With the holidays over and lots of snow and ice outside, it’s time to relax, pour yourself a cup of hot tea, channel your inner creativity and break out your beads!

We are hosting our ninth annual bead challenge.  This year’s theme is BEADED CALENDAR PICTURES.  Participants are invited to create an artistic beaded piece that has been inspired by any picture from a calendar.  The picture can provide the inspiration for the theme, the colors, the shape and/or any other design element.  The beaded piece can be jewelry or it can be ornamental.  The only rules are that the piece must be started on or after November 5, 2009 and the majority of materials used must be beads.  All ages are welcome.

Kim Humphrey, from our staff, made this wonderful example:

madagascarpic1From this calendar photo…

madagascarnecklace3Kim was inspired to make this necklace!

What will you be inspired to make?  You may use any calendar picture.   We have a collection of calendar pictures that are available if you need one – just stop by and choose one to take home.  First come, first served.

Entries are due to Bead In Hand on or before Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 6 pm.  Be sure to bring the beaded piece and the calendar picture that inspired it.  The entries will be on display and everyone coming into Bead In Hand will have an opportunity to vote for his/her favorite in each category from 6 pm on Thursday, March 11, 2010 to 3 pm on Saturday, March 20, 2010.

Voters will be asked to vote for their favorite in the following categories:

  • Best Use of Beadwork Techniques
  • Best Use of Color Inspired by the Picture
  • Best Use of Theme Inspired by the Picture
  • Personal Favorite

The entry winning the most votes in a category will win a $30 Bead in Hand gift certificate.  No entry may win in more than one of the above four categories – the award will go to the next highest vote receiver.  However, the entry that gets the most votes in total will win Best of Show.  All entries are eligible to win in one of the four categories and to win Best of Show.  The Best of Show winner will receive a $35 Bead in Hand gift certificate.

Winners will be announced and prizes awarded at the Challenge Celebration on Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 4 pm.  All the entries will be pictured on the Bead In Hand website.