pearls and Crystals and Silver OH MY - cigarboxbeads


4. Neptunes Bride - triz


5. Pearls And Gold - Bridal Jewelry - Rainy Lane


6. Something Blue - randomcreativ


7. Love Goes Round and Round - 1BeadAtATime


8. Forever Yours - beadsandblooms


9. Bridal Cameo Necklace - Medic5415


10. Geometric Decadence - vanishingpearl


11. Floral Lace - ArtfulAr


12. Champagne Dreams - HauteIceBeadwork


13. A Touch of India - BeadazzledofOregon


14. Seaside Wedding - caraway


15. Two Hearts Become One - BeadworksbyKerri


16. Bridal Tradition - glimmerstone


17. White Bridal Wave - HannahRachel


18. Dare to Dream of Crystals and Pearls - dreambeadweaver


19. Gothic Wedding Fetish Beaded Fishnet Gloves - crownrosegems


20. Two Shall Become One - beadsforever


21. Something New Something Blue - jodihorgan


22. Halloween Bride - alatvian


23. The Blushing Bride - Fivefootfury13


24. Something Borrowed, Something Blue - AmethystRavenstar


25. The Mermaid Bride - ThesePreciousThings


26. Something Blue - copperwaycrafts


27. Beadwoven Bridal Necklace and Earrings - SmadarsTreasure


28. Jewels of Dawn Bridal necklace - CieloDesign


29. Walking on Air - RedCatArtBeads


30. Wrist Corsage - MoreThanSomewhat


31. Stars in my Eyes Bridal Necklace - SpringColors


32. Sparkling Bride - Amykohndesigns


33. Champagne Sparkle necklace - FleurDeIrk


34. Crystal Ice - fashionsfrome


35. Fairy Tale Princess Bride Choker - FrancescasFancy


36. Rebel Bride Freeform Cuff - playnwithbeads


37. Here Comes the Bride - enchantedbeads


38. Indian Bride - BeadCatcher


39. And Together - LiciaBeads

Voting begins on Thursday July 9th and ends midnight July 15th. You can show your appreciation for the efforts of these EBW artists by taking on the challenging task of voting for your favorite. Again, the individual pieces are listed below the mosaic where you can visit each entry for more information by following the link. Thank you, enjoy and be sure to vote between July 9th and 15th!

Many thanks to Ann of Francesca's Fancy for again creating a beautiful mosaic of the Challenge pieces.

August Challenge Theme

The June EBW Challenge was won by Licia of Liciabeads. Her prize, as always, is getting to choose our next Challenge Theme. Here is what she had to say about her theme:

First Ladies of Style

Around the world and through time, styles, patterns and textures have developed. Every so often a person, or even culture stands out as having a great eye for style and design. I wanted to choose a theme that could span time and cultures yet recognize that eye for style. Your work can range from an interpretation of the bold and colorful patterns designs found in ancient times, to traditional cultural designs that are found around the world, all the way to the more modern styles of present times.

The Challenge has been issued and it sounds like you will want to give it some thought! What are EBW members going to come up with? You can be sure that whatever they do create will be wonderful!

You can start your entry today and complete and list it by midnight Etsy time, August 5, 2009!

Rules:
Any style, any technique with a majority of beadweaving is welcome.
ONE only entry allowed per person.
The piece MUST be created between now and August 5, 2009.

See our Challenge FAQ here for all of the details on the rules of our challenges.

EBW June Challenge - Humor Has A Winner!

The June EBW Challenge had 20 entries, with a total of 396 votes and 82 of them went to our winner -Curiosity killed the Toilet Paper necklace by LiciaBeads. Didn't she do a great job interpreting the Humor theme!



Second: #9. Where's Waldo - Oops... I Mean Where's Lizard - fashionsfrome

Third and Fourth are a tie between #4. WEED Necklace - HauteIceBeadwork and #19. Pond Frog Bracelet - savoystudio

Fifth: #1. Adios Pollo - BeadazzledofOregon

Sixth: #2. HOUSE for RENT with Garden View - enchantedbeads

Seventh: #17. Harlequin - Free Form Beaded Cuff - ThreeFatesDesign

Eighth: #16. Money doesn't grow on trees Necklace - CieloDesign

Ninth: #14. Where Is My UFO - binkaminka

Tenth: #6. Curly Black Rock Bacelet - SpringColors

Etsy BeadWeavers are already at work on the July Challenge - "Here comes the bride..." . You can read all about it here.

Etsy BeadWeavers' June Challenge - Humor

The entries for the challenge are in and you are in for a real treat! Twenty-one Etsy Beadweavers have the talent and took the time to create these wonderful and humorous challenge pieces! Please take the time to visit each entry and read their story about how their piece relates to the theme "Humor. Using tiny little beads with a needle and thread and incredible patience, EBW bring these selections to you to vote and choose your favourite.

You can click on the item in the text list below the mosaic which links to the Etsy Shop listing of each entrant where you will see more detail of each piece! Be sure to come back on the 9th when the poll will be available for you to cast your vote, June 9th thru the 15th!



1. Adios Pollo - BeadazzledofOregon


2. HOUSE for RENT with Garden View - enchantedbeads


3. Jolly Jester - ArtfulAr


4. WEED Necklace - HauteIceBeadwork


5. Riot of Color Sparkly Rope Necklace - roseworksjewelry


6. Curly Black Rock Bacelet - SpringColors


7. inside jokes - thebeadedlily


8. Clown Fish Join the Carnival - beadsandblooms


9. Where's Waldo - Oops... I Mean Where's Lizard - fashionsfrome


10. Tartan Scottie Dog beaded cuff - Crownrosegems


11. Gone Fishing---Cat and fish bracelet - vanishingpearl


12. HERE'S LOOKIN' AT YOU Blown Glass Eye Pendant Set - caraway


13. Curiosity killed the Toilet Paper - LiciaBeads


14. Where Is My UFO - binkaminka


15. NOT My Mother - PfordCustomJewelry


16. Money doesn't grow on trees Necklace - CieloDesign


17. Harlequin - Free Form Beaded Cuff - ThreeFatesDesign


18. Punch-Line Bracelet - FrancescasFancy


19. Pond Frog Bracelet - savoystudio


20. Harlequin - jmackgems



Voting begins on Tuesday June 9th and ends midnight June 15th. You can show your appreciation for the efforts of these EBW artists by taking on the difficult task of voting for your favorite. Again, the individual pieces are listed below the mosaic where you can visit each entry for more information by following the link. Thank you, enjoy and be sure to vote between June 9th and 15th!

Many thanks to Ann of Francesca's Fancy for again creating a beautiful mosaic of the Challenge pieces.

Etsy BeadWeavers Featured on My Shopping Connection

A huge thank you goes out to My Shopping Connection for the great article featuring the EBW team and spotlighting several members' work. Click the photo below to check it out!

Submitted by Susan Clinkscales

July Challenge Theme

The May EBW Challenge was won by Miriam of CieloDesign. Her prize, as always, is getting to choose our next Challenge Theme. Here is what she had to say:

Having given this much thought, I'd like the next challenge theme to be "Here comes the bride..." This time of year always reminds me of weddings and happy events and I love the jewelry that goes along with that! The pieces do not necessarily have to be traditional white alone, inspiration from any culture, region in the world or background would be welcome! I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with!!!

The Challenge has been issued and it sounds like lots of fun! What are EBW members going to come up with? Will you take up the challenge and create your interpetation of Her comes the bride...! There are so many possibilities.

You can start today and complete and list it by midnight Etsy time, July 5, 2009!

Rules:
Any style, any technique with a majority of beadweaving is welcome.
ONE only entry allowed per person.
The piece MUST be created between May 30, 2009 and July 5, 2009.

See our Challenge FAQ here for all of the details on the rules of our challenges.

EBW May Challenge - Hollywood Red Carpet Winner!

The May EBW Challenge had 21 entries, with a total of 467 vote and 104 of them went to our winner - Suprastellar Red Carpet necklace by CieloDesign. She says about her entry:

This OOAK necklace is a special creation made for the April Etsy Beadweaver challenge themed "Red Carpet" and is both festive, unique and gorgeous!

These are the next nine runners-up:

2. #20. Gladiator - jmackgems

3. #8. Bollywood Glamour - SmadarsTreasure

4. #18. Night of Stars - jodihorgan

5. #19. Vera Similitude Walks the Red Carpet - HauteIceBeadwork

6. #6. Queen Of Sheba Necklace - HannahRachel

7. #15 To Liz.. - beadsbyvezsuzsi

8. #14. Angelina Jolie Bracelet - triz

9. #12. Josephine Baker Burlesque Wrist Cuff - gypsyeyesjewelry

10. #17. The Red Carpet Bracelet for a Mom - alatvian


Etsy BeadWeavers are already at work on the June Challenge - Humour. You can read all about it.

Etsy BeadWeavers May Challenge - Hollywood Red Carpet Creations

The entries for the challenge are in! As always they are simply beautiful, creative and amazing! Twenty-one Etsy Beadweavers have the talent and took the time to create these wonderful and inspiring challenge pieces! Using tiny little beads and a needle and thread along with incredible patience EBW bring these selections to you to vote and choose your favourite.

You can click on the item in the text list below the mosaic which links to the Etsy Shop listing of each entrant where you will see more detail of each piece! Be sure to come back on the 9th when the poll will be available for you to cast your vote, May 9th thru the 15th!




1. Diamonds and Gold II - beaglebeads


2. Buried Treasure OOAK - GoodQuillHunting


3. how to be a rock star beadwoven cuff - thebeadedlily


4. Amethyst Netted Necklace - glimmerstone


5. Black Tie - beadsandblooms


6. Queen Of Sheba Necklace - HannahRachel


7. Golden Brooch with Pearls - enchantedbeads


8. Bollywood Glamour - SmadarsTreasure


9. Sophia Loren's Green Garnet encrusted choker - crownrosegems


10. Ms. Monroe - Evandra


11. The Prince and the Showgirl - ThesePreciousThings


12. Josephine Baker Burlesque Wrist Cuff - gypsyeyesjewelry


13. Suprastellar Red Carpet necklace - CieloDesign


14. Angelina Jolie Bracelet - triz


15. To Liz.. - beadsbyvezsuzsi


16.Scarlett's bracelet - carmenesque


17. The Red Carpet Bracelet for a Mom - alatvian


18. Night of Stars - jodihorgan


19. Vera Similitude Walks the Red Carpet - HauteIceBeadwork


20. Gladiator - jmackgems


21. Cascade - njema



Voting begins on Saturday, May 9th and ends midnight May 15th. You can show your appreciation for the efforts of these EBW artists by taking on the difficult task of voting for your favorite. (The ballot will appear on the side bar at right on May 9th.) Again, the individual pieces are listed below the mosaic where you can visit each entry for more information by following the link. Thank you, enjoy and be sure to come back to vote between May 9th and 15th!

Many thanks to Ann of Francesca's Fancy for creating this beautiful mosaic of the Challenge pieces.

EBW 2009 Beaded Quilt to help fight breast cancer

Last year after reading about the Bead & Button Show and their auction to help fight breast cancer, I came across Jeanette Shanigan's website and her beaded quilts. Jeanette asks beaders around the world to donate individual beaded squares based on a theme. She then sews the squares together to make gorgeous quilts, mounts them in shadow boxes and donates them to be auctioned at the Bead & Button show. In 2008, these quilts raised nearly $4,400 for breast cancer research.

Being a member of the Etsy BeadWeaver's team (EBW), I knew we were sitting on a goldmine of talent. I asked the group if they would like to make squares to be included in Jeanette's quilts. I would collect all of the squares and submit them at one time in hopes that they would all be included in one quilt. Fifteen EBW members stepped up and created 35 squares to be included in a 2009 quilt. The theme for 2009 is "Bead artists have the heart to take on breast cancer" and I believe the EBW contributors did a magnificent job representing it.

Below is a mosaic I created of all of the EBW squares. This is not the actual quilt, only a digital version using photos I took of each square. Please visit the Bead & Button Show website to find out more information about the auctions, which will be held June 6, 2009. Below the mosaic is a list of contributors and links to their shops. Click on photo to see full size.

First row (l to r): Susan Clinkscales, Eddy Downing, Eddy Downing, JoJo Curley, Swanee Hielscher
2nd row: Swanee Hielscher, Swanee Hielscher, Swanee Hielscher, Linda Davis, Smadar Grossman
3rd row: Smadar Grossman, Smadar Grossman, Smadar Grossman, Lisa Savoy, Lisa Savoy
4th row: Lisa Savoy, Jama Watts, Jama Watts, Jama Watts, Kerrie Slade
5th row: Kerrie Slade, Kerrie Slade, Kerrie Slade, Victoria Thompson, Victoria Thompson
6th row: Victoria Thompson, Kim Shaver, Dawn Nelson, Melody Murray, Melody Murray
7th row: Ileana Munteanu, Ginny Bracht, Ginny Bracht, Ginny Bracht, Ginny Bracht

Posted by: Susan Clinkscales of Clinkscales Arts

June Challenge Theme

The April EBW Challenge was won by Vezsuzsi of beadsbyvezsuzsi. Her prize, as always, is getting to choose our next Challenge Theme. Here is what Vezsuzsi had to say:

Let’s have fun!
When I saw Beadwoman’s necklace at the Time Machine theme, I just loved the humour in it! That’s why I would like to choose HUMOUR for June’s challenge. Humour is international and it has several forms: intelligent, absurd, simple, plebeian etc. I would like to see many-many funny jewellery pieces! Let’s laugh heartily!

The Challenge has been issued and it sounds like lots of fun - in more ways than one! What are you going to come up with? Take up the challenge and create your version of Humor! There are so many possibilities.

You can start today and complete and list it by midnight Etsy time, June 5, 2009!

Rules:
Any style, any technique with a majority of beadweaving is welcome.
ONE only entry allowed per person.
The piece MUST be created between April 30, 2009 and June 5, 2009.

See our FAQ here for all of the details on the rules of our challenges.

EBW April Challenge - Time Machine Winner!

The April EBW Challenge had 31 entries, with 629 votes in total, and 119 of them went to our winner - 12. Time machine - beadsbyvezsuzs. About this gorgeous necklace, she says:

This necklace was made for the request of Team EBW. I just loved the topic at the first sight. My time machine is working very-very easily. You can turn time forwald or backward with the gears and this is the way to travel to future or past. Silver symbolize the future and tufa is past. I set the tufa by tubular RAW.

Other runners-up in this challenge are:

Second: 9. For the Women of the Future - SmadarsTreasure

Third: 21. Sticks and Stones Choker Necklace - HauteIceBeadwork

Fourth: 24. Nefertiti necklace - FleurDeIrk

Fifth: 22. Tudors Inspired Crystal Cabochon Necklace - SpringColors

Sixth: 2. time machine cuff - thebeadedlily

Seventh: 1. Atlantis - AnnetteMackrel

Eighth: 6. As Time Collides - crownrosegems

Ninth: 7. Drops Of Time Necklace - binkaminka

Tenth: 30. A Magical Journey - enchantedbeads

Etsy BeadWeavers are already working on the next Challenge for May - Hollywood Red Carpet Creations. You can read more about it here.

Etsy BeadWeavers April Challenge - Time Machine

The entries for the challenge are in! They are as always simply beautiful, creative and amazing! Etsy Beadweavers took the time and have the talent to create these inspiring challenge pieces! Tiny little beads and a needle and thread along with incredible patience bring these selections to you to vote and choose your favourite.

You can click on the item in the text list below the mosaic which links to the Etsy Shop listing of each entrant where you will see more detail of each piece! Be sure to come back on the 9th when the poll will be available for you to cast your vote, April 9th thru the 15th!

1. Atlantis - AnnetteMackrel

2. time machine cuff - thebeadedlily

3. Magical Mystery Cuff - beadsforever

4. Time Standing Still - ThesePreciousThings

5. Fantastical Journey - beadsandblooms

6. As Time Collides - crownrosegems

7. Drops Of Time Necklace - binkaminka

8. Sweet Innocence - Medic5415

9. For the Women of the Future - SmadarsTreasure

10. Time of Innocence - AmethystRavenstar

11. Baroque - Firepolished beaded ball - carmenesque

12. Time machine - beadsbyvezsuzs

13. Her Airship Sailed Through Time - ErtheFae

14. London Blue Police Box Pendant - FrancescasFancy

15. Endless Time - Necklace - clairecreations

16. Myth, Magic and Reality Converge - dreambeadweaver

17. Timeless Neckpiece - SilverDragon

18. Atlantis bracelet - CieloDesign

19. Atlantis Queen Wedding Necklace - RedCatArtBeads

20. Timeless colors - pjlacasse

21. Sticks and Stones Choker Necklace - HauteIceBeadwork

22. Tudors Inspired Crystal Cabochon Necklace - SpringColors

23. Time Machine Lands on Bronze Age - fashionsfrome

24. Nefertiti necklace - FleurDeIrk

25. The Edwardian Necklace - daynamiles

26. iNecklace - beadwoman3

27. Somewhere Over The Rainbow - BeadazzledofOregon

28. Night Waters No. 1 - playnwithbeads

29. Make Love Not War Necklace - HannahRachel

30. A Magical Journey - enchantedbeads

31. Window Into Time - njema

Voting begins on Thursday, April 9th and ends midnight April 15th. Show your appreciation for the efforts of these amazing artists and take on the difficult task of voting for your favorite. (The ballot will appear on the side bar at right on April 9th.) Again, the individual pieces are listed below the mosaic where you can visit each entry for more information by following the link. Thank you, enjoy and be sure to come back to vote between April 9th and 15th!

May Challenge Theme

The March EBW Challenge was won by Rachele of RachelesOriginals. Her prize, as always, is getting to choose the next Challenge Theme. Here is what Rachele had to say:

"I was thinking about Hollywood Red Carpet Creations, past, present, or future. What do you think?

If you had the opportunity to create a piece of jewelry that your favorite movie star would wear to a red carpet event, what would it be? This movie star can be real or imagined, and it can be at any time period, well at least, since their have been movies...lol."

The Challenge has been issued and it sounds like lots of fun! What are you going to come up with? Who will be your favourite movie star? Is it a woman or is it a man? There are so many possibilities.

You can start today and complete and list it by midnight Etsy time, May 5, 2009!

Rules:
Any style, any technique with a majority of beadweaving is welcome.
ONE only entry allowed per person.
The piece MUST be created between March 31, 2009 and May 5, 2009.

See our FAQ here for all of the details on the rules of our challenges.

The March Challenge: Temptation, Has a Winner!

The March EBW Challenge had 35 entries, many of them from new members to our group. With 557 votes in total, 68 of them went to our winner - #9 - The Seductress - by Rachele of RachelesOriginals. About this beautiful piece, Rachele says:

An Art of Temptation she is!! Should I or Shouldn’t I? Will she tempt you with her beautiful rounded Onyx curves, or her enchanting cat’s eye’s? Will you be drawn in by her sinfully lustful red and her alluring gold and amethyst colors? This tempting one-of-a-kind masterpiece is completely hand sewn with much love and with great attention to detail. She is made with Black Onyx, Cat’s Eye, Fresh Water Pearls, Glass Seed Beads, and more.

The runners up in the Temptation Challenge are:

Second: 7. Temptation - MadeByOlga

Third: 33. Temptation Dance - SmadarsTreasure

Fourth: 16. Serpent's Temptation necklace - CieloDesign

Fifth: 11. Temptation Burlesque Collar - gypsyeyesjewelry

Sixth: 26. TEMPTATION Necklace - enchantedbeads

Seventh: 30. Temptation Cuff - SpringColors

Eighth: 14. Green Gold Temptation - binkaminka

Ninth: 5. Green with Envy - BeadazzledofOregon

Tenth: 2. Black Desire necklace - FleurDeIrk

Etsy BeadWeavers are already working on the next Challenge for April...Time Machine. You can read more about it here.

Etsy BeadWeavers March Challenge - Temptation

The entries for the challenge are in! They are as always simply beautiful, creative and amazing! Etsy Beadweavers took the time and have the talent to create these inspiring challenge pieces! Tiny little beads and a needle and thread along with incredible patience bring these selections to you to vote and choose your favourite.

You can click on the item in the text list below the mosaic which links to the Etsy Shop listing of each entrant where you will see more detail of each piece! Be sure to come back on the 9th when the poll will be available for you to cast your vote, March 9th thru the 15th!

l. Sunset Necklace - HannahRachel

2. Black Desire necklace - FleurDeIrk

3. Carmen's temptation pendant - 6Carmen6

4. Dulce de Leche - nemeton

5. Green with Envy - BeadazzledofOregon

6. Temptation in Turquoise - beadsandblooms

7. Temptation - MadeByOlga

8. Temptation in the Garden - glimmerstone

9. The Seductress - RachelesOriginals

10. Forbidden Fruit - EPOriginals

11. Temptation Burlesque Collar - gypsyeyesjewelry

12. Tempted by Temptation - dreambeadweaver

13. Sweet Beaded Temptaton - BeadFabulous

14. Green Gold Temptation - binkaminka

15. Mist on the Moors - beaglebeads

16. Serpent's Temptation necklace - CieloDesign

17. i want to believe cuff - thebeadedlily

18. Chocolate Temptation cuff - randomcreative

19. Mirage in the Desert Necklace - Charmingthings

20. The Spider and the Fly - daynamiles

21. Chocolate Cherry Cordials - ThesePreciousThings

22. Caught in The Web of Temptation - cigarboxbeads

23. Aztec Summer - beadworkbyamanda

24. Temptation By the Sea - myfairladyvt4

25. Hamadryad's Heart Fringed Choker - SalamanderHouse

26. TEMPTATION Necklace - enchantedbeads

27. Eye candy temptation - PFordCustomJewelry

28. A case for Temptation - LiciaBeads

29. PUSHING LUCK - caraway

30. Temptation Cuff - SpringColors

31. Luscious Cherry Chocolate Necklace - FrancescasFancy

32. Bead Store Temptation - beadwoman3

33. Temptation Dance - SmadarsTreasure

34. Sunrise Temptation - njema

35. Moonlit Seductress - ErtheFae

Voting begins on Monday, March 9th and ends midnight March 15th. Show your appreciation for the efforts of these amazing artists and take on the difficult task of voting for your favorite. (The ballot will appear on the side bar at right on March 9th.) Again, the individual pieces are listed below the mosaic where you can visit each entry for more information by following the link. Thank you, enjoy and be sure to come back to vote between March 9th and 15th!

Again this month, many thanks to Ann of Francesca's Fancy who prepared the mosaic!

April Challenge Theme

Mariya of BeadCatcher won our January/February Challenge "Tropical Holiday and has come up with a theme for our April Challenge. It's going to be a very interesting Challenge. Put your most creative thinking cap on and start stitching you impression of....

"Time Machine"

Here's what Mariya had to say:

I guess everybody once in a while has had that thought "What if?" Yes, what if you were given a once in a life time chance to travel through time and space; to travel into past or future; to travel into a real or imagined world? Where would you go? What would you see there? Just think about it. Take the trip and share it with us in the form of beading art with its unlimited possibilities!

The Challenge has been issued! What are you going to come up with?

You can start today, February 28, 2009 and complete and list it by midnight Etsy time, April 5, 2009!

Rules:
Any style, any technique with a majority of beadweaving is welcome.
ONE only entry allowed per person.
The piece MUST be created between February 28, 2009 and April 5, 2009

See our FAQ here for all of the details on the rules of our challenges.

Tropical Holiday Challenge Winner

With 47 entries from the members of the Etsy Beadweavers team, this challenge had more participants than ever before! Maybe it's the cold weather, but our members really seemed to enjoy the Tropical Holiday challenge theme, pulling out their brightest beads and creating some of the most elaborate pieces seen to date.

Although choosing among the 47 beautiful entries was difficult, almost 700 people took on the task and chose the Tropical Treasures necklace created by Mariya of BeadCatcher.


Of her piece, Mariya says:

Ocean, weaves, shells on the beach... Yes, the necklace will remind you your Tropical Paradise! The center piece of the necklace is beaded deep blue glass cabochon with a diver! Was it you searching for the lost treasures on the ocean bottom? Curious tropical fish, open shell with real pearls, seaweed, anemones, beadwoven starfish and even beadwoven jellyfish (no worry, just glass beads!). Jellyfish fringe-like tentacles are hiding two small teal and blue glass fish.

The runners up in the Tropical Holiday challenge are:

Second: Tropical Garden by: SpringColors

Third: Tropical Holiday by: veroque

Fourth: Tropical Paradise Necklace by: CieloDesign

Fifth: Tropical Nights by: SmadarsTreasure

Sixth: Pink Flamingo Fantasy Necklace by: gypsyeyesjewelry

Seventh: Island Treasure Chest by: BeadazzledofOregon

Eighth: Tropical Rainforest Getaway by: Bead4you

Ninth: What if I'm a Mermaid by: ThesePreciousThings

Tenth: Blue lagoon necklace N961 by: FleurDeIrk

The Etsy Beadweavers are already busy working on their entries for the next theme, Temptation. Read more about the March challenge here.

Etsy BeadWeavers January/February Challenge - Tropical Holiday

The entries for the challenge are in and yet again, they are simply beautiful, creative and amazing! Imagine that all of these entrants took the time and talent to create these inspiring challenge pieces!

You can click on the item in the text list below the mosaic which links to the Etsy Shop listing of each entrant where you will see more detail of each piece! Be sure to come back on the 9th when the poll will be available for you to cast your vote, February 9th thru the 15th!

1. Caribbean Surf Collar by: nemeton


2. Scorpion Fish by: njema


3. Dreaming of Hawaii by: randomcreative


4. A Walk on the Beach by: beadsandblooms


5. Peace on the beach by: PFordCustomJewelry


6. Orchid Beauty by: ArtfulAr


7. Rainforest Necklace by: charmingthings


8. Blue lagoon necklace N961 by: FleurDeIrk


9. Paradise by: beadsforever


10.Pink Flamingo Fantasy Necklace by: gypsyeyesjewelry


11. Sultry Salty Sand and Surf by: janetkemp88


12. hawaii '09 necklace by: thebeadedlily

13. Tropical Sunset Garden Necklace (1384) by: clairecreations


14. The Lively Sea by: farfrumplainjane


15. Tropical Holiday bracelet by: 6Carmen6


16. Beachcombing the Sea of Cortez - A Tropical Holiday by: dreambeadweaver


17. What if I'm a Mermaid by: ThesePreciousThings


18. Tropical Breezes by: RegalBeads


19. Tropical Chic - Choker by: Triz


20. Spinny Girl on the Beach by: BeadArtbyShari


21. Tropical Garden by: SpringColors


22. Tropical Paradise Necklace by: CieloDesign


23. Coral Reef Cuff Bracelet by: FrancescasFancy


24. TORTUGA by: caraway


25. CRYSTAL LEI by: fashionsfrome


26. Tropical Nights by: SmadarsTreasure


27. Tropical Flower Brooch by: enchantedbeads


28. Tropical Dream Cuff by: arosebyname


29. Calypso Necklace by: DeepSeaBeads


30. Tropical Whale Tails Bracelet by: SalamanderHouse


31. Tropical Holiday by: veroque


32. Caribbean Sunset by: totallytwisted


33. Bougainvillea Bouquet by: KerrieSlade


34. Tropical greenwood by: beadshead


35. Beachcomber by: vanishingpearl


36. Island Treasure Chest by: BeadazzledofOregon


37. Mayan Sun by: ThreeFatesDesign


38. Girlie Drinks and Sunsets by: HannahRachel


39. MAUI WEDDING by: Chrisbeads


40. Strelitzia by: MadeByOlga


41. ti leaf and orchid lei by: beadwoman3


42. Sunset in the Islands by: 1965angelika


43. Tropical Treasures by: BeadCatcher


44. On The Beach by: SilverDragon


45. Loopy Lei Necklace by: beadworkbyamanda


46. Tropical Rainforest Getaway by: Bead4you


47. Sea and Sand Necklace by: Beadmatrix


Voting begins on Monday, February 9th and ends midnight February 15th. The best way to show your appreciation for the efforts of these amazing artists is by taking on the difficult task of voting for your favorite. This month there are so many exquisite entries it will be even more difficult to choose just one! (The ballot will appear on the side bar at right on February 9th.) Again, the individual pieces are listed below the mosaic where you can visit each entry for more information by following the link. Thank you, enjoy and be sure to come back to vote between February 9th and 15th!

Many thanks to Ann of Francesca's Fancy for compiling the information and creating the Mosaic.

March Challenge Theme

Our last challenge winner was Karin of Gypsy Eyes Jewelry and as always, her prize is choosing the next theme.

Karin and I exchanged a few emails about her theme "Temptation" and here is what she says about it:

This past weekend I was listening to some Tom Waits whilst sitting at my workbench..... beading, of course. The song "Temptation" came on. Temptation? Hmmmm.......

We could safely bead representations of our guilty pleasures perhaps: No more bon-bons on my lips and hips! Draping around my neck or dangling from my ears instead.

Or make something so beautifully bejeweled as to tempt all who lay eyes upon it.

Or we could give in to the temptation to attempt that great masterpiece that requires stepping out and trying something totally new to us.

I hope that the individual interpretation of the theme allows us to learn something new about each other and ourselves. Too deep? Okay, let's just have fun with this!

Sounds to me like a Tempting theme!

You can start today, January 31, 2009 and complete and list it by midnight Etsy time, March 5, 2009!

Rules:
Any style, any technique with a majority of beadweaving is welcome.
ONE only entry allowed per person.
The piece must be created between January 31, 2009 and March 5, 2009

See our FAQ here here for all of the details on the rules of our challenges.

Beadwoven Jewelry Care Instructions

After much discussion among Etsy BeadWeavers Team Members, the following care instructions were assembled.

Dear Customer,

Thank you for purchasing from an Etsy BeadWeavers (EBW) Team member’s shop.
Following are some instructions regarding your purchase. These guidelines will ensure your beadwoven jewelry piece will remain as beautiful in the future as on the day you bought it.

Jewelry bought from the shops of EBW Team members is hand-made from tiny glass beads and thread or cord. As any other piece of valued jewelry it requires special care.

Please store your beadwoven items in the original package in a dry place that is protected from direct sunlight. EBW Team members use only high quality materials in their creations; however, many types of seed beads can tarnish, change, or even loose their color if stored in high moisture, heat or sunlight. Those conditions may also damage the thread, making it brittle. A soft pouch will prevent seed beads, crystals and gems in your woven items from chipping and scratching. Avoid dropping or tossing your beadwoven jewelry onto hard surfaces.

Never expose beadwoven jewelry to water, perfume or any other chemicals (including soap and other detergents, crèmes, lotions, disinfectants, etc.). Do not wear it when doing dishes, taking showers or swimming. Make sure to take it off before going to bed.

If these recommendations for care are not followed, we cannot guarantee your complete satisfaction with our products, nor their durability. When properly cared for beadwoven jewelry will serve you for many years to come and may even stay in your family for generations.

Sincerely,



Proud Member of Etsy BeadWeavers Team

This document was edited by Olga Vinnere Pettersson. Many thanks.