Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Muffin Tin Jewelry Challenge

Do you look in your bead stash and want to sit down to create but find yourself overwhelmed by years of purchases and too many choices?  My dear auntie was in need of inspiration for some upcoming shows so I suggested this muffin challenge to her as a way of breaking through being overwhelmed by a stuffed craft room. 

The challenge is simple:
Fill the cup of a muffin tin with everything you need for one project - so the focal bead, accents, chain, findings - whatever you would need to complete one project and put that in one cup.  Repeat with the other 11 cups.  You now have 12 projects in a portable container ready for you to put together.  Grab your pliers/tools and sit somewhere comfy with your muffin tin and put each piece together knowing all your choices have already been made - your mission is to simply arrange those beads in a sassy design and complete those 12 projects as quickly as possible!
So let's play!  Grab a muffin tin and put together 12 projects by June 27th (Midnight CT).  Yes, 12 projects in a week - you can do it!  Take a photo of your muffin tin and one photo of all 12 projects - blog, facebook or add it to a free album like Flickr and share the link below.  On the 28th, I will pick one winner to receive a Bead & Button grab bag from me valued at over $75, it will include art beads and some awesome goodies from the show.

*Addendum - if you complete 6 projects you can enter!

Pictured above are Rosanne's treasures from Bead & Button and include art beads from: Golem Beads, Vintage Meadows, Lisa Peters and Humblebeads.

67 comments:

Danielle Olivyea Christian said...

This is such a cute idea!

Unknown said...

I can do this ONLY if UFO's count.

Heather Powers said...

They can include projects you have started - it coul also be 12 earrings or pendants.

KristiBowmanDesign said...

So much FUN, I'm gonna give it a try!!

My Life Under the Bus said...

I can't decide!!! Today is the last day of school here - will I have enough sanity to do this???
I have tons of things in paper trays!!! *runs off laughing, maniacally pulling hair out of head and braking like a dog*

Therese's Treasures said...

Ahh Darn, I would love to participate in this challenge, but unfortunatly I'm moving this week and even though I will be moved by the 26th I will not be organized enough to get 12 pieces done by the 27th. Happy creating to all of you that are going to do this challenge, I'll catch the next one.
Therese

Inner Earth Jewelry said...

Great idea and might just provide the push I need...challenging for sure...

AJ said...

Oh, what fun! Where IS my muffin tin? *rummages around in the kitchen*

The Tribal Way said...

This is a great idea! Thanks :)

Sandi Volpe said...

I love this, since my "studio" is in disarray, what a great project. Thanks for the inspiration.

Alice said...

What a great idea! So many times I go to my bead boxes and immediatly get overwhelmed on where to start. I want to try this but it just isn't possible right now, but I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with.

Carol Tannahill said...

Great idea! I've always got a dozen ideas in my head that never materialize. I may not get it done in a week, but I'll do it anyway for a laugh.

Kate said...

Awesome idea!

Elly Snare said...

Really really REALLY want to take part in this...but I'm in a similar position to Therese, moving house and need to concentrate on that :( Looking forward to seeing the makes and will try do my own one once I'm settled in!

KayzKreationz said...

Sounds fun. May have to try this one.

Connie Eyberg Originals said...

This is a great idea! I think I would need more than a week to do 12 projects, but we'll see. At any rate, I may try the muffin tin idea - but with a longer work time. Connie

somethingunique said...

Hi Heather, just what i needed to get me motivated for the up coming show in July! Great Idea
ttfn lana :)

Jen Judd said...

I already have a muffin tin started...whenever I see two or three beads that look awesome together because of a happy accident on the table I put them over in the tin to await being "filled out" for a whole project. So, I'm gonna get'em done!
Jen

Anonymous said...

This is a great idea, not only the challenge but the advice too. Everytime I go through my purchases I really cannot decide what sould I pick and where should I start from. Putting together the beads before working is simply an instinctual, aesthetical act that could work for me.
Unfortunately I won't take part in this challenge, but I will surely look at the final projects.

Enjoy your creations,
Ambra

steufel said...

What a cool idea - have to search for that da*** tin!

Anonymous said...

Such a cute idea!

Grubbi said...

Great idea! I have loads of half finished projects lying around and a few new bits I'd like to put to some use. Will have to have a try! Now to find a muffin tin!

KeRobinson said...

Ooohh, I like the 'muffin tin' idea! Just love playing, sorting and re-araranging all my beads, in groups, but It would take me a week to make one, forget 12~ LOL!

Melinda Orr - BANDANA GIRL said...

Jen V..that's a great idea! Looks like fun...but I'm swamped right now!
Looking forward to seeing everyones projects!

Laura said...

What a great idea at the right time! :) The unfinished projects are really starting to get out of hand here and are piling up on every available surface and on top of one another.. {off to wash that muffin tin}

Unknown said...

What a great idea! I'm gonna try it, just what I needed!

Cillaw said...

What a great idea. I will give it a try. I can't believe the Golem beads were only $4.00~! I am sure I paid more for mine. Maybe the show had better deals. I like what Jen V. just said about keeping the beads together when you have a happy accident. That is a great idea too.
I am excited to see what everyone does!
Cilla

TesoriTrovati said...

Okay! Now I get what all this muffin tin talk is all about! I am not sure that I will have time to play but what a GREAT way to organize your stash! I am going to pick up a muffin tin (oh heck, just use one from my cupboard! It isn't like I am doing any baking!) and set up my goodie and stash that way. Super idea girls!
Enjoy the day!
Erin

Anna Lear said...

Great idea, and perfect timing: I'm house-sitting for a friend up in the mountains and need an easy way to bring some projects up here without lugging up my whole mess. Problem solved, and a fun challenge to boot!! I can't wait to see what everyone makes!

Rebekah said...

Oh, I wish I didn't have so many deadlines to meet right now! This a fantabulous idea! I hope you'll do it again Heather, I would love to join in. Can't wait to see what everyone makes!

Linda Landig said...

This is the perfect kick in the lower regions that I need to get going on a bunch of half-finished projects and various bead groupings that I have scattered all over the place. Creativity and de-cluttering in one fell swoop!

Leslie Todd said...

I love this challenge! My muffin cups aren't big enough though, lol. I'm going to have to put the whole thing in a box so stuff won't fall off the top of the muffin tin. And I doubt I'll get it all done by the 27th due to going out of town for a show but it will be fun anyway.

Unknown said...

What a great idea. Regrettably I'm not within easy reach of my total bead and findings stash so no way I can do it this time. I'm going to have to get a tin to start collecting "matching" beads! Can't wait to see what you all come up with.

Laura
X

Unknown said...

I got out a muffin tin and started cleaning up, spare beads, half beaded cabochons, etc. It was great and productive, but then I found this wonderful sun cab and started beaded a cuff...no way I can get anything else done. But what inspiration this was!

Marie Cramp said...

Oh! I so want to do this!! I hope I have time! I am making stuff anyways so maybe...

diamond earrings said...

Most of the people who commented above wanna do this.... and me too.... awesome work... will definitely try this...........

Elysian Studios said...

Whew! I waited a bit longer than I should have to jump in to this great project, but my muffin tin is now full and I'll be beading like crazy until Monday! AMAZING idea, Heather! Thank you so very much for igniting our creativity!

Elysian Studios said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Steph L. said...

What a great challenge! I finished all my pieces and loaded them onto Flickr - http://www.flickr.com/photos/49076206@N07/

Stacey said...

What a terrific idea...I often put combos together and just stare at them too long...love the idea of getting 12 done in a week...great challenge!

Nicole said...

Cool! I'm working on mine (almost finished)!!! I'm finding that the hardest part is getting the beads & findings OUT of the muffin tin :( LOL

Rebecca said...

Well, I was undecided but I'm going to give this one a go! I don't have a muffin tray but I have some silicone cupcake cases which I have filled instead :-)

Nicole said...

All done! That was fun (and challenging)!!! The first few were easy, but then the last few were hard!!! I put the photos on Flickr & my blog!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolesjewelrycreations
http://nicolesjewelrycreations.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-accept-that-challenge.html

Grubbi said...

I've nearly finished. Have posted my muffin tin with projects to be completed on my blog and my Flickr

http://www.grubbi.co.uk/2011/06/abs-muffin-tin-challenge.html

http://www.flickr.com/photos/grubbi_/

Will be adding my finished pieces tomorrow! Really enjoyed this, thanks for the inspiration.

Cillaw said...

Hi Heather,
I have finished my Muffins.

I can't add my blog to the list where it says "Links to this Post" because it only accepts blogger and I have a different blog, I don't use that server.
Thanks,
Cilla
www.tellyourgirlfriends.com

Jen Judd said...

I'm done! I took the tiny way out of this challenge with some mini muffins and earrings but they're all done and I'm tickled with the results!!

http://jenjuddrocks.blogspot.com/2011/06/of-muffins-earrings.html

Thanks!!!
Jen

Bobbie said...

This was fun! I didn't get one picture with all the final pieces together, but they're all posted here:

http://beadsong.blogspot.com/2011/06/best-use-ive-made-of-muffin-tin-in.html

Thanks for a great challenge!

Leslie Todd said...

I don't know what's up with the post a link thingie, but all the links seem to be to posts that are two or three years old. I couldn't figure out how to get it to work. I've posted pictures of my revised muffin tin and the six things I've completed so far on flickr.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lctodd/5875257989/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lctodd/5875816580/in/photostream/

A blog post will be up at www.nostoneunstrung.com shortly.

Grubbi said...

Tried to add a link yesterday but it doesn't appear to have worked.

My finished pieces have been blogged here

http://www.grubbi.co.uk/

KristiBowmanDesign said...

I managed to get 10 pair of earrings finished, more than I thought I'd get done so I'm pleased. http://dreamsomedesigns.blogspot.com/2011/06/muffin-tin-challenge-reveal.html

Karyn B said...

Loved this challenge. It forced me to design on the fly and not be so scared to start a project. Here's my 12 bracelets: http://plussizebangles.com/muffin-tin-challenge-complete/

Elysian Studios said...

Another "whew!" because I am done! This was a great challenge, Heather, and I am going to use it in the future to get myself creating bigger quantities at once. Plus, it finally got me over my intimidation of actually using my art beads! Thank you, thank you!!

Here's my link:
http://blog.elysianstudiosart.com/2011/06/beaducation-abs-muffin-tin-challenge.html

Kate said...

Loved this challenge! Thanks for sharing such a great idea. Here's my reveal post.

http://tropicalblonde.blogspot.com/2011/06/muffin-tin-challenge-reveal.html

The original "before" post is here.

http://tropicalblonde.blogspot.com/2011/06/btw-6-22-11.html

Green Shoot Jewellery Designs said...

All done! I really enjoyed this challenge, it really focussed the mind!

http://greenshoot.blogspot.com/2011/06/muffin-tin-challenge-reveal.html

Rebecca said...

Hi Heather! My finished pieces are here

http://songbeads.blogspot.com/2011/06/cupcake-challenge.html

And I've posted the pics on Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/songbeads/?saved=1

I'm not really sure what you mean by adding a link but hopefully you have all the information you need here. I've loved this challenge!

Shannon Chomanczuk said...

I am finished with my projects and put up my blog post! I am so proud of myself for not stopping at 6 and making all 12. What a great project. I had no choice but to use what I had on hand!
Shannon C

Shaterra Clay said...

I finished 7 pieces. Here is my link to my flickr album:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23167817@N00/

AJ said...

I made all 12 projects -- two days each of making 6 pieces of jewelry. So much fun! Here's the post with the completed items:
http://erthefae.blogspot.com/2011/06/muffin-tin-challenge-completed.html

Shannon Chomanczuk said...

would help if I included the link huh?
http://formysweetdaughter.blogspot.com/2011/06/muffin-tin-challenge.html

My Life Under the Bus said...

I got to 10 : )

http://mylifeunderthebus.typepad.com/my-life-under-the-bus/2011/06/mondays-muffin-tin-madness.html

WHEW!!!

Kristen said...

I loved this challenge, fun and productive! Here's my blog post:
http://beadswedestudios.blogspot.com/2011/06/muffin-tin-challenge.html

kristenvarian@gmail.com

CraftyHope said...

I thought I left my link here, but I don't see it on the list so I'm leaving it again. You can delete this if I'm doubling up.

Done!! http://craftyhope.blogspot.com/2011/06/muffin-tin-jewelry-time.html

Thanks so much for the challenge!

Kala said...

This was a fun challenge. I finished 11 necklaces.

http://maybejustperhaps.blogspot.com/2011/06/art-bead-scenes-muffin-tin-challenge.html

Holly said...

::pant, pant, pant:: phew, I made it...gahhh!

This was fun! Here's my post:
http://silverrosedesigns.blogspot.com/2011/06/its-all-about-muffin-mix-dudette.html

Skye said...

Wow! I just found this this morning and decided to see if I could make the deadline :) Here's my filled pan ready to go http://chaoticskye.deviantart.com/art/The-Muffin-Pan-Challenge-1-215360705

And here's my tray half completed.. one hour before contest deadline lol http://chaoticskye.deviantart.com/art/The-Muffin-Pan-Challenge-2-215360938

Fantasic idea :) I think I'll keep my muffin pan full of ideas from now on ;) (it's not like I actually bake it, anyhow ;) )

Linda Landig said...

You can't leave a link unless you blog with blogger--I use WordPress. So if you'd like to see my challenge post, please cut and paste this address into your browser bar. Thanks!
http://lindalandig.wordpress.com/2011/06/27/muffin-tin-challenge-finished-jewelry/

Nissa said...

This is such an awesome idea,unfortuneatly I came accross this a little too late :(. But I'm truly hoping that there will be another challenge like this and hopefully I'll be on top of it :)
I'm a new follower
Nissa
http://versatilejewelry.blogspot.com