Festival Lights Challenge Reveal...

Today is the Reveal for the Festival Lights Challenge!  Normally I do a recap of how the challenges work and show pictures of the kit and Mystery Component, but you can see that information by CLICKING HERE and HERE.  We'll skip to the good part... the REVEAL!

This bracelet was made by Ann Mergl!  It features beads from the kit wired on to a length of chain for a fun, eclectic vibe.

These earrings were made by Laurel Ross.  Here's what she had to say about them:  "I normally make necklaces for my challenge pieces, so I wanted to go one step further and challenge myself by making a pair of earrings.  I saw a picture on Pinterest and decided to do my own version.  Thank you, Pinterest!  I used seed beads from the mix and strung them up on flexible beading wire, created teardrop shapes and then used brass bells to cinch the points of the teardrops.  They're colorful and bright!"

This necklace and matching pair of earrings were made by Cheryl Lee Tucker.  Here's what's she had to say about them:  "I struggled at first with this challenge.  I guess that's why they call it a challenge!  The multi-colored beads and varied sizes seemed too chaotic.  Then I remembered when I read about the lights and music on a midway!  MORE IS MORE!  So my "Calliope Necklace" is a combination of most of the beads in the kit with a small addition of blue beads from my own collection for balance.  It really stands out against my bright blue shirts.  I also got the beads for the Royal Feather Challenge and can't wait!"

Alison Herrington made these bracelets and necklaces.  Here's what she had to say about them:  "The flashing lights... the blinking lights... the blurred lights.  The popcorn smell... the hot dogs and sauerkraut smell... the mechanical smell.  The carmel corn... the cotton candy... the everything covered in chocolate.  The screams of delight and laughter... the plink games... the beeping games.  The twirling and whirling and spinning feelings in the pit of your stomach!  This is what I tried to capture in my pieces.  In the Ferris Wheel Necklace I used Andrew's polymer focal, orange Czech glass and blue sea glass as the "baskets".  The Swings necklace uses red tubes from the kit and "swing" dangles made with various orange and red glass from the kit.  The Merry-Go-Round Necklace is made without a clasp and in a random pattern of blue, iridescent, frosted cut glass round beads from my own stash.  The Whip Necklace is made with both sizes of peachy orange Czech tubes as the "cars" of the ride.  The Kiddie Ride Bracelet has one Czech glass tube as a focal and matches all the necklaces.  I had a blast with this challenge!"

Naama Eisenstein of Naama from Peculiaris made this matching set of earrings, bracelet and necklace.  Here's what she had to say about them:  "This is the first time I've taken part in such a challenge and it was even more fun than I imagined!  I loved the image Andrew gave in the kit description of colorful festival lights as seen from a carnival ride.  When I got the kit I could really see what he meant and wanted to keep this messy-joyful feel in my designs.  It took awhile to think it out, but I'm happy with the results.  The earrings are long, dangly and have lots of movement."

  

"This necklace/bracelet set is my main design from the kit.  It can be worn as a collar-length necklace and separate bracelet, or the pieces can be attached and transformed into one longer necklace.  If you want to see what else I've made from the kit, you can visit my Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/peculiaris"

This necklace was made by Crystal Lombardo Farrell.  Here's what she said about the piece:  "I took this challenge much more literally, and tried to make a necklace which was reminiscent of a string of carnival lanterns."

This bracelet was made by me.  The base of the bracelet is constructed with peyote stitch with a tube clasp.  I embellished the edge with a random assortment of seed beads from the Luxury Bead Blend.  On one side, I've stitched on holographic sequins that remind me of flashing carnival lights.  The bracelet is reversible, so it can be worn with either side facing out.

But wait... that's not all!  Please swing by the blogs of the other participants from around the world!  Check out what they made for the Festival Lights Challenge!

Carole Carlson

Christina Porter

Karin Grosset Grange

Shaiha Williams

Christina Hickman

Kari Asbury

Ann Schroeder

Alice Peterson

Carolyn Lawson

Andrew Thornton, Crystal Lombardo Farrell, Naama Eisenstein, Alison Herrington, Cheryl Lee Tucker, Laurel Ross, and Ann Mergl

Up next is the Royal Feather Challenge!  The reveal date is scheduled for October 16th!  Check back here to see all the lovely creations!