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February 2017 "Finish It!" Design Challenge

2/23/2017

62 Comments

 
Picture
It's been a while, I know, and this here dear "Finish It!" contest has been poorly neglected and postponed much longer than ever intended. But it's time to set that to rights and get to it! I admit to having as much fun (perhaps more, because I get to see all the beautiful entries as they arrive) as I hope the contestants have. Here you’ll find all you need to know about the contest and rules, but if you have any questions, please feel free to ask them in the comments below, or email me at the address provided later in the rules.
The purpose of the "Finish It!" challenge is to encourage the participants to extend themselves, their talents and creativity beyond the limitations of a single set of instructions and create pieces uniquely their own. Tutorials have been an integral part of my personal evolution as a jewelry artist, from such talents as Eni Oken, Iza Malzcyk, IMNIUM and Lonely Soldier. And my progression from the steps and instructions provided to me by others has been a worthwhile journey towards my own creative self-discovery. Tutorials need never represent a "cookie cutter" aesthetic, nor the only design possibility, but rather a gateway to limitless possibilities, and the entries received for these contests have proven, time and again, the truth of that statement. Why is the photo above all wicked swirly like that? So you cannot discern what the finished piece is meant to look like, according to the completed tutorial, but rather to allow your imagination control of the reigns.

Here’s the gist: At the bottom of this post is a link to a tutorial only 11 pages long, and ending abruptly less than halfway through the instruction. Your job is to create a piece beginning with the steps, as explained in the file, but ending with your own imagination! And blowing my mind... that's part of your job too. And you can do it, because it's been done every single time I've held one of these contests. If you are in doubt... just you wait... you'll surprise yourself.

Contest Rules


  • To assure fairness, only one element from the “Materials & Tools” list (provided in the tutorial) may be changed, and anything may be omitted entirely that isn't used in the provided 11 pages of instruction. For example: The size of the stone can change, for instance, but lengths and gauges of wire may not. Gauge of wires may change, but lengths and size of stone may not. You can change from a bead to a cabochon, but only if they are the same size, and other materials may not be changed as a result. But if you're unsure of changes allowed, just leave a comment below and I'll do my best to clarify. Tools not listed may not be used at all during the construction of your piece. Jump rings are a minor material and gauges, size or style of jump ring may be changed without effecting your one allowed material change. Finishing tools and processes, such as for polishing and oxidizing, may be used as they do not directly influence the size and shape of the finished design.
  • When a piece is completed to his or her satisfaction, the contestant is asked to submit a single photo of a single finished piece via email, to nikki.hanna@gmail.com. Please title this email “Contest Entry”. No compilation photos. One single clear photo is requested. The completed project may be photographed on a chain, if desired, and on any display. Please save the image file as "Enter Your Name Here" only and send as an attachment (not embedded in the email).  Following these submission guidelines assures your entry is not missed! The deadline for this submission is March 31, 2017, 11:59 pm (US Eastern). Note: Photoscape and Picasa are both free programs suitable for image resizing and photo editing. Photo editing apps for smart phones and tablets, such as "Resize Me!", can be used as well.
  • On April 1 (giving you more than a month to complete and submit your entry!), an album will be created on Pinterest containing the submitted entries, then put to vote before all participants. Note: By submitting an entry to the February 2017 “Finish it!” Tutorial Contest, you are granting Nicole Hanna permission to display your image online for the purposes of promoting or running this contest.
  • The participants will vote for “Group Favorite”, by commenting on their favorite entry (only one), with all votes submitted between April 1 and Midnight April 15. If you do not have a Pinterest account, or (for any reason) cannot comment on the entries to cast your vote, please submit your vote to nikki.hanna@gmail.com and I will comment on your behalf. More on this in a later post.
  • Votes will be tallied and winners announced April 16.

“Group Favorite” will win my completed version of this project and any ten tutorials of their choice.

A “Judged Favorite”, chosen by a panel of four jewelry artists and three “consumers” (who are not participating in the contest), will also receive any ten tutorials of their choice.

Every contestant will receive the finished version of this tutorial simply for participating. This tutorial will arrive as a reply to your submission email, so check your spam folder if you do not receive it by the end of March. Also, be sure your email host will accept incoming attachments. I've had many emails rejected because the mail box was full, or security settings did not allow attachments.

Happy weaving everyone, and I hope you have fun!

Note: Please access this file via a laptop or desktop computer. Some mobile devices are uncooperative with PDF downloads, and I may not be able to address requests for manual email delivery of this file in a timely manner (thus using up your submission time).

Good luck everyone and happy weaving!

Nicole
62 Comments
Rebecca Spencer link
2/23/2017 06:37:23 pm

Brilliant! I've loved the challenge of your contests since 2014. Can't wait to get started on this one! Thanks for all you do for all of us Nicole :D

Reply
Nicole Hanna
2/23/2017 06:42:58 pm

It's my pleasure. I just wish I could have gotten this up sooner!

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Rebecca Spencer
2/24/2017 06:45:26 am

Oh it well worth waiting for :) x

Deana Montgomery
2/23/2017 07:40:44 pm

Hello,
We cannot add anything then, correct?

Thank you,
Deana

Reply
Nicole Hanna
2/23/2017 07:55:50 pm

Correct! :D

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Debbie White
2/23/2017 08:11:10 pm

Nicole I have never had the opportunity to try this. I am very new at wire weaving. I only completed 10 to 15 pieces. Are you wanting only experience people at this or can an unexperienced person try this?

Nicole Hanna
2/23/2017 09:00:51 pm

Debbie, I encourage everyone to give it a go!

France
2/23/2017 08:08:08 pm

I was waiting for this, you know how to get us creative... Thanks 😊

Reply
Pauline Clifford
2/23/2017 09:10:02 pm

This looks like fun! Can't wait to get started.

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Denise Galloway
2/24/2017 07:14:42 am

Yay! I'm in!
:)

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Grace
2/24/2017 11:35:18 am

Hmmm...there doesn't see,to be a link at the bottom of the blog.

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Nicole Hanna
2/24/2017 11:46:24 am

I'm seeing it on my end. It says "Finish It Contest download file" right before the comments section.

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Connie Severin
2/24/2017 02:24:31 pm

Just to verify. .. no torches, no hammers, steel block, etc. (i.e. these would not be considered as finishing tools)

Reply
Nicole Hanna
2/24/2017 02:33:09 pm

Correct! Just pliers and cutters.

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Connie Severin
2/24/2017 02:48:47 pm

Yay! I can't begin to compete against torch work. Not that my pieces are that competitive in the first place, but it's fun and I get a free tutorial! :)

Theresa Zahner
2/25/2017 11:09:46 am

This is my 1st challenge & I've had a couple ideas but I'm not sure if either is allowed. Can we change the size AND shape of the stone or the size OR shape? For example, can I use a 22mm puffed disc lamp work bead in place of the 25mm oval? For another design idea: can I put both a smaller oval bead and the 8mm round on at the same time or just the Oval bead during that step?

Reply
Nicole Hanna
2/25/2017 04:15:12 pm

It's size OR shape would be your one change. The first 11 pages would have to be followed as shown (with the exception of replacing the 25mm oval with another size or shape), so the 8mm bead cannot be added during those steps.

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Theresa
2/25/2017 04:46:24 pm

Thanks! Back to the drawing board...

Lauren
2/26/2017 12:35:20 am

Do we have to keep the very last step (10x coils around all the wires) or can we change that?

Reply
Nicole Hanna
2/26/2017 01:17:05 am

Gotta keep it. :)

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jessalynn link
2/27/2017 10:28:40 pm

I have been completely geeking out and falling in love with your style and the efficiency at which you create tutorials. Thank you. So... I just discovered that you do this contest thing and LOVE the idea. yay!! it'll challange me to try out the things ive been learning through stalking your youtube channel :) If i leave everything else the same, I can use 30g wire instead of 28? As I have everything except for the 28g it might be a moment before i order from rio grande. Thank you for all that you share. Its respected and appreciated.

Reply
Nicole Hanna
2/27/2017 10:34:06 pm

Yep. That'll work! I look forward to your entry

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Debbie White
3/1/2017 12:09:08 pm

Just one question: If my pendant does not need a Jump ring, do I need use one

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Nicole Hanna
3/1/2017 12:57:58 pm

Nope. You don't need to use it :D

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Kaci Thiel
3/1/2017 12:45:32 pm

can I change the color of the wire and the stone without having to use my one change or is that also counted?

Reply
Nicole Hanna
3/10/2017 06:36:33 pm

I meant to reply directly to you but it made it's own comment. You can change the color of the wire with effecting your allotted change..

Reply
Nicole Hanna
3/1/2017 12:59:35 pm

You can change the color without it effecting your one allowed change.

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Kaci Thiel
3/1/2017 01:19:43 pm

yay! I wanted to step up to this challenge but I'm out of copper 28g and 22g but have plenty of silver

Reply
Linda
3/3/2017 01:04:47 am

It sounds like I could use a 25mm round bead in place of the 25mm oval bead. I don't have any oval beads and most of my cabochons are free form and not 25mm.
Step 28m- if 25 rotations of the 3/3 weave won't work with the round bead, can more be added - like the instructions on step 21?
Also, on the first page there is a note at the bottom;
"*Measures 7cm in length"
Does that mean the finished piece has to be 7cm from top to bottom including the bail or jump ring?
Thank you. And thanks for the contest, I've been wanting to try this.

Reply
Nicole Hanna
3/3/2017 03:08:09 am

Yep, you can use round and add rotations as needed in the step you mentioned. You don't have to make it the size listed...that's just to give you an idea as to the entirety of the lesson. Looking forward to seeing your entry!

Reply
Onia Pleasants
3/4/2017 08:59:43 pm



Do I have to use the small bead?

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Nicole Hanna
3/4/2017 09:09:23 pm

Nope. You only have to use what's included in the provided steps.

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Theresa Zahner
3/5/2017 01:34:28 am

I've done 4 so far and don't have anything as of yet I feel is submission worthy. I've shown some unoxidozed pieces (that don't have bail/jumpring attached) to others who want to turn them sideways and then comment. Do you find feedback from others influences the orientation or other aspects of your pieces?

Reply
Lois Demers
3/8/2017 07:49:45 am

I am looking forward to this! There is nothing better than a challenge when I feel like I'm stuck in a rut. Thanks Nicole!

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Lauren
3/9/2017 08:50:52 pm

Nicole, 650 cm of 28g wire or do you mean 65? I'm unsure, because 650cm is a lot. Lol TIA

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Nicole Hanna
3/9/2017 09:43:15 pm

lol It's 650. I'm afraid 65 probably wouldn't get you through a single weave.

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Lauren
3/9/2017 09:49:41 pm

Ah. Okay. Thank you! I'm completely brand new to this and have only made a pair of Lisa Barth's earring so I had no idea! Still wanted to give it a try. :)

Michelle
3/10/2017 12:37:19 pm

First. Thank you. I was afraid you would never do this again. I have bead at 8 mm and an obead that are both glass, am I ok with these?

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Nicole Hanna
3/10/2017 06:37:01 pm

Thats fine!

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SVETLANA SHEVTSOVA
3/10/2017 06:14:34 pm

Plz plz, DO I have to use every millimiter of the 28cm base wires, that is right, I understand it right? I have read twice trough before asking, so please bear with me

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Nicole Hanna
3/10/2017 06:37:39 pm

Once the provided steps are completed, you can trim any wires you like. Do you don't have to use the whole length.

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Onia Pleasants
3/11/2017 05:03:01 pm

This is my first time doing the contest as Im a biginner. I have a question. Do I have to use the small stone/bead?

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Nicole Hanna
3/11/2017 06:21:44 pm

Nope. You can leave it off. :D

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Tammy Isaacs
3/12/2017 06:04:15 pm

Can I add to the length of the wires as long as it's my one change? I wasn't sure if my one change could be an add on. Thank-you for your time and inspiration.

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Nicole Hanna
3/12/2017 06:51:20 pm

Yep!

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Kaci Thiel
3/13/2017 01:28:48 pm

okay so I've basically finished other than taking and sending the picture but before I do, I just want to double check if the 8mm bead can be changed in size. I know it's a redundant question, but since that part of the tutorial was not included, I wanted to make sure that I could still change the size and not just have to cut it out completely. :)

Reply
Nicole Hanna
3/13/2017 04:23:44 pm

Yep, that's fine!

Reply
Theresa Zahner
3/15/2017 09:01:08 pm

Since we're allowed to put a piece designed as a pendant on a chain, we're allowed to attach a piece designed as a bracelet closure, right? So long as the bracelet band itself is not used as an element to of the piece's design?

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Nicole Hanna
3/15/2017 09:52:44 pm

Yes! I look forward to seeing it.

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Melissa Jurik
3/20/2017 12:28:55 am

I just finished my piece! Patina and tumbling ten ready for photographing. I have been learning with your tutorials for a few months and I have to say the rest of the piece just fell into place. I think I'm going to challenge myself by doing this with other tutorials. Thank you for sharing and challenging us to be more creative. Now that I've said that I just thought of a question...I use nylon pliers to push the weaves together because I can't push them together with my nails. Is that allowed?

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Daune Price-Hannah
3/30/2017 01:25:37 pm

I am fairly new to the tutorial world. I am trying to finish up and I am at the jump ring. I cut 10mm piece but it is not large enough to have any type of opening. Am I being too literal? Is it a 14 gauge jump ring that measures 10mm across? Thank you

Reply
Nicole Hanna
3/30/2017 04:23:16 pm

The 10mm is the size of the jump ring, not the length of the wire. Though, ultimately, you can make the jump ring any size you need to accommodate the chain you are using (so long as you didn't make any other changes to the other materials).

Reply
Daune Price-Hannah
3/30/2017 05:27:21 pm

Thank you, I looked rather silly with the 10 mm length of wire... I know that you are a really busy person so I called Rio Grande and they said that the description would refer to the internal diameter of the jump ring... :)

Daune Price-Hannah
3/30/2017 05:29:45 pm

Oh... and the only difference is that I am using a leather cord because I do not have a chain.

Linda Gorgacz
3/31/2017 12:42:21 am

Is there a particular size file you that you need for the photo of the entry?
I'm having a hard time trying to send the file I reduced it to 5.7 m. It still won't send. My internet is not very good. I'll try again in the morning.
Thanks

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Nicole Hanna
3/31/2017 12:51:16 am

Really any size will do. I had the size requirement when I was storing the files directly on my website, but now that I use Pinterest to store and share the images it doesn't really matter. :D

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Linda Gorgacz
3/31/2017 11:09:18 am

I was finally able to send it this morning.

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Jennifer Brooks
3/31/2017 01:40:28 am

Hey Nicole, I'm just curious because none of the descriptions specify this (maybe it's an industry standard?). The 25mm oval bead, does that refer to either dimension of the bead or is that the longest allowed dimension of either measurement?
Thanks in advance!

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Nicole Hanna
3/31/2017 01:51:34 am

Good question! In this case, it refers to the longest allowed dimension.

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Jennifer
3/31/2017 12:13:49 pm

Darn, sadly I think that disqualified my entry :( Can this be clarified somewhere in the instructions for future contests? I'm still going to send you mine because I think you should see it. Thanks!

Nicole Hanna
3/31/2017 03:03:26 pm

I didn't specify so you're still good either way as long as you could follow the instructions provided. :D

Reply
Dee Schiller link
4/7/2017 02:42:51 pm

Sorry I missed it — next year!

Reply

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  • Home
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