Entries from March 2008 ↓

It’s time for the Spring Beading Challenge!

The Spring Beading Challenge web site can be found at lava-jewelry.com/spring08.

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. I’ll be announcing other prizes soon!

The Deadline

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

Above: Aquamarine earrings. Click on the photo to go to the listing for these earrings.

Lava Jewelry is prepared for those March birthdays, with pretty light blue aquamarine jewelry in stock.

Aquamarine is the light blue variety of the mineral beryl. It is closely related to emerald, which is the green variety of beryl. The blue color is caused by iron impurities in the mineral. Beryl forms in granitic pegmatites. Now for the definition of granitic pegmatites – these are bodies of silica-rich magma that cool very slowly deep in the earth, and form large crystals.

From mineralminers.com:

“Traditionally, aquamarine has been used as a charm by sailors for protection while at sea. It also is believed to preserve and enhance mutual love and to maintain a good marriage, and to ensure truth in relationships and business dealings.”

“Aquamarine is said to release anger and negativity replacing them with mental peace and clarity, providing emotional and mental balance. It is also said to aid in meditation, and to give courage and to assist in self-expression.

Aquamarine is said to help reduce dependence on drugs, to aid in digestion, as a remedy for swollen glands and to maintain the health of the jaws and teeth. ”

Above: Necklace with fancy sterling silver pendant and aquamarine stones. Click on photo to go to the listing for this necklace.

Question of the Day: Kirk or Picard?