The January/February Challenge

Hi everyone,

Sarah here, I'm kicking off the 2017 challenges with a 2 month creative challenge - In the Shadows.  

Before I get to that though, I'd like to say a big thank you to Liz for all the work she's done on the challenges and the pleasure she's given us through them! I know lots of us have explored different colour combinations, tried new stitches and expanded our skills through participating and I'm sure you’ll all join with me in saying thank you! Liz isn't leaving the blog completely though, so I’m sure you'll see her around and about on occasion.

This months challenge is a 2 month creative challenge on the theme of “In the shadows”, I haven't included a picture because I want you to interpret the theme in your own way.

To get you thinking, here are some starting points; a monochrome colour scheme including light and shade, representing a movie/character/song/book etc that in your opinion is overshadowed, creating a piece for a creature that lives in shadows, eg a Vampire. Don't limit yourself to these though, let your imagination run wild!

Alongside your entry please write up a short paragraph including your inspiration and how your entry relates to the challenge theme.

THE PRIZE:

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

HOW TO ENTER:

Email a photograph of your entry to Sarah at ottbs@live.com along with any other details we have asked for. The challenge runs until Midnight on Tuesday the 28th of February and the winner is drawn and announced within 3 days. You can email your entry at any time during the 2 month period. The challenge is open to beaders worldwide.

RULES & OTHER INFORMATION:

• Entries must have been started on or after January 1st 2017.
• You can make any item, it does not need to be jewellery.
• You can use any craft technique but it must include beads.
• Your entry must be a finished piece and include a paragraph on your inspiration and how your entry relates to the challenge theme.
• If your entry isn't your own design you must credit the original designer.

There is more detailed information on the challenge here but if you have any questions please leave a comment below or email us. 

Have fun and happy beading!

Sarah

The December Challenge Reveal

Thank you so much to everyone who joined in with our winter themed December challenge where we asked you to create something fit for a Snow Queen. As always the entries are beautiful!

Before I show the entries and announce the winner, I wanted to make a quick announcement. I've been organizing the blog challenges for six years now and while I've enjoyed it immensely, I've decided that it's time for me to step back and let someone else take the reins. That person is the lovely Sarah Tucker, founder of the OTTBS blog! I hope you will all continue to join in with the challenges that Sarah will be setting for you. I'm very much looking forward to them and hope I can join in with them a little more often. 

Ok, so on with the reveal and here are all the wonderful entries we received for this month's challenge!

All the names were put into the list randomizer at random.org and the luck beader whose name is at the top of the list is...


Shirley Moore!


Congratulations Shirley,  you're the winner of the £25 voucher to spend at Beads and More by Yashma!


Wishing you all a very beady 2017!

~ Liz ~