Saturday 31 August 2013

The August Challenge - And the winner is...

Another challenge over which means another collection of the most beautiful pieces of jewellery from our very talented participants! It was great looking at all the entries coming in throughout the month and seeing which colours you chose to put together - well done to those who managed all six! Have a quick look at the image we posted for you inspiration...


...and here are all the beautiful entries!





































Everyone's names were entered into the list randomizer at Random.org and the lucky beader who's name is in the number 1 position is...



...Anna Fjellborg! Congratulations Anna! You're the lucky winner of the £15 voucher to spend on seed beads at RB Beads!

We hope you've enjoyed seeing all the wonderful entries and taking part in our challenge. Don't forget to drop by tomorrow when we'll have a brand new challenge for September!

Thursday 1 August 2013

The August Challenge

Welcome to the August challenge! This month we'd like you  to create something in HOT TROPICAL colours!


Please use at least four of the following colours in your entry - Red, Orange, Yellow, Purple, Turquoise Blue or Lime Green - although you can use all six if you want to! Beads with AB/rainbow finishes are allowed but due to the fabulous prizes on offer each month we’re pretty strict on the colours allowed, so no colours other than those specified please! *If you are using a cabochon or other focal bead in your design it can have small amounts of other colours in it, provided that the main colours of it fit our challenge. But the beads you use with it must be in our challenge colours only.

Now here's the twist...we'd like you to include a RIVOLI crystal in your entry.  You can use one or more crystals and they must match the colour scheme but we are allowing the use of crystal clear or crystal clear AB for this challenge as an alternative. The 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!

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 mention that it's for the August Challenge so I 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. I'm 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, please do not submit something that was made before August 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.

What about findings?
Findings (clasps, earwires, 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 6pm (UK time) on Saturday the 31st of August.

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. 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 Rachel of RB Beads and she's offering one lucky winner their choice of £15 worth of seed beads from her online shop!

The winner will be drawn by Liz after 6pm on Saturday the 31st of August.  using the random list generator at www.random.org and announced later on the same evening.

Good luck everyone and happy beading!