~Henri Matisse
I am not real good with setting goals, but I like a good challenge. So this year I challenged myself to add COLOR to my designs. To quit waiting at the gates of that temple.
Since I have been pushing myself this year, I have had people say that they do associate color with me, and that makes me happy that perhaps I am pushing my self-imposed boundaries.
I thought it might be good to share some of the colorful art beads that I have been using this year… and some that I am lusting after ;-).
‘Challenge of Color – Cool’ by TesoriTrovati
These are beads and components in a decidedly cool hue that I have been lusting after!
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‘Challenge of Color – Warm’ by TesoriTrovati
This is a sampling of things that I am lusting after in a more warm hue.
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There have been some really outstanding challenges and contests and blog hops this year as well. Recently, Lorelei hosted a challenge to use similar components from Michaels, Lori Anderson hosted two highly successful Bead Soup parties and there are numerous contests, like the SoftFlex Flex Your Creativity Steampunk Challenge (voting is now open until December 15th – go vote for your top three favorites and get inspired!). And of course, the grandmother of all challenges is the monthly Art Bead Scene. It is really amazing to see the incredible variety of talent at work. You can’t help but be inspired.
Here are some great challenges going on right now. Why not get inspired?
Artbeads.com What Inspires You? Necklace Beaded Contest
Rings & Things Your Designs Rock Contest
Fire Mountain Gems Six Themed Contests
Be sure to check out the news of contributing editor Lorelei Eurto and artist Erin Siegel who are writing a book and need your help with a general call for submissions. With their blessing, I am encouraging you to fill out the interest form found on either blog, upload your best ideas to the Flickr group and prepare to be amazed by some truly awesome talent (I have seen some cool stuff already in that Flickr pool)! All it takes is confidence in your ability to shine. (Oh, and a really great use of fiber, too 😉
I had been offering a monthly challenge on my blog called “Inspired by…” earlier in the year. I took a few months off from hosting due to the commitments I had for my gallery exhibit. Now I am ready to start that up again with a new set of challenges. But I need some input… market research as it were, since YOU are the reason that I enjoy doing these…
- Do you like to participate in challenges/blog hops/contests?
- Which is your preference: challenges for the fun of it, blog hops for the variety and community-building, or contests for the possible glory?
- Would you participate just for the satisfaction of doing it and stretching your creative wings, or would you rather there be a potential to win a prize? If so, what sort of prizes are you interested in playing for?
- Do you like to have a short amount of time to complete it (say, one or two weeks)? Or do you prefer a longer time frame (one month or more)?
- Is there a theme that you would like to see done?
Enjoy the day!
Erin Prais-Hintz writes about all things that inspire her at Treasures Found::Inspiration Is Everywhere. Her jewelry designs are one-of-a-kind made one-at-a-time. She collects quotes and dust and invites you to send her your favorite (quote – not dust!) to [email protected].
Check out her brand spankin’ new website at Tesori Trovati.
Editor’s Note: We really want to know the answer to those questions here on the ABS. Answer all 5 in the comments below and I will draw one random winner for a $30 gift certificate to Humblebeads on Etsy! Winner will be drawn on Monday, November 1st.
Courtney
October 27, 2010 at 1:30 pmGreat questions – I do love a good challenge. For me, I like to be challenged out of comfort zone. My preference is a combination of for the fun of it and community building. I love to see what others create, either with the same materials or guidelines. I don't need a prize to participate. In terms of a time frame, my creativity needs a bit of time to look and play. Themes – whatever is chosen, here is where I stretch myself! 🙂
Patricia Wood
October 27, 2010 at 1:44 pmDo you like to participate in challenges/blog hops/contests?
Oh! Yes:)
Which is your preference: challenges for the fun of it, blog hops for the variety and community-building, or contests for the possible glory?
For the fun of it + variety and community building. Also to stretch my creativity:)
Would you participate just for the satisfaction of doing it and stretching your creative wings, or would you rather there be a potential to win a prize? If so, what sort of prizes are you interested in playing for?
Satisfaction, mainly. Winning prizes are always cool too. I like having a chance at some handmade components the most:)
Do you like to have a short amount of time to complete it (say, one or two weeks)? Or do you prefer a longer time frame (one month or more)?
Short!!
Is there a theme that you would like to see done?
How about monochrome or unusual color combinations?
Have a great day,
Patricia
Alice
October 27, 2010 at 1:45 pmOh now you've gone and done it. You've just given me a reason to spend more money on these lovely beads.
I love using color, but find more often I reach for only a select two–blues and greens.
As for the contests/blog hops–I vote for all of the above. I have no preferance, and sometimes a change-up in venue is nice. But please give me at least three weeks to a month to get creative, just in case I need to order more beads (ahem–a girl always needs more a reason to buy more beads).
Thanks for sharing all the beady goodness!
CreekHiker / HollysFolly
October 27, 2010 at 1:45 pm1) YES!
2) I like doing it for exposure to my work and prizes are good too. Community building is a nice side effect.
3) Prize and / or recognition. Beads for prizes are great. Stretching is a nice bonus but not my driving force.
4)A FULL month MINIMUM! I personally wish that the first of the month…no matter what day it falls on… announced the new challenge!
5) Not sure HOW to answer but, I have not participated in challenges this year because… I've been so UNinspired by the themes. I participated EVERY month last year. I understand that inspiration is everywhere and not everything appeals to everybody. But the inspiration art this year … well, it has not inspired me. Just hoping for "better" themes in the future…whatever that may be.
Alice
October 27, 2010 at 1:55 pmHmmm, just wrote a long response but not sure it made it through. To answer the questions:
1)I do like to participate in challenges etc, but often can't find the time.
2)I enjoy challenges for the fun of it but also enjoy blog hops to meet other bloggers. Plus, a variety can be nice.
3)Well, just participating would be stretching my wings–as I hardly ever get the chance to do so. And if there is a prize (though to me it is not always necessary), I would enjoy handmade beads or components since I can't make my own.
4)Please give me at least three weeks to a month, just in case I'm up to my eyeballs in other stuff–plus I may need to order components too.
5)Themes are nice since they give us a starting point.
Thanks for sharing all the lovely beads finds!!!
Jennifer Cameron
October 27, 2010 at 2:35 pm1) YES!
2) I love blog hops for the community and getting potentially new readers to my blog
3) I don't really care about winning a prize, but that would be nice. Really any kind of prize is awesome…beads, money, free ad space, whatever.
4) At least a month to complete
5) I can't think of any creative theme suggestions, but I like color, using a photo, using a certain component, a word, fabric, an outfit, a texture.
Kelley Pounds
October 27, 2010 at 2:42 pmColor is so much fun, but I do tend to prefer greens, blues, purples. But this month I've been using some warm rich reds and earth tones, and I'm really enjoying getting out of my little color box. 😀
* Do you like to participate in challenges/blog hops/contests?
I do enjoy it, but lately I've been so busy with shows I've missed deadlines for things I really wanted to participate in–including a couple of challenges on this blog.
* Which is your preference: challenges for the fun of it, blog hops for the variety and community-building, or contests for the possible glory?
I enjoy a good challenge with the possibility of a prize. I often find challenges to be inspirational, causing me to stretch my creativity. That can be a prize in itself.
* Would you participate just for the satisfaction of doing it and stretching your creative wings, or would you rather there be a potential to win a prize? If so, what sort of prizes are you interested in playing for?
I can't help it–prizes can be motivational for me. 😉 Handcrafted beads or charms, or gift certificates for supplies can be great prizes.
* Do you like to have a short amount of time to complete it (say, one or two weeks)? Or do you prefer a longer time frame (one month or more)?
Sometimes the length of time doesn't matter as much as the motivation caused by a theme that inspires me. I also think it depends on the level of complexity the contest or challenge demands.
* Is there a theme that you would like to see done?
Since I'm kind of new to the Art Bead Scene blog, I couldn't say, because I'm not familiar with all the themes you've explored. Personally, I'm less intrigued by art that is too contemporary or angular, but others may find that very inspirational. Have you done anything related to pre-Raphaelite artwork? 😉
Carol B
October 27, 2010 at 3:29 pm#1 – yes
#2 – challenges for the fun of it
#3 – just for the satisfaction of doing it, but I do like beads or components for prizes!
#4 – about 4 weeks
#5 – no preference
JeannieK
October 27, 2010 at 3:38 pmI love challegens and contests. If blog hops get to big I lose interest ONLY because I don't have the time to dedicate to "hopping along"
#2 Any and all
#3 Any and all
#4 Short. I work better under pressure.
#5 Any theme and if it floats my boat, I'll participate.
maneki
October 27, 2010 at 4:05 pm1. Love challenges & contests. Never been in a blog hop, but probably will if I get opportunity to.
2. A mix probably, like it all.
3. I many times participate to test something new and challenge myslef, but most of all I prioritize it if there's a prize to be won as I use it as a chance to win beads and supplies (or gift certificates for beads). I can't afford to buy much supplies so a chance to get something "for free" is very welcomed. Not least art beads as they otherwise can be beyond my budget.
4. Depends: I often start in the last minute and sometimes a few days is enough to come up with an idea and create something. Other times I want to do something "grander", need to buy supplies, I can't come up with an idea instantly or there are other things I just must do first. At times like that I prefer 1 month or more.
5. Anything will do, but I like variation. Everything from a pic or artwork to a poem or word to certain materials or techniques to colour and colour combos. (Often I prefer special colour combos to single colours.)
Janet
October 27, 2010 at 4:28 pm* I Love to participate in Blog Challenges! Its just wonderful seeing what other people are doing!
* Love the Blog hops but am certainly open to all venues.
* Yes of course I would be intrested in it for a prize that would be grand wouldnt it?! Type of prize? A Bead from a very talented artist! No prize would be just as fine.
* I like to have an ample time for the completion of a Creation..a month say.
* Maybe a theme could be voted on?! But I prefer that certain basic elements be used and we create around them. There are so many variables that could be used or thought of.
**Wonderful post here! And inspiring beautiful beads!
Paige
October 27, 2010 at 5:46 pm#1: I don't always get a chance to, but I love them all!
#2: I love challenges the most….but blog hops are a close second.
#3: Prizes are always nice, and a great incentive…but if a challenge, contest, or blog hop were interesting & fun, I'd participate anyway!
#4: I think 2-4 weeks is a good time for most things, so I don't forget. 🙂
#5: I'm open to anything!
Softflexgirl
October 27, 2010 at 9:34 pmI love that cute little black bird bead with the blue wing. SO CUTE!
Hazel Ward
October 27, 2010 at 11:47 pm•Do you like to participate in challenges/blog hops/contests?
Yep – I prefer challenges and contest though, 'cos I tend to get lost with lots of blog hopping *G*
•Which is your preference: challenges for the fun of it, blog hops for the variety and community-building, or contests for the possible glory?
Hmmm, I do like contests simply because I like seeing what gets picked as the winner and why(if it's a judged contest, not a random draw)
•Would you participate just for the satisfaction of doing it and stretching your creative wings, or would you rather there be a potential to win a prize?
I'll admit I like a prize/some sort of pay-off because it gives me a push to finish. But a tiny prize works just as well for that *G*
•Do you like to have a short amount of time to complete it (say, one or two weeks)? Or do you prefer a longer time frame (one month or more)?
A month sounds about right to me – plenty of time to order in materials, not enough time to let the challenge piece languish forgotten at the bottom of a drawer!
•Is there a theme that you would like to see done?
I love book/film/media themed challenges, where a specific text, or type of text, provides inspiration
Erin
October 28, 2010 at 12:28 amGreat post, Erin! Thank you so much for the support of our book and spreading the word on it!
Yes, love challenges/hops/contests!
I really do enjoy those blog hops and contests with incentives doesn't hurt either!
I do like participating for the challenge. I always find it to be beneficial in some way. either adding to my skill set or for coming up with new design ideas that I never would have thought of otherwise.
Hmmm…good question, I don't know.
I'm usually up for anything, but I would like to see some challenges with a well thought out color palette to work with.
rosebud101
October 28, 2010 at 2:22 am# Do you like to participate in challenges/blog hops/contests?
Yes, I do. I really enjoy these challenges.
# Which is your preference: challenges for the fun of it, blog hops for the variety and community-building, or contests for the possible glory?
I like to do these things for the fun of it! I find the challenges a lot of fun.
# Would you participate just for the satisfaction of doing it and stretching your creative wings, or would you rather there be a potential to win a prize? If so, what sort of prizes are you interested in playing for?
I like to participate just for the satisfaction and stretching my creative wings.
# Do you like to have a short amount of time to complete it (say, one or two weeks)? Or do you prefer a longer time frame (one month or more)?
No longer than a month or you've lost me. I'm too random. Maybe two-three weeks AT THE MOST!
# Is there a theme that you would like to see done?
Colors. I love bright colors.
mariola
October 28, 2010 at 8:35 amAll challenges are great, they force me to create things I wouldn't normally make and when I see the finished product I feel really proud of myself. Obviously, I always hope to win:)
maryharding
October 28, 2010 at 8:55 amGreat post Erin, and thank you for using pics of two of my pieces. I am glad I color inspire you. To answer your questions about Do you like to participate in challenges/blog hops/contests?
1)Which is your preference:I like blog hops and challenges–I don't really like contests
2) challenges are great because I can try out new things I might not have done otherwise
blog hops to meet new people and see new work
3)I participate for the fun of it, to meet new folks and to have others see what I do. I am not really interested in prizes.
4)time frame 2 weeks to a month
challenges
5) theme gardens would be fun flower, veggie or any other kind
Clair
October 28, 2010 at 10:03 am1) I love taking part in challenges and blog hops, but I rarely have the confidence to enter competitions. A mix, aimed at designers of different levels would be ideal.
2) I love challenges that are just for the fun of it – no pressure – but blog hops are great for finding new inspiration and making new blogging buddies.
3) The satisfaction of completing a piece is more than enough, but prizes such as jewellery components, beads or a finished piece are a 'cherry on top'.
4) Two weeks is about right for a challenge. Maybe a little longer for a competition.
5) Anything and everything!
Erin S
October 28, 2010 at 4:13 pmI love to participate in challenges/contests. I don't have a blog, so blog hops are out for me, so I'd have to answer question #2 for the glory/exposure. And I'm all about the prizes, baby! I probably won't go to the trouble unless there's a prize involved. I prefer a time frame of approximately 1 month. Themes could be anything for me, with a few exceptions. I'm not into fluffy girlie stuff like barbie or kittens or hearts. Just about anything else would be fair game for me.
Erin S
kiwiken
October 28, 2010 at 8:50 pmYes, I like to participate – mainly for the challenge, if I like the concept I don’t care if there’s a prize involved. I have not participated in a blog hop, I think I’m just too shy to try that. Contests… well, I don’t think I’d have any chance of winning one, so if I ever participated in one I’d probably consider it a challenge for the fun of it.
If there’s a prize, I’m usually most interested in unusual components that may challenge me further – that may be an art bead, but it doesn’t have to be.
I can’t honestly say what timeframe I would prefer, as I am horrible with deadlines. I did some contests in a week, other times a month didn't seem to be enough. I still don’t think that it should be more than a month, though.
I can’t think of any theme at the moment… and if I could, I would be working on it already – I prefer themes that I wouldn’t ever have thought of myself.
Off the Beadin' Path
October 30, 2010 at 2:27 pmGreat question and offer for a certificate to Humble Beads!
I do like to participate in challenges.
Any and all – for fun, blog hop, contest, whatever!
I think the main reason for joining in should be personal growth and satisfaction, but we all love free stuff, too!
What sort of prize? Beads and components, like a homemade clasp, chunk of chain, gift certificate, yes!
I think a month to complete is reasonable, not too long that you postpone it, but allows time for brewing the design and unexpected f"other things" in our life!
Theme, probably necessary to keep it focused, but could be rather broad, such as "Things I Love". How about "Things I have hoarded", ha ha!
Klassy Joolz
October 30, 2010 at 7:31 pm* Yes I love a challenge/contest
* For Fun, Blog, Hop, Contest & Variety of it
* I like joining in for the satisfaction and getting creative
…but prizes are fun, too. Bead treasures are best or gift certificates
* 3 or 4 weeks is perfect
* Open
Thanks Erin~~~~
Smiles, Pam
Linda Landig
November 3, 2010 at 5:35 pmDo you like to participate in challenges/blog hops/contests? *Yes, it pushes me & helps me grow.
Which is your preference: challenges for the fun of it, blog hops for the variety and community-building, or contests for the possible glory?
*I'm in it for the fun. I really enjoyed Lorelei's Challenge Blog Hop. Great way to discover new blogs and great people.
Would you participate just for the satisfaction of doing it and stretching your creative wings, or would you rather there be a potential to win a prize?
*I like to participate just for the fun & challenge.
Do you like to have a short amount of time to complete it (say, one or two weeks)? Or do you prefer a longer time frame (one month or more)?
*3 weeks to a month works better for me.
Is there a theme that you would like to see done?
*Suprise me!