to Inside the Studio!
sneak peek into their studio, creative process or inspirations. We ask a
related question of our readers and hope you’ll leave comments! As an
incentive we offer a free prize each week to bribe you to use that keyboard. The following week we choose a random winner.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
This weeks winner is Carol of Dillman’s Dallies. Congratulations!
You have won a Jack-O-Lantern pendant from Gaea Cannaday of Gaea Handmade.
Simple Truths Sampler Club.
They don’t get to choose, but they tell me that is part of the fun!
I hope that my Club members enjoy what they get (I have several members who keep coming back year after year, so they must love it) and I love to see what they do (I have a Pinterest Board devoted to their clever and inspiring designs).
So, you might be asking,
what is next for the Simple Truths Sampler?
I am not really sure, but I
already have designs in the works (read: in my overworked brain 😉 for
November and December (I picked the art for December and I am so
excited to share it with you!). I guess you will have to stay tuned to
find out! And I can’t wait to see what happens next year! I
intend to keep this plan in place for the 2014 Club as well. And while
there are only a maximum of 20 spaces available any month (there are spaces open now, you know, in case you are interested), I would love to have you. You can choose from 3-, 6-, 9- or 12- months subscription that suits your budget and needs.
Wouldn’t that make a great gift for a jewelry designer you love? (Or you! Especially you! 😉
Since this month the theme of the painting features an owl, and I recently released two new owls to join my parliament of Woodsy and Motley owls – Snowy and Great Grey – I gave a choice to the Club members of one of the four types of owls. And of course, I have a few left from this batch that haven’t made it into jewelry for my holiday shows or the new boutique that is carrying my owl jewelry.
I will select one of the remaining owls (surprise!) to fly to the home of a random winner drawn on October 25th if you answer one of these questions:
KayzKreationz
October 18, 2013 at 11:33 amI love your little owls. I haven't participated yet, although I've really been inspired to a couple of times, but either didn't have the time to finish my idea or more often than not, didn't have an art bead to make the design from. But keep looking and trying to come up with a design for at least one challenge.
beadrecipes
October 18, 2013 at 11:39 amI would love to participate in the ABS challenge every month, but I find time runs away with (from!) me, more often than I would like. I think I have entered 3 so far this year.
I tend to enter if the picture immediately gives me an idea or if I have a bead or selection of beads that I know would work with the theme or colour palette. Due to the mailing time to Australia I find I usually don't have time to order something specifically for the challenge, instead I challenge myself to use something from my own stash.
autumndawns
October 18, 2013 at 11:56 amHi Erin,
I started participating in the challenges in July. I enjoy being part of a community. It's fun to see how diverse the creations are even though we are all starting from the same point.
I love the art. Usually. I found the August inspiration a bit difficult but I really love what you created.
This month I'm making my own art beads. I love the design process. Where I bog down is in the execution so it's nice to have that deadline to keep the procrastinating in check.
I thank all of you for taking the time to do this.
Julie Tomes
October 18, 2013 at 12:09 pmI suppose I just don't have time! I love looking at everyone else's designs and get so inspired, but I need to just force myself to sit down and bead!
Shirley Moore
October 18, 2013 at 12:58 pmSuch lovely pieces Erin! I agree, sometimes it is hard to be inspired by a particular scene, but I think you captured the feel of all these in a unique and beautiful piece of jewelry.
I don't participate in the challenge, since my jewelry doesn't qualify, but I do enjoy seeing the creations!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Sarajo Wentling
October 18, 2013 at 1:57 pmI've enjoyed seeing how you've been responding to the monthly challenges with your creations. I keep strongly hinting to my husband that a subscription to the Simple Truths Sampler Club would be a fabulous gift… maybe for Christmas!
I've been pretty regularly participating in the ABS monthly challenges this year. I think I really just like the idea of art inspired by art. It's always fun to see the new inspiration artwork and then go digging through my art bead stash to see what I can make work. It's also nice to have a jumping off point for creating and focusing a design sometimes… unlimited options can be intimidating!
Some months I'm more inspired than others (like you mention… I think this is natural) and sometimes I either don't have any beads that work (and no time to shop) or just plain old no time for an additional challenge.
I'm so glad that I discovered this blog and got the guts to participate in the challenges. It's such fun to see all the different and fabulous designs folks come up with each month!
Susanm
October 18, 2013 at 2:21 pmI do participate in the Monthly Challenge from time to time. My motivation depends largely on whether or not the inspiration piece resonates with me. The other factor that influences my decision to participate is whether or not I need to order a specific component to make a piece for the challenge – shipping ot Canada from the US has gone up significantly in the last year, so I shop carefully.
freshbakeddesigns
October 18, 2013 at 2:27 pmThanks for the peeking into the treasury of unique pendants for the ABS challenges. And into your creative growth this year, Erin. I do try to submit designs for these challenges as much as I can. Just amazed at the choices that are selected each month for inspiration! I've found that much of what thrills me is the colors or mood of the piece, rather than the literal subject.
For the first one, I purchased art beads. After that, I pushed myself into working with polymer clay to make my own. What a lovely adventure! Thank you, guys!!
Lynda
Alisa
October 18, 2013 at 3:05 pmI have to admit I don't enter because of two reasons:
1. I just found this site! Haha
2. I'm still a novice and my work isn't really 'up to' the level of artists here. But I keep practicing!
I don't know if this idea will work, but maybe have a newbie category along with the regular one every quarter?
Angi
October 18, 2013 at 3:06 pmFirst, let me say, I'm a big fan! Your approach to creating is so inspiring! I have not participated in the monthly challenge before. I guess I've always been afraid my work was not as good as the amazingly talented designers who are showcased here. This month, I joined my very first blog hop! I don't have a blog but the lovely Sharyl McMillian-Nelson from Sharyl's Jewelry has offered to let me post on hers! What a wonderful learning experience! I had so much fun I almost forgot to be nervous! The big reveal is 10-19-13, so please go to Sharyl's Jewelry and check out the Seed Bead and Metal Blog Hop! This project has reminded me that creating is about learning and having fun. I had forgotten that. I can't wait for the chance to join another blog hop/challenge!
Angi Mullis [email protected]
Alisa
October 18, 2013 at 3:23 pmAn update…I see the drawing for the monthly prize is random. So no need for a newbie category! I do see that I need more artbeads though! Does green girl studio count?
sandi m
October 18, 2013 at 3:37 pmHoot!! Love, love the new owl colors. Fun to see your interpretation of each month's art. My very fav ~ August.
Why don't I participate? Time, and sometimes the piece of art. I gotta love the inspiration and colors to be inspired. But mostly I've been doing a lot of custom pieces that design-wise take me in many directions. So it's relaxing to just enjoy the monthly tours that you so creatively write.
Diane (Dewdrop Designs)
October 18, 2013 at 4:03 pmI don't participate because I am disabled and have a chronic illness which leaves me bed ridden a lot. because I never know how I will feel on any given day, week or month and it can change without warning, I don't make commitments. There have been many challenges that I would like to participate in, but the one time I did commit, I was unable to finish anywhere near on time. What would convince me to participate would be a health miracle! I love those Owls!
Erin S
October 18, 2013 at 4:31 pmI always look at the challenge each month. Like you, sometimes a design comes to mind immediately, and sometimes not at all. I have participated on occasion, but not on a regular basis. Its mostly a time thing for me–if I get around to it, great. If not, oh well, I'll check back next month.
Saraccino
October 18, 2013 at 5:02 pmAs I already follow your blog, I already had the chance to admire most of your work (except for the last two beads 🙂 ). I would love to win a little owl made by you! I am also a little bit playing with creating owl beads (yes, took long enough…).
I always want to take part of your monthly challenge. I just somehow miss the time always… it is not that I don't start but before I finish the month is already over. This has nothing to do with your challenges (because they really motivate me!) but rather with me going from deadline to deadline in the lab and not knowing where to find any time for me at all 🙁
Kim Stevens
October 18, 2013 at 5:49 pmWow Erin, you are just so talented. I adore that bead scene and August…so fabulous. Well and the tulips, but who am I fooling, they are all so good!
Kim Stevens
October 18, 2013 at 5:51 pmForgot about the question….Since getting into photography I've let my studio go to beads in a basket (a mess). I need to just tidy it up as I'm getting the itch again to create with my hands too, not just my camera.
Karin G
October 18, 2013 at 7:07 pmI've been participating almost every month since May. I had been following it from the outside, then in March I decided to blog and it took me two more months to jump in. I was impressed, but I really enjoyed the challenge of creating from a painting. Since then I've been waiting for the challenge, enjoying the thoughts and creative process to try and interpret a different painting every month. I like to be forced out of my comfort zone, having to search for ways of expressing what I feel about the paintings and then last but not least , there is the pleasure of going through my stash of art beads to find the ones that will echo the painting.
Leah Curtis
October 18, 2013 at 9:29 pmI love the monthy challenges, even when I don't enter. When I do enter, it's because I find the painting inspiring either because I like the palette or it sparks something in me. If I had more time, I'd probably do all the challenges! But I do try to do the ones that really "speak" to me.
Shannon Chomanczuk
October 19, 2013 at 12:21 amI do not participate because I am so bad at deadlines! I really wish I had a better scheduling system so I could participate. Organization is my word and goal for next year!
Shannon C
Ann Schroeder
October 19, 2013 at 1:15 amI participate in the monthly challenges because it encourages me to not only create something but also go outside my comfort zone. What makes it easy to participate is the timeline – a calendar month so it doesn't sneak up on me. I encourage anyone sitting on the sidelines thinking they can't do it to try! The Art Bead Scene editors and followers are a very encouraging and generous group!
Kelly Godlewski
October 19, 2013 at 1:37 amThese are just beautiful and I love to see the inspiration and then the final finished item. I just found this blog and I am excited to look around and see more!
Kelly Godlewski
October 19, 2013 at 1:40 amThese are just beautiful and I love to see where the inspiration comes from and then the final finished product. I just found this blog and I am excited to look around and see more!
Carol D.
October 19, 2013 at 3:46 amOhhhhh! I am so excited to win the Jack-o-Lantern pendant. Can't wait to see it in person.
Also on the question about the Monthly Challenge:
My reason for not participating would have to be that the directions to enter just seemed a little daunting. I don't usually use Flickr so I would have to read all the instructions. I will look at it again and maybe give it a chance this month.
Kristen
October 19, 2013 at 12:26 pmI love the idea of the challenges and I'm always excited to see all the talented designers and their interpretations. What keeps me from taking part is a full time job and a jewelry supplies business. My free time is taken up by keeping my shop stocked. My goal is to give it a try one of these months!
autumndawns
October 19, 2013 at 2:43 pmI love the ABS challenges. I've been participating since July.
It helps me to expand my horizons. I'm drawn to seed beads, so the art beads are a focal. It's even inspired em to create my own art beads.
Kathy Lindemer
October 19, 2013 at 3:23 pmI am amazed at how your beads capture the flavor of each painting. Beautiful work!
autumndawns
October 19, 2013 at 9:06 pmErin, I want to thank all of you for the work you do creating this blog.
I love the ABS challenges. I started participating in July. It encourages me to expand my horizons and having the deadline is good for procrastinators like me.
Susan Lloyd
October 19, 2013 at 11:06 pmI won a free 3 months of your club and I love your work; however, I just cannot afford the cost on a regular basis. not that you are outrageously expensive, but, as a single mama, I have to carefully choose. one day I hope to be able to join
Susan Delaney
October 20, 2013 at 12:34 amI've only worked with polymer since January and I have an infinite amount to learn! I enter the challenge because it offers me the opportunity to stretch and grow. This month I used colors on my gingko leaves that I'd never dreamed of, to go with the color challenge. Last month, I adapted a design in a vintage ivory pendant to faux ivory. The month before I allowed the painting to tell me what to make. I feel like I am growing every month.
stregajewellry
October 20, 2013 at 5:03 amI love to see the monthly challenges and love Art Bead Scene. I've never participated. I guess I just do not have enough confidence. Maybe I should make this one of next year's goals. Yes, maybe I should.
Mackin-Art
October 20, 2013 at 1:37 pmIn the past I participated regularly, but I've found it difficult recently due to time constraints and the lack of a market for my time intensive (read expensive) style. I would like to find a way to make it work, as some of my past entries were some of my more creative work – I always seem to look at things bit differently than other participants..
fulgorine
October 20, 2013 at 4:39 pmI take part as often as I can. With two babies, I don't get a lot of creative time, and I find the challenge really helps give me a focus. I like the fact that all skill levels are welcome, and the chance of winning a prize is awesome.
Linda
October 20, 2013 at 10:31 pmI haven't participated in monthly challenges because I just found out about them and your monthly membership. I got to see your work this past weekend at Heather Powers Inspired by Nature Retreat. You are so talented and I hope to obtain more of your work. Wonderful weekend by the way..
Urbanscapes...
October 20, 2013 at 10:36 pmHi Erin,
Its LOVELY to see how your designs have evolved around the last few challenges ! The August focal is my favorite 🙂
I LOVE the ABS Challenges and you have no idea how I wait to see a new painting every month!
I religiously nurture the ABS challenge pinterest boards every month and blog about them!
I just have to get better about handcrafting a jewelry piece every month now…
Kaushambi
lynn
October 21, 2013 at 12:33 amHi Erin, I have not participated, would love too, but I always run out of time.. By the way you might be seeing me here more often, love to see the work of an artist. And who-who love those little guys..Lynn Gonzalez
Kathy
October 21, 2013 at 1:34 amI participate fairly regularly. The main reason I enjoy doing this is it helps me to stretch my creativity. I always come up with a piece that is totally out of my comfort zone. I have fun doing it, too. I love colors and following the inspiration of the art. That is my goal, and I let my usual restrictions on myself drop,
Shaiha
October 21, 2013 at 4:56 pmI have been saving up my pennies so that I can join your club. I do tend to join in on the monthly challenges if my health permits.
Colleen
October 21, 2013 at 7:36 pmI'm new here and am checking out the blog after meeting Erin and Heather this weekend. Their advice to people like me who don't really have an easily accessible "beading community" is to get more involved online. Not just reading blogs, but making comments and participating in challenges to stretch yourself. So, I'm determined to enter at least one of the challenges remaining for the year. – Colleen