Brave Angel Special Challenge Reveal...

Today marks the reveal for the Brave Angel Special Challenge.  If you're not familiar with the challenges, they're a fun way for folks to push themselves creatively, by working from a selection of components that I put together.  When we were talking about kits that we wanted to create, I knew that I wanted to make one that helped raise awareness for breast cancer treatment and prevention.

I was really blown away by how quickly the kits sold out.  (So many people were disappointed that they didn't get a kit that we had to do a second run of kits!)  It was a bittersweet feeling though.  Mainly because many of people who claimed kits were either breast cancer survivors or know someone who battled this disease.  It shines a new light on things when you go from the conceptual idea of creating a kit, to meeting people who have had firsthand encounters with the disease.  It made me think of all the people that I have lost along the way to breast cancer.  It was a truly humbling experience and I'm proud to be able to present this kit.

To find out more about what was in the kit, CLICK HERE.

This was the Mystery Component that I created for the kit.  It was made of polymer clay and hand-painted by me.  After I sent everything out, I found out that the fixative that I used to seal the pieces didn't fully cure and caused the pieces to be slightly sticky.  I was really heartbroken to discover this, because I spent a lot of time making them.  I have to apologize to anyone who received them, as it was not my intention to send anything out that was not perfect.  (Some folks said that their pieces were fine and others got sticky ones.)  I've tried to reach out to everyone who got a kit, but if I didn't get a chance to, just let me know if you got a tacky one and I can replace it.  (Alternatively, the pieces can be washed in warm, soapy water and recoated with a different sealant and that should do the trick.)  Once again, I apologize and hope folks found other things to work with in the kit.

And without further ado... here's the reveal:

This piece was made by Denise Slass-Lipson.  Here's what she had to say about it:  "My necklace includes many beads from the kit.  From my stash, I have added a small mirror, Czech glass beads, crystals, and flower sequins.  I love to work with flower sequins and frequently add them to my bead embroidery to carry the eye from component to component.  This piece contains two hearts – one to fly like the wind faster than caner and the other to show my heartfelt wish that someday soon we will see cancer cured.  There is a small local craft fair next month and I have taken a table.  I will exhibit it there and silently auction it off there."

The next five pieces were made by Angela Taylor.  Here's what she had to say about them:  "Here are the pieces I made from the Brave Angel kit.  The first bracelet was inspired by Stephanie Sersich and her spiny knotted bracelets and the amazing bead mix."

 Another bracelet by Angela Taylor.

 Another bracelet by Angela Taylor.

 A pair of earrings by Angela Taylor.

A necklace made by Angela Taylor.

These pieces were made by Melissa Wynne.  Here's what she had to say about them:  "Thank you for another fun challenge!  Loved the colors and bead selection and the meaning behind the name of the challenge.  I also wanted to show everyone the "Plant Pokes" that I made using the beautiful medallions.  At first, I'd put the Mystery Components in my beadwork, but then I thought they were too beautiful to be hidden away with my jewelry.  I wanted to see them more often.  So I thought I'd design them using sample/test beadwork pieces that I make."

This piece was made by Donna Krtil Hoblit of VeraDonna Treasures.  Here's what she had to say about it:  "I call this piece, "Lend a Hand with Love".  It uses one of my favorite "Andrew" creations.  This piece will be donated to a local cancer organization to be auctioned at one of their events."

This necklace was designed by me and is up for auction.  To find out more about it and to bid, CLICK HERE.

This bracelet was designed by me and is also up for auction.  To find out more and to bid, CLICK HERE.

But wait... there's even more to see! Check out what these participants made for the Brave Angel Special Challenge:

An InLinkz Link-up

We hope you'll check back here throughout the weekend and bid on some of the auction pieces!  

Up next is the Last Harvest Challenge.  I have scheduled the reveal for Thursday, November 6th! So make sure to swing back around and see all the amazing creations!