“That is the true challenge
to work within a narrow confine.
To accept what you cannot have;
that from which you cannot deviate.”
? Whitney Otto, How to Make an American Quilt
I read How to Make an American Quilt when it first came out, but I confess that I don't remember it. This quote makes me want to reread it. Nothing stretches your creativity like having to work within a certain theme or use only certain materials. You might find new techniques or materials that you didn't know you liked—or maybe you'll confirm your instinct that a certain style isn't "you"! That doesn't mean you'll love the process at the time. I've certainly felt like banging my head against my desk when up against many a challenge deadline, but in the end, I'm always glad to have tried something new.
Looking for a beading challenge? Why not try one of these bead blog hops or challenges:
- Andrew Thornton hosts a monthly blog hop based upon a chosen book for his Inspired by Reading online book club. I just finished the July book (The Cookbook Collector) and have several jewelry ideas that I still might make, even though I missed the blog hop. The book for August 2013 is The Infinities. View this year's reading list.
- Art Bead Scene offers a monthly challenged based on a piece of art. The August 2013 challenge is based on the painting Tres Personajes. Look at those reds and purples!
- Artisan Whimsy is hosting a Patina Sunset challenge for September 2013.
- B'Sue Boutiques offers a monthly challenge on Facebook and randomly draws a winner for a gift certificate to her shop. For August 2013, the theme is Playing with Wire.
- The 2nd Annual Challenge of Travel hosted by Erin Prais-Hintz hasn't quite filled up at the time of this post. The official sign-up time has passed, but she may still be able to add you.
- Fusionbeads.com offers weekly challenges.
- Kristi Bowman is hosting a Wonky Bead Hop.
- Lisa Lodge at Pine Ridge Treasures is already taking sign-ups on her Facebook page for her November Lampwork and Clay Blog Hop.
- Lorelei Eurto is currently hosting a Michaels challenge using beads from the craft store. I love the owl buttons she's chosen. I saw those on my last trip to the store and it took all my willpower not to buy them.
- There's a Pearl Blog Hop hosted by MiShel Designs. Sign up by August 25, 2013.
- The Sequinastic September blog hop hosted by Saturday Sequins is taking sign-ups through August 24, 2013.
What other beading blog hops or challenges are currently taking sign-ups or entries this month or next?
About the photo: I made this fabric pendant for a reader challenge hosted by Cloth Paper Scissors magazine in 2010. Of course, I couldn't resist adding a few beads to the center of the flower!
Quotation source: Goodreads.