I'm not going to lie... this was hard. Like.... really hard. I needed help narrowing this down to just three in each category because there were way too many beautiful entries (all of which you can view here). But my husband and kids were no help at all so, as cliche as it sounds, I sat with and meditated on the submissions these last couple days and settled on my top three in each category.
Now I leave the burden of final voting on each of you who participated in the challenge. You now have to choose just one finalist in each category (and you cannot vote for yourself) and leave those three names in the comments below. The winner in each category who receives the most votes will win the prizes as outlined in the Design Challenge 2016 blog post.
But anyone reading this, I encourage you to visit the Pinterest board with the submissions and give each of those entries a thorough round of applause, because the work of these incredible and varied artists was amazing and fearless. There were 72 magnificent pieces to enjoy and I can't thank you enough, all who entered, for giving me the opportunity to view them.
Now for the categories and finalists....
Now I leave the burden of final voting on each of you who participated in the challenge. You now have to choose just one finalist in each category (and you cannot vote for yourself) and leave those three names in the comments below. The winner in each category who receives the most votes will win the prizes as outlined in the Design Challenge 2016 blog post.
But anyone reading this, I encourage you to visit the Pinterest board with the submissions and give each of those entries a thorough round of applause, because the work of these incredible and varied artists was amazing and fearless. There were 72 magnificent pieces to enjoy and I can't thank you enough, all who entered, for giving me the opportunity to view them.
Now for the categories and finalists....
Wire Weaving
 Andreea Dragomirescu |  Beth Meyers |  Sithara |
Cabochons & Un-drilled Gemstones
 Scott Clements |  Erica Teeter |  Evi Widjaja |
Mixed Media
 Daryl Adams |  Heidi Mandato |  Rebecca Spencer |
Tough job, right?
Now I leave it to you, contestants, to vote for your favorites in each category. I know it's not fair, but you can only choose one winner for each category, and list them in the comments below. My heart goes out to you, fellow artists.... it's a difficult choice to make.
This post will be open to comments through the end of this month and reminders will be posted often so each contestant will have an opportunity to cast their votes.
Good luck finalists!
Now I leave it to you, contestants, to vote for your favorites in each category. I know it's not fair, but you can only choose one winner for each category, and list them in the comments below. My heart goes out to you, fellow artists.... it's a difficult choice to make.
This post will be open to comments through the end of this month and reminders will be posted often so each contestant will have an opportunity to cast their votes.
Good luck finalists!
