July 2024 "Finisht it!" Design Challenge: Winners

I want to start off by thanking everyone again,  both for the participation in the contest and for the encouraging comments left to those who braved the rules and entered a design. It's so inspiring to see where everyone uniquely ended up, all from the same simple start. The 22 entries received were truly a masterclass in ingenuity, with each piece speaking to the personality of its artist. As mentioned in the previous blog post, to be told that this is the first time in years many of these participants felt inclined to pick up their wire and tools to create is a massive boon to what's become a rather bruised and battered spirit these last few years. Through your willingness to indulge me, and enter a design, you've inspired me and pushed me to continue to create. From creativity, creativity is born. I hope this cycle is indefinite.

As with the previous iterations of the challenge, there are two winners to announce. The first is the Group Favorite, receiving the majority of the votes cast by the participants. Of the 22 participants, the entry to receive the majority of the votes cast was the beautiful piece by Ellen Lasky! I can absolutely see why this piece won the hearts of the participating artists, with a fun (yet elegant) flow. And so appropriate for the summer months in which we find ourselves! While there is never a profound prize for the "Finish It!" Design Challenge (meant mostly as a fun exercise among artists), Ellen has won my final finished design (showcased in the previous blog post) and a handful of cabochons with which to continue her wire wrapping journey. 

Next is the Judged Favorite, picked by a majority from a panel of 4 wire wrappers (not participating in the challenge) and 3 muggles lol. It was almost unanimous amongst us that the beautiful peacock-inspired design by Sandy See take the title. And I admit to being more than a little tickled that the two winning designs are both inspired by animals! Symmetry is a personal nemesis of mine in that, while I love to attempt it, I admittedly rarely succeed at making something .... thoughtful. I personally found Sandy's piece a thoughtful exercise in symmetry, while also maintaining a fun spirit. Sandy has also won a handful of cabochons to continue wrapping with. 

Congratulations to both of the winners, and a truly heartfelt bellow of gratitude to the fellow participants and the community as a whole. If you have yet to view the Gallery of Entries and show your love to these wonderful artists, please take a moment to visit the link!

July 2024 "Finish It!" Design Challenge: Gallery of Entries

Now, I definitely appreciate that the summer months are a TERRIBLE time to host a contest, lol, so I hope to have the next one during a more opportune month or season. If you'd like to participate in the next challenge, leave a comment letting me know which month you'd prefer! Until then.... 

happy weaving and stay creative!
​Nicole