Earring Design Challenge Sneak Peek

This year at the Bead and Button Show, I was surrounded by some of my favorite bead artists.
One is fellow contributor and friend Anne from Gardanne.  Anne makes some of the most yummy
enameled jewelry components I have seen.  We were visiting each other at our booths and thought it would be fun to take home the exact pieces and each come up with an earring design and show you how different, or similar, two artists creative minds can be!

Anne started us out with the surf board shaped earring pieces.  They are a beautiful tropical blue with specks of orange, gold and lilac.  I found some 15mm round discs and 5mm spacer beads that coordinated nicely with the enamel colors.  I made these out of white earthenware ceramic clay.  Here is our collection:

The first thing I reach for when designing jewelry is waxed linen.  I also love 20g wire, so I have
some fun ideas brewing.  We'll have to see if I can bring my ideas to life!

You will be hearing from Anne about the challenge before our big reveal, which is scheduled for
Tuesday, July 26th.  I am excited to see the finished designs!

Michelle McCarthy/Firefly Design Studio

I am Hosting a Design Challenge!

Hi everyone!  Michelle from Firefly Design Studio here :)  I am excited to announce I will be hosting my first design challenge in January 2016.  Next week the ceramic bead kits will be available to purchase on my etsy site.  The first challenge theme is paisleys.  I have 2 color combos to choose from....bright and neutral.  The kits are $20 and include a pendant, a bracelet topper, 2 flower discs, 2 12mm hand rolled spacer beads, 2 head pins, 2 paisley imprinted flat beads (not pictured) and a surprise bead from a guest artist (not pictured).

My first guest artist is Shannon Vickers from Blue Blazes Lampwork.  Shannon is from Fort Myers, Florida and I have gotten to know her through bead shows we have sold at together.  I love her work and I think you will, too.  She has designed a wonderful bead to coordinate with my 2 color palettes.

The rules are simple....you will design a necklace, bracelet and earring set and have to use everything you receive in the kit.  Of course any beading technique and any other goodies from your own stash is what will make the challenge interesting.  I will be laying out the timeline to get everything completed on the group Facebook challenge page.  

The challenges will be quarterly.  I know the second challenge will be bird related and the Summer challenge will take us to the beach.  Voting will be by the jewelry design only...no name will be attached to the design.  Also...there are prizes!  $100 in beads for 1st prize, $50 in beads for 2nd prize and $25 in beads for 3rd prize.  If you'd like to follow along and join the fun, please feel free to join the group!

Firefly Design Studio Design Challenge Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1670109743205467/