Animal Farm Jewelry Design Challenge

n June 10, 2013

Though “Animal Farm” doesn’t exactly inspire images of dolphins and dragonflies, I find what it does inspire is this: happiness. Warm fuzzies. The bright smile brought about by the snuggling of a beloved pet, or the brief glimpse of a wild animal in its natural habitat. And it is from these scenarios which inspiration is often discovered, fostered, then brought into being by artists utilizing a variety of mediums.

For this design challenge, your medium is wire. The idea is to allow the wire to breathe into life the character and essence of what it means to recognize in nature a creative ideal. To allow oneself a moment of communion with a world bigger and brighter than typically recognized. To pay homage, simply put, to the environment which feeds, clothes and betters us as a community of souls and spirits living together in what we should always strive… harmony.

How it will work:

• Choose your animal. Any animal, mythical or real (half-human creatures allowed). Please do not submit designs previously created, released or displayed.  Originals only.

• Adhere to the allowed list of materials and tools listed below. Inclusion of all tools or materials is optional, but adding to this list is not allowed. This creates a playing field on which each contestant is equally equipped.

• Submit your entry to [email protected], via JPEG image only. Please resize your digital image to (no greater than) 700 px. Include your name in the image title. Only one entry, one image per contestant.  Submissions may not be substituted by another once received. The deadline for this submission is June 30, 2013 11:59 pm (US Eastern).

• On July 1, 2013 an album will be created containing the submitted entries. A link will be provided in a new blog post. Be sure to subscribe or check back often for updates.

• Participants will then be allowed to submit a single vote for their favorite in a peer-to-peer category. Only participants will be allowed to cast a vote in this category.  A judged category will include the votes of seven non-participants, including three jewelry artisans and four “consumers”.

• Votes will be tallied and two winners announced Noon, July 7, 2013.

Allowed Materials & Tools:

• Wire Cutters, Round Nose, Flat Nose & Needle Nose Pliers only. No torches or soldering equipment, nor kiln-fired pieces please.

• Up to two gauges of wire, total wire length not to exceed 380 cm (or 150 inches). This length may be split between colors, tem, but only up to two gauges. This is a lot of wire with which to play. And for which you’ll be thankful when you read the next exclusion.

• One cabochon or stone, and (up to) two accent beads only. No more than 20% of the animal should consist of these materials (ie. a  cat’s body cannot be represented by a single large cabochon around which ears and a tail are formed). The purpose of this limitation is to push the boundaries of what wire can do as its own unique medium. Don’t be afraid of your wire! Experiment and have fun!

• Chains or cords allowed for photographic purposes but cannot make up any part of the animal.

• Patina materials are allowed.

That’s it. Nothing more, though feel free to use less.

Bonus points for the individuals who incorporate only wire. The bonus points don’t actually matter, but it’s fun to say “neener neener neener” when you win them.

Now for the good stuff.

Winnings:

• A sense of self-satisfaction and personal achievement.

But aside from that, the two winners selected will also receive:

• A mini dragonfly pendant.

But mostly it’s the self-satisfaction and personal achievement that matters, I promise.

I hope to see an entry from you soon! And have fun. If you aren’t having fun, then you aren’t doing it right!

Happy weaving,

Nicole

NOTE: This contest is now closed.