Thursday, September 18, 2014

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!


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

11 comments:

Ann Schroeder said...

All of these pieces are so gorgeous! What a wonderful, creative group. I know I rave about every one of Andrew's kits, but this one really spoke to me in terms of what I consider the happy colors. All the pieces I've seen in the hop bear that out. Thanks, Andrew!

Alice said...

They are all great pieces. I love all the colorful designs. Thanks for hosting this fun challenge.
Now I need to work on the next on.

Shai Williams said...

What great designs! Whereas I got stumped by all the vivid colors, I love seeing how everyone else took them and ran.

Alison Adorns said...

Yay! What a great job everyone did! Ann, love the jangly bracelet... Motion, colors, and sounds just like a carnival. Laurel, nice job with your earrings, great job breaking from your comfort zone, they'll look fab on you. Cheryl, we are kindred spirits with our stacked necklaces, and yours hang perfectly together. Naama your earrings are terrific, and your combo necklace is such a fantastic idea. Crystal I adore your lanterns, they are soo festive. Andrew, amazing beadwork, what sparkle those sequins add!
Thanks to Andrew for hosting and for blogging for us!

Karin G said...

So many gorgeous pieces of jewelry. This kit really made wonders, the designs are so varied and I especially like all the earrings that were made from it. This was a wonderful challenge!

Inner Muse Jewelry Design said...

What a bright and cheery palette for the theme! I loved all the designs and the artists' interpretation of the elements. This was a happy bunch of beaders and it showed in each design :D

Kari Asbury said...

So many gorgeous designs! I've loved seeing everyone's designs for this challenge...once again so many unique takes on how to use the same groups of beads. Thank you Andrew for another wonderful design kit and I hope your headache is better today.

ChristinaMarieH said...

What an amazing collection! The bead kit was wonderful but my favorite part of the challenge is the reveal. It is a treat to see all the spectacular designs! Thank you Andrew for another wonderful challenge. Can't wait to sign up for another one :)

Eileen The Artful Crafter said...

Gorgeous interpretations of the theme and every one so different. What a marvelous way to inspire origianl designs.

Carole said...

I've really enjoyed seeing everyone's different interpretations of the theme. Well done, artists, well done.

Cherie Burbach said...

Wonderful designs!