Once again, Lava Jewelry is organizing the beading challenge begun in 2006 by Beads4You. The bead sets are now available for purchase in Lava Jewelry's Etsy shop. This web site will be updated with new information frequently, so please bookmark it and check back often.

The Rules

Each contestant will have the same set of beads to work with. The bead set may be purchased for $10 from Lava Jewelry's Etsy shop. Each contestant is welcome to make absolutely anything with these beads - jewelry, clothing, sculpture, be creative! The contestants must provide their own findings.

There are three categories the contestants may enter: "Only the Beads," "Anything Goes," and "Under 16." Submissions to the "Only the Beads" category must use only the beads provided (one bead set), and simple findings such as headpins, beading wire, small chain, clasps, ear wires. Submissions to the "Anything Goes" category can use absolutely anything, including multiple bead sets. "Under 16" is a new category this spring. Artists under the age of 16 are encouraged to enter this category to showcase their work.

Each contestant can upload up to 3 photos of their work to the Spring Beading Challenge Flickr group. If you do not already have a Flickr account, you will need to create one - it's easy and free. Please submit high-quality photos with a simple background. This will aid our judge in determining the winning pieces.

Judging will be based on overall aesthetic, originality, skill exhibited, and attention paid to detail, especially finishing.

The Judge

Linda Chandler, author of Getting Started Making Wire Jewelry and More, Woven Wire Jewelry: Contemporary Designs and Creative Techniques, and Jewelry Studio: Wire Wrapping (coming out soon!), has graciously agreed to judge our contest this spring. See Linda Chandler's web site to view a gallery of her amazing work. She also has downloadable wire wrapping tutorials available on her site.

The Prizes

Etsy seller Baggavond has donated one of her wonderful handcrafted beading mats as a prize. Please visit her shop to show your appreciation for her generosity. Our judge Linda Chandler is donating her new Very Berry Necklace to go to one of the winners. I am donating an aluminum wire jig as a prize.

Very Berry Necklace by Linda Chandler

The Deadline

Contestants must have their photos posted to Flickr by MAY 1, 2008.

Previous Beading Challenges

Winter '08 Challenge Web Site