The April Challenge

Welcome to the April challenge! This month we're introducing a new theme challenge which we hope to bring you now and again in between the colour challenges. As the weather has been so bitterly cold here in the UK we thought it would be nice to think of the warmer days ahead and so our challenge theme for April is Surf and Sand!

Red Arrows Display

Unlike our colour challenges, this theme is very open to interpretation and you don't necessarily have to use blues and browns, although you can if you want to! Your piece should be inspired by the beach and/or the sea so base your piece on anything that reminds you of trips to the beach, the ocean, the sand or the seaside.

As the twist we'd like you to include Shells somewhere in your entry. This could be actual seashells, shell beads, cabochons and pendants, shell shaped beads, or you might choose to make your entry shell shaped. The twist is entirely optional but if you choose to use it you will receive two entries into the draw!

How do I enter?

There are two ways...

1. Email your photograph to Liz at ottbs@live.com

2. Or add them to our Flickr group pool.

Choose whichever way is easiest for you, you don't have to do both. In either case, please make it clear that it's for the April Challenge so we know that it's your 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. We're sorry but any entries that do not include beads in some form or another will not be accepted. Your entry must be made especially for the challenge, to make it fair on everyone who takes part please do not submit something that was made before April 1st 2013.

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 so that we can give them credit.

When is the deadline for entries?

The deadline is 6pm (GMT) on Tuesday 30th of April.

  

Can I enter more than once?

You can make as many pieces as you like using the chosen theme. 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. Our sponsors have agreed to post prizes overseas so you can still enter and be eligible for the prize!

Any other questions?

If you have any questions about the challenge please feel free to email Liz at ottbs@live.com

The Prize

This month our sponsor is Celia and she's offering a £15 voucher to spend in her online shop Jencel!

The winner will be drawn by Liz after 6pm on Tuesday 30th of April, using the random list generator at www.random.org and announced later on the same evening.

Good luck everyone and happy beading!