Bead Design Challenge – Valentine’s Day

Happy 2012!
and Welcome to our 2nd Bead Design Challenge with Valentine’s Day as the theme.

Please join us! I know you’ll enjoy the experience, whether you enter your work, or simply stop by to view the awesome talent of others. 😀

For this challenge, I’ve spiced things up a bit by adding extra perks and allowing more time for you to complete your design. Read on for all the details!

We have Prizes!

I’m especially excited to announce that at the conclusion of this event . . .

    TWO lucky participants (chosen at random) will each receive a
    $25 Shopping Spree in our Bead Shop!

    ALL registered participants will receive a coupon for 30% off any purchase during March 2012 in our Bead Shop.

    ALL registered participants will have their designs publicized here on the blog, and also on my website and facebook page! I will include links to your shop and/or your website – as you wish. Look for the “Showcase of Designs” during Valentine’s Day Week! 🙂

To Qualify as a “Registered Participant” (and be eligible for the Shopping Spree Drawing, the Discount Coupon, and Design Promotion) you must do the following:

1. Create your “Valentine’s Day” inspired design using at least one product (beads or findings) purchased from EITHER our etsy bead shop OR our artfire bead shop. You may buy more than one product, of course, but I imagine you will want to use items from your own stash to complement your choice(s) from Bead Happily Ever After!.

2. Email a clear photo (just one!) of your finished design by 9:00 p.m. EST on February 10, 2012. to:

crystal (at) beadhappilyeverafter (dot) com

(In fairness to all, any photos received after the deadline must be disqualified.)

3. Include:
Your Name
Your Email address
The Link (if any) you’d like me to place with your design when I promote your work!

Optional: You can add a brief description of your design, as well, if you like!

The Boring Stuff . . .
You must be 18 yrs. old to enter. After the completion of the challenge, the names of the two gift certificate winners will be announced here and they will also be notified by email. If a winner fails to respond to email within one week from the time notification email has been sent, the win will be null and void and a new winner will be chosen. All registered entrants will receive a 30% off coupon code, by email, at the conclusion of the challenge.
When you enter, you retain all rights to your original designs, but you give permission for Bead Happily Ever After to use your photo on all Bead Happily Ever After sites to promote and showcase your work.

Remember – all entries must be received by 9:00 p.m. EST on February 10, 2012. You can find periodic updates on this Design Challenge by clicking the link in the sidebar to the right of this page!

So, c’mon! Let’s get started. 😀

I can’t wait to see what gorgeous-ness the “Day of Love” will inspire.

Hugs,

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Results Day – Beads Design Challenge

Hi Kids 😀
Well, the results are in and they are astonishingly beautiful!

It all began with FREE beads . . . a choice of three styles offered to designers who promised to create something and then send a photo of the finished piece.

Today, you’ll see the work of 16 Design Challenge participants. I want to thank them so much for following through on this project. Their warmth, enthusiasm, and talent have truly been inspirational! It may have been the first Design Challenge, but it’s only the beginning! More challenges are coming – so I hope you’ll stay tuned.

And now, on to the showcase!!!

(Entries are shown in random order.)

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Category 1: Fuchsia Oval Beads

From Jennifer – a gorgeous bracelet/earrings set! Click here to visit her shop!


From Brenda – a wonderful necklace with two pairs of earrings! Click here to visit her shop!


From Carolyn O. – an elegant “Illusion” Necklace shown with coordinating earrings! Click here to visit her shop!


From Debbie – two flirty pairs of earrings – one zebra print and the other Anthropologie inspired! Click here to visit her shop!


From Mouna – an enchanting “Soutache” Embroidered Cuff Bracelet! Click here to visit her shop!


From Linda – a very special “Joyous Christmas” bracelet with coordinating earrings! Click here to visit her shop!


From TwistTheLeaf – a glamorous necklace with Pearl and Amethyst Charm Clusters! Click here for all of the details!


From Carolyn W. – a fun, fringe-style, bead-woven Bracelet and Earrings! Click here to visit her shop!


From Gillian – a chic pair of Fuchsia Pearl Earrings! Click here to visit her shop!



From Natalia – a lovely necklace with dangling strands! Click here to visit her shop!

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Category 2: Silver Saucer Beads

From Donna – a stunning bracelet! Click here to visit her shop!


From Pat – a delightful necklace with floral lampwork pendant! Click here to visit her shop!


From Richelle – a Fascinating pair of “Assemblage” Earrings! Click here to visit her shop!


From Sharon – a lovely necklace with matching earrings! Click here to visit her shop!

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Category 3: Aqua AB Ribbed Shell Beads

From Ashley – a spectacular necklace made with selection of vintage components! Click here to visit her shop!


From Jo – a charming trio of earrings from artsy to sophisticated! Click here to visit her shop!


Wasn’t that AMAZING?

I’m smiling from ear to ear, here! 😀

Until next time,

Hugs,

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Even a Prince Wants to Bead

During a recent tour of Tanzania, Prince Charles and Camilla visited Wonder Workshop, an organization that provides jobs for disabled men and women by encouraging them to create original art using recycled materials.

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In the photo below, the Prince (aided by a staff member) tries to work with seed beads. He’s enthusiastic but finds it a challenge to thread the tiny beads without eyeglasses. Word is that Camilla kindly offered him her “specs”.

She’s working on a necklace!

Wonder if they brought their finished pieces home . . .

additions to the Crown Jewels, perhaps? 😉

Hugs,

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Summer Sparklers

Did you think I meant the kind of sparklers you light for the 4th of July? 😉

Well, they are quite festive . . . but I meant a different type of sparkler . . .

I’m talking summer jewelry!

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Here’s a pretty bracelet for the upcoming season – created with the colors of the sea and as refreshing as a splash of cool water.

It’s no secret I’m addicted to bling. In fact, I don’t feel totally dressed without jewelry.

BUT, I am also a wimp when the summer temperatures soar.

If it’s hot, hot, hot – I’ll usually abandon my necklaces (I KNOW – Gasp!) and rely on a pair of dangle earrings and a showy bracelet as accessories.

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How about you? Does the summer affect your choices in accessories?

Hugs,
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Earrings R Us

What can I say? I can’t seem to stop making these “bead woven” earrings. 😉

~Southwest Serenade~

They differ from the other earrings I make in that this type is created with tiny beads and thread, instead of larger beads and metal wire!

As a die-hard purple-lover – I am way out of my “color” comfort zone here, but I’ve discovered that I absolutely LOVE this blend of matte turquoise and copper bronze.

The ear wires are made of brown niobium metal, which has a lovely reputation for being kind to sensitive ear lobes!

I have another pair in the works, but I’m itching to begin a special crochet project… Decisions, decisions!

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What are you trying to fit into your schedule?

Hugs,

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