
A few years ago I went to CJS Sales in New York City. I interviewed the owners and learned about the “design quarry” of beads, findings and interesting things that jewelry makers and mixed media artists can find there. (Article link.) I came home with 60 pounds of goodies!! Seriously! Luckily I had traveled to NYC by train and not plane!
I have divided up part of my stash into 20 equal collections. Now I’m looking for 20 artists who would like to participate in a design challenge. Everyone will get the same amounts of vintage beads, chain, and crystals in their design kit. You can use them any way you want and with any media.
Basic Challenge Parameters:
-Due date: March 31, 2017.
-Must send images of finished piece to cre8tivefire (@) gmail.com.
-Must use 4 pieces of design kit in your finished piece. (1 piece = 1 bead, 1 component, or 1″ of chain)
-Artists can submit up to 3 pieces–either separately or as part of a set.
Oh and is there a prize?
Yes there is! I have 2 original vintage pendants from the 1960’s found at CJS Sales. A little piece of art history!
**Plus we will put together an interesting series of articles showing off the designed pieces, comments by the artists and a gallery. I think this would be really fun and it gives us a chance to work with unconventional materials and to stretch our design ideas!
Anyone game to join a design challenge? ***NOTE all kits have been claimed*** Stay tuned for the results!

I would like to participate, tell me how to get my kit please!
Sounds fun, love to participate!
I am very interested in doing this challenge. Are there any kits still available? What a nice selection of items.
I would be very interested in this challenge. Sounds interesting!
I would be very interested in this challenge. Totally out of my comfort zone
Hi Jane, it will be a cool challenge. Unfortunately we are now out of kits. I’m working on a waiting list! Jeannette
I would love to participate in this challenge.
Hi Cin, I wish I had more kits. The 20 kits have been spoken for. Jeannette
I would love to be in this Challenge!
I would love to be part of this Challenge!
Hi Joyce, we’ve reached 20 people now. Jeannette
I didn’t quite understand your reply to me. Does that mean that I am not in?
Never mind, I get it now. It’s late here. 🙂
I am interested in this challenge
Hi Mary, send me a note to cre8tivefire @gmail.com (Note, no space in the email address) Jeannette
I would also be interested in the design challenge – what a brilliant idea
Excellent!! It’s going to be a lot of fun!
I am interested in the design challenge.
Just send me an email Karen and I’ll forward details. cre8tivefire @gmail.com (no space in the address)
Not sure if my first attemp went through. I am very interested in the challenge. Are there any kits still available? This is a great selection of items
Hi Jenny, the 20 kits were claimed pretty quickly! I’ll keep you in mind should someone change their mind.