On Second Thought... 2011

2011 "On Second Thought..." Beading Contest Winners!

This was the first time we held this particular type of contest and though there weren't many entries, all of them were very creative!  It was a tough contest, as the contestants had to create an item of jewelry and then dismantle it, use (most) of the same beads/components to create another piece of jewelry. PRIZES: Our grand prize winner won a $100 gift certificate to Happy Mango Beads, 2nd place won a $75 gift certificate and 3rd place won a $50 gift certificate.  Thank you to everyone who entered this contest, we can appreciate all the 'thinking' that had to go into your project - awesome work!

First Place Winner!
Congratulations goes to Dawn Stewart
"The first design was a necklace, in silver chain with lots of pink and silver dangling beads. I connected the dangles to create a bib look and it is very light weight. With the use of acrylic beads, silver metal chain and toggle clasps, I was able to create a necklace that was not only comfortable on but beautiful to look at. The breakdown and reconstruction of this necklace turned into a very pretty charm bracelet. I separated the dangles and attached them to the chain that I was able to create three strands of perfect bracelet length. Even with all the dangles and the triple strands and the single toggle clasp, it still maintains a light weight feel and a comfortable bracelet." ~ Dawn Stewart
Visit Dawn's website at www.dawnapriljewelry.com

2nd Place Winner - Julie Wylie
"My initial creation was a multi-strand bracelet. It had two strands of faux pearls, one strand of faceted iridescent beads, and two lengths of silvertone chain. The bracelet fastened with hook style clasp that includes Swarovski Crystallized Elements. The second creation is a necklace. I used the chain for the upper part of the necklace and attached it to two strands of the beads. The necklace fastens with the same clasp. I added a filigree connector piece and a teardop shaped dangle bead that was not part of the initial bracelet." ~ Julie Wylie

Visit Julie's Etsy shop: Moonlight Shimmer Handmade Jewelry

3rd Place Winner - Cindy Cima Edwards
"For the first design, Life Necklace, I tried to use stones similar to those used in ancient Egyptian times - turquoise, carnelian, and feldspar. I used the red agate beads above the scarabs to mimic the dung rolled by the scarab beetle or 'Khepri' pushing the sun across the sky. Materials used in this design: Beading wire 7 strand, 0.019-inch diameter, copper crimp beads,60mm Egyptian ankh, 4 12mm Egyptian beetle scarabs, amber seed beads, 8mm carved turquoise magnesite beads, 8mm feldspar beads, 6mm red agate beads, 7mm brass jumprings (Vintaj). Design two: I used all beads and jumprings from design one except 4 seed beads. I added 20 gauge bronze wire and 6 brass headpins to make beaded links.(Vintaj)" ~ Cindy Cima Edwards

Visit Cindy's Etsy shop: Zimaj