Have you entered any beading contests or challenges this year? Why not? Are you scared? Read the blog post by Dawn Marie, a winner in a recent Mango Beads Contest. She talks about how it felt to step out of her comfort zone and enter her jewelry in a contest. If you need more persuading, read Mandi Ainsworth's great list of 7 Reasons to Enter a Beading Contest.
Here's a list of beading contests and challenges with deadlines in April, May, or June. As always, double-check the rules and deadlines. It's so easy just to dive right in with a project and then realize later that the contest only accepts bracelets or designs that use seed beads. For more contest tips, see 5 Tips for Entering Jewelry Contests by Kristal Wick of Beading Daily.
Contests & Challenges for April-June 2011
Bead Dreams (Bead & Button)
Deadline: April 5
This prestigious annual contest requires an entry fee ($30).
Bead Star (Interweave)
Deadline: April 1 Extended to April 8
There have been some changes to this annual contest, including the addition of a beadweaving category. U.S. & Canada only.
Trash to Treasure (Happy Mango Beads)
Deadline: April 17
Happy Mango Beads offers regular contests, often related to holidays/seasons.
Kazuri Bead Necklace Design Contest
Deadline: April 30
Design a necklace using at least one Kazuri bead.
"Wild Wire" Reader Challenge (Cloth Paper Scissors)
Deadline: May 2
Create a mixed-media project featuring wire.
Katiedids Design Contest
Deadline: May 2
Create jewelry with Katiedids components and Beadalon.
Cynthia Thornton
Deadline: May 1
Create a project with a Green Girl Studios piece and some polymer clay beads from the book Enchanted Adornments.
Fire Mountain Gems & Beads Jewelry Making Contests
Deadline: May 9 (gemstones)
Contests are offered all year round in different categories.
The Jade Dog Bead Challenge
Deadline: May 16
Requires the purchase of a bead kit; all participants make items with the same beads.
Fashion Colorworks Contest
Deadline: June 15
Use a given palette of 3 colors to create beaded jewelry or objects.
Ongoing (monthly or quarterly)
Art Bead Scene (click on the "Current Monthly Challenge" button)
Deadline: end of the month
Create jewelry inspired by art.
Love My Art Jewelry (click on the "Challenge" button)
Deadline: end of the month
Create jewelry with handmade components based on a theme.
Stringing Reader Challenge
Deadline: varies
Challenges are offered in every issue of Stringing (4 times a year).
Vintaj
Deadline: varies
Create jewelry based on a theme that uses Vintaj products.
As always, if I forgot to list any upcoming jewelry or beading contests, please feel free to leave me a message in the comments. Good luck with your contest entries!