November Monthly Challenge!

This month's theme is "Full Steam Ahead!" We are looking for Victorian and Steampunk inspired designs. Not sure what steampunk is all about? Not to worry, we'll cover that on Friday, basically it's Victorian styles mixed with Sci-Fi. The theme is open to your interpretation!

Pull out your favorite art beads and join in this month's challenge! I can't wait to see what you create.

We have two prizes for one lucky winner this month. A winner will be randomly chosen from all the qualifying entries on December 1st.

First is this steampunk inspired set of components from Earthenwood Studio.

The second prize is a selection of Vintaj natural brass provided by Bello Modo. This is a surprise grab bag of filigree and findings!

Featured Designer of the Week!
From all the entries during the month, an editor is going to pick their favorite design to be featured every Monday here on the ABS. We want to give our participants more time in the spotlight! Our Featured Designer will be this Monday, so get those entries in soon.

How to enter the Monthly Challenge:
1. Create something using an art bead that fits within our monthly theme. This challenge is open to jewelry-makers, fiber artists, collage artist, etc. The art bead can be created by you or someone else. The challenge is to inspire those who use art beads and to see all the different ways art beads can be incorporated into your handiwork.

***Beads by themselves and beads simply strung on a chain or cord will not be accepted.***

2. Upload your photo to our flickr group. Detailed instructions can be found here and click here for a tutorial for sending your picture to the group. If you can't upload to Flickr, send your entry and information to Heather.

Please add the tag or title NOVABS to your photos. Include a short description, who created the art beads and a link to your blog, if you have one.

Deadline is November 30th.

Photos are approved by our moderators, if a photo hasn't followed the guidelines it will not be approved. You may upload 2 photos a day.

What is an Art Bead?
An art bead is a bead, charm, button or finding made by an independent artist. Art beads are the vision and handiwork of an individual artist. You can read more about art beads here.

*** A bead that is handmade is not necessarily an art bead. Hill Tribe Silver, Kazuri ceramic beads or lampwork beads made in factories are examples of handmade beads that are not considered art beads.

p.s. If you have a blog, post your entry and a link to the ABS challenge to spread the beady goodness.