Inspired by... Challenge and Contest

"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures." ~Thornton Wilder

To celebrate my one year anniversary in blogging in November I have been thinking and pondering and concocting a way to bring together all the things I love to the people in the blogdom who have become so essential to my daily life. You are all my treasures and I knew I wanted to hold a challenge to inspire creativity in all of you. I call this the Inspired by... challenge. If this goes over well, I would like to do this on a regular basis. I hope you will be intrigued enough to play along {leave a comment and let me know if you would like to participate}.

The countdown is on to the first Inspired by... challenge to be revealed on November 30th. But how about a sneak peek?

{Photo credit: Ben Zvan Photography}

My love of found objects is the perfect starting point. I thought there could be no better way than with a found object challenge and a chance to win great prizes! Don't you agree?

I believe that inspiration is everywhere, and one of my favorite places to find inspiration for my jewelry is in found objects. These objects that we often overlook can provide a touch of unique whimsy to your pieces. An added benefit is that found objects are often free and readily available and when you upcycle them into gorgeous one of a kind accessories you prevent these things from cluttering up landfills. Win-win!

The inaugural Inspired by... is a three-week challenge to all of you with the prospect of winning some wonderful prizes, just in time for the holidays {gift giving made easy, or keep them for yourself! I won't tell.}.

How it works:

• Each Monday (Nov 30, Dec 7, Dec 14) I will present a new challenge.
• Create a piece of jewelry (earrings, necklace or bracelet) using the inspiration.
• Post your picture to the Flickr account here.
• If you are so inspired {and I hope you will be!}, feel free to create as many pieces as you like for each weekly challenge and post to the Flickr account, but your name will only be entered once. (For extra BONUS ENTRY opportunities, see below).
• Each Monday (Dec 7, Dec 14, Dec 21) I will announce the RANDOM winner of the previous week’s challenge.

In the description of your picture be sure to add the following:

• Title of the piece
• Found objects incorporated into the piece
• Short description of your inspiration (optional)
• Your Name
• Your email address
• Your blog or website

BONUS ENTRY OPPORTUNITIES:

• If you use an art bead in your piece {art bead is defined as a bead or component created by yourself or another artisan}, be sure to point that out in your description {with a link to the appropriate artisan’s website, shop or blog} and you will have an extra entry.
• If you blog, Facebook, Twitter, sky write or take out a billboard to publicize each week’s challenge, be sure to let me know {leave a comment on that week's challenge} and your name will be in for an extra entry.

My promise to you:

• I will post the new challenge each Monday with the winner from the previous week.
• I will share fabulous prizes that you will have the opportunity to win each week, including one of a kind jewelry created by me inspired by the weekly challenge. Winner to be chosen by random.
• I will enjoy watching you be creative and sharing your inspiration with others.

CHECK BACK ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30TH FOR THE FIRST CHALLENGE!

Enjoy the day!