The Monthly Blog Challenge

We've been running monthly challenges here on OTTBS since January 2011. They are a great way to use up some of that bead stash and also be inspired to create something different and maybe learn a new technique. There is also a prize on offer each month so it's well worth entering! We've streamlined the actual challenge posts to make them quick and easy to read while still including the necessary info, but you can find out more details about the rules and guidelines below...

How Do I Enter? 

Email your photograph to Liz at ottbs@live.com

By submitting your entry via email you are giving the admin of Operation Tackle That Bead Stash permission to share your email address with the sponsor should you be the lucky winner. We take your privacy very seriously and will not share your email address with anyone else.

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. But you don't have to draw the line at jewellery and beadwork: knitting, crochet, macramé, felting, sewing etc, are all accepted as long as you have used beads and the theme or colourway for that month is followed. Lamp-workers and polymer clay artists are also welcome to submit beads they've made. Entries that do not include beads in some form or another will not be accepted. Your entry must also be made especially for the challenge, please do not submit something that was made before the current monthly challenge began.

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.

And What About Findings?

Findings (clasps, earwires, small metal spacer beads, etc) are exempt from the colour challenge so you can use silver, gold or any other colour findings that fit in with your project.

When Is The Deadline For Entries?

The deadline is Midnight (in your own time zone) on the last day of each month. But you can email your entries in at any time during the month.

Is There A Prize For The Monthly Challenge? 

Oh, most definitely! We have four regular sponsors who very generously donate the prizes for our monthly blog challenges: Celia of Jencel, Valentina of Beads & More by Yashma, Rachel of RB Beads and Davida of Old Bicycle Shop. Please check the latest challenge to see who is sponsoring.

How Is The Winner Chosen?

With so many beautiful entries submitted each month it would be impossible to choose a winner based on our favourites! So to make it fair, the winner is drawn at random by Liz using the list generator at www.random.org and announced the following day.

Can I Enter More Than Once? 

You can make as many pieces as you like using the chosen colour way. All entries will be shown here on the blog, but you will only be entered into the draw once (or twice if we have a twist that month and you have used it in your entry!).

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 United Kingdom. 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 a question that hasn't already been covered here, please contact us at ottbs@live.com. Alternatively, if you are a member of our Facebook Group, please tag Liz Reed with your question!