The January Challenge

Welcome to our very first challenge of 2012! We are starting a brand new year with a little shake up of the challenge format which we hope you will all enjoy. Don't worry, the challenge is exactly the same - create something using beads in the colour scheme we've chosen - but we have also added a twist. And as you can see we're also going with a single image for your inspiration.

January's challenge is to create something in black and white...

Black and White.

Now here's the twist...we'd like you to incorporate squares into your entry. This twist is entirely optional but if you choose to use the twist as well as the colour scheme then you will receive two entries into the draw! A few ideas for this month...you could use cubes in your entry, use a square or cubed shaped pendant, beadweave a square shape, use square chain or findings etc. But remember you also have to use the black and white colour scheme. No other colours please!

How do I enter?
There are two ways...
1. Email your photographs to me at thecrimsonmoon7@gmail.com
2. Or add them to our Flickr group pool.

Choose whichever way is easiest for you, you don't have to do both. If you add to the Flickr pool please make sure to mention that it's for the January Challenge so we know that it's your challenge entry. We're happy for you to post your photos on our Facebook group as well but please make sure that you've also submitted as above. Entries that have not been emailed or added to the Flickr pool will not be accepted.

What can I make?
Anything as long as it involves beads! Any technique is accepted, from beadweaving and stringing to wire work and bead embroidery. Lampworkers and polymer clay artists are also welcome to submit beads they've made.

Does it have to be my own design?
No. We're happy for you to make something using a pattern from a book, magazine or tutorial but if you do please let us know the designer's name and where it was published so that we can give full credit.

What about findings?
Findings (clasps, earwires etc) are exempt from the colour challenge so you can use silver, gold or any other colour findings that fit in with your project. The same goes for things like spacer beads. As long as the main part of your design is in the colours for this month then that's fine.

When is the deadline for entries?
The deadline is 6pm (UK time) on Tuesday 31st of January.

Can I enter more than once?
You can make as many pieces as you like using the chosen colourway. All entries will be shown here on the blog but you will only be entered into the draw once (or twice if you've used the twist!).

I'm not in the UK, can I still join in?
Yes of course! We welcome submissions from around the world so don't worry if you're not in the UK, you can still enter and be eligible for the prize!

The prize this month is an amazing collection of Czech glass beads and charms from one of our sponsors, Yashma Creations!


The winner will be drawn by me (Liz) after 6pm on Tuesday 31st January, using the random list generator at www.random.org and announced later on the same evening.

Good luck everyone and happy beading!