This is the gallery of all winners of our monthly Bits & Pieces challenge. The challenge is to make a piece with five different elements and a specific theme. Each month the elements and theme change!
Bits and Pieces Challenge Elements:
Juror comments – Jurors all agreed that for a first piece, this is very impressive and it is our winner this quarter! The piece is neatly aligned with the ‘blossom’ requirement. Jurors loved the way Malky organized the project and found a way to curve the petals using what looked like a wooden mold for little cakes. Jurors noted the way the edges of the petals were not all sanded to perfection and polished. They have a sort of “natural” feel to them as does the placement of the petals and the slight variation in the size and shape of each one. Things to think about next time would be to do a little more work on the back to make it a bit cleaner. Increasing the contrast between the black and polished elements would add more drama rather than the current lighter patina. Overall the piece has a lovely sensitivity to it and jurors felt it had good balance.
Bits and Pieces Challenge Elements:
Juror comments – Jurors loved that this piece combines traditional jewelry making techniques and materials with sintered metal techniques. They all agreed that this is a thoughtfully designed and well crafted locket. Anna has brought all her experience with metal clay to play in the locket while focusing on all the requirements of the challenge, and she was still able to maintain a focus on her distinctive style. The dark patination and less shiny finish on this piece sets a mood and gives it some mystery and gravitas. Jurors loved the use of the grout and the bit of textured textile from Anna’s studio in the piece. The fact that it seems the narrative is driving the design, and the choices in material and technique makes this as complete a piece as we’ve seen in these competitions. This piece is particularly well thought out with each component having a meaning. Great patination, great finishing. All around a fully realized piece.
As a bonus, Anna’s detailed explanation of the process behind the piece will hopefully allow other artists to learn from a true master of story telling in her pieces and join the B&P challenge!
Bits and Pieces Challenge Elements:
Juror comments – For the last Bits and Pieces challenge of 2022, two of our more prolific makers gave us a wonderful finale! Joy and Annemarie have both created pieces that celebrate the theme of motherland for them. Choosing between them was a very hard decision for the jurors but Joy just got the first place.
The jurors all agreed, Joy’s level of execution is as high as ever in this lovely piece, perfect for the season. The bows in particular are exquisite. Christmas crackers are such a long held tradition in the UK that it perfectly symbolises motherland for the UK at this time of year. That it can multi-task between being a Christmas decoration and a pendant is a plus. One juror noted that the piece had her longing for the Christmas surprise inside, while for another it was a personal reminder of time spent in the UK and a wish that the tradition existed in the US. Well done Joy!
October Bits and Pieces Challenge Elements:
Juror comments – As our only entry this month, it wins the first place! The jurors agreed that this was a really fun piece. In fact one juror said “I’m so glad to see a piece where ‘fun’ is the primary focus and the ‘serious’ nature of so much metal clay work takes a ‘back seat’ (I simply couldn’t resist) to the narrative.” This must have been one memorable trip on the way to Woodstock! The fire in the boot does bring the smell of engine burning to mind. The piece has liveliness and is really inventive, even if it is a bit of a scary concept! The use of primary colors, the lack of perfect surfaces, the ‘wonky’ linear quality, and the ‘immediacy’ of technique all add to an overall feeling that couples with the story to make a very complete statement. This could easily be the start of a series about memorable events of a varying nature all done in this style and with an eye towards fun, silliness, and even perhaps satire.
September Bits and Pieces Challenge Elements:
1. Spines
2. Something natural
3. Embeddable eyelet(s)
4. Negative space
5. For texture or used in the design – glass
Juror comments – The jurors all agreed that the Annemarie’s piece is beautiful and construction is well-executed. The use of negative space is nicely done especially behind the grasses. The textures are really nice and clean. They would loved to have known Annemarie’s thinking behind the connection between the front and back of the design and wondered could this be the independence part of the theme? Overall a fabulous design and very wearable, the chain complements it perfectly.
The jurors loved both submissions for the June Bits and Pieces Challenge, for different reasons. So they decided to award both pieces winner status.
Juror comments – Jurors agreed Mandy’s piece was sweet, very cheerful and well designed. And also very wearable. The use of the shoelace is quite clever and yields a really good texture for the sails. All the jurors commended the solution to the attachment of the boat to the sails, it’s a good example of adapting a technical element to achieve the design you planned. One juror noted that this may add movement when the earrings are worn and another that it is reminiscent of the coils of rope one finds on sailboats. The flat (as opposed to round) ring at the top where the ear wires attach to the sails is a great detail that was noted by one juror. Everything worked well, great job Mandy.
Juror comments – All the jurors liked the design of Joy’s piece and the use of vitreous enamel was particularly well received. In fact, jurors would have liked to see the pierced enameled compartments made larger as there was a feeling that the silver slightly overtakes the lovely enamels. The central design is strong, though the jurors felt some of the other elements didn’t quite integrate with the spiral. The bail, although it met the triangular requirement, could have been more in keeping with the lovely pendant piece. The colour combination worked well and met the complementary colour requirement. Once again, Joy has given jurors lots to talk about which they all love, well done!
May Bits and Pieces Challenge Elements:
1. Jump ring(s)
2. Movement
3. Lumps, bumps or dips
4. Something wavy
5. For texture or used in the design – leather or faux leather
Juror comments – Our winner this month is a newcomer to the bits and pieces challenge, Laura Howarth. Jurors were intrigued by this piece and would have loved to have a bit more information about it. They assumed it isn’t jewelry but some sort of decorative item, maybe a mobile or a sun catcher? Not being able to see the top of the piece and how the other dangling elements relate to the focal piece left them wondering. They all agreed the focal seahorse is beautifully formed and very well articulated. They liked the bit of color in the ridges as well as the attached dorsal fin which they guessed was maybe faux leather? They would love to know how it was made and what clay was used. There was a feeling that the seahorse is so strong that the other strands of beads, chains, and crystals are sort of superfluous although one juror really liked the spiral beads around it. And another juror would love to see the seahorse by itself and hung in some other fashion as it would make a great piece on its own. This piece had the jurors talking for some time! Well done Laura but next time, please give us some information about your thought process, techniques and the way you’ve incorporated all the bits and pieces to interpret the theme.
April Bits and Pieces Challenge Elements:
1. A specific focal element
2. Something made of paper or card
3. An embeddable element
4. Metal clay applique
5. For texture or used in the design – something wrinkled
Juror comments – Everyone was happy to see the neutral background for Mandy’s entry this month, it allows the piece to take all the attention! Jurors felt the butterfly theme was well done and carried through both sides of the pendant. They like the way the butterfly cabochon is framed by part of the texture as well as by Mandy’s attention to the back of the piece. They agreed the bail is a particularly good element in the piece since it seems like it has been treated more as an integral part of the design rather than simply a way to hang the work. The fact that it’s only on the front of the piece and the way it overlaps on itself makes it read more like an object in front of the background. It almost looks like the butterflies are flying into the space underneath the bail and into the space created by the overlap. The variations in the textures also create a nice illusion of space. Jurors felt that this quality might have been enhanced a bit by a little more contrast in the patina between the recessed areas and the areas in relief, perhaps a little more polishing of the high spots? Overall, it’s a lovely piece that could be brought to a higher level of execution by attention to detail. More sanding and refinement of the edges of each added element, especially the bottom edges of the bail, cleaning up excess paste, etc, would make it even better. Taking a picture with your phone and looking closely can show little problem areas which can then be corrected or refined before firing. Well done Mandy, keep at it!
Juror comments – Jurors agreed that this piece is at the usual level of skill we see from Joy, so beautifully executed and well finished! The individual elements of the piece are very nicely fabricated and finished and the overall design is successful. The bail is skillfully handled and the negative space created by the point of the bail in the little circle is very pleasing. The texture on the frame relates well to the overall piece. The botanical bits are trimmed neatly and applied cleanly. One thing that several jurors mentioned was that without Joy’s explanation of the folded area representing mountains, they would not have recognised them. One juror said that the crescent moon caused a visual discord and confusion and the piece might be better without it although another thought the moon was lovely. And the Keum Boo is really well done. So this piece caused quite a lot of discussion amongst jurors which is always a good thing! Keep challenging the jurors Joy!
March Bits and Pieces Challenge Elements:
1. A metal element that’s not metal clay
2. Same shape, different size
3. Hot color
4. Bead(s)
5. For texture or used in the design – a bolt or screw
Juror comments – Jurors agreed, these lovely earrings from Mandy are worthy winners this month. They are very wearable! The bolt texture on the top circles contrast with the delicate flowers on the bottom circles and the color is great. Jurors also like the scratched texture on the back of the earrings as they like the attention given to the back of things – an important consideration in all work. The inversion of the flower design on the large discs adds a nice contrast to the symmetry of the earrings, as does the slightly different textures on the small discs. Because the differences are fairly small, the viewer has to look closely and this keeps attention on the design – always a good strategy to engage the viewer. Well done Mandy!
One other thing jurors wanted to mention with this submission is the actual photograph. These lovely earrings are having to fight with a highly textured background which draws the eye of the viewer away from the main focus. The citrine beads almost disappear against a similar colored wood background. How much more impact would they have if they were shot against a plain white or pale grey background? That would have allowed the full beauty and nuance of the details to stand out rather than having to compete with lots of other distractions. Always allow your creations to be the center of attention!
February Bits and Pieces Challenge Elements:
1. Metal clay snakes or tentacles
2. Glass, stones or gems
3. A floating bail
4. Something asymmetrical
5. For texture or used in the design – something associated with the sea
Juror comments – Wow, this month saw a record number of entries for the Bits and Pieces Challenge and what a fantastic bunch of entries we had! The jurors had the hardest task ever choosing one winner but in the end, the accolade goes to Danielle Ferreira for her very imaginative, well thought out and well executed piece. The jurors all agreed that it is one of the most “complete” pieces they’ve seen for some time. By complete, they mean that there is no element of the work that is not essential to the design and that each element is developed thoroughly and with great care to integrate with all the other elements and the resultant whole. The idea of the dark hole as the ocean with the glow in the dark blue light shining through the holes at the top of the piece works perfectly and the graceful way the tentacles arch up and curl over is so well executed. The wonderful textures created by the tentacle suckers contrast beautifully with the smooth parts and the matching patinas enhance both. The asymmetry of the stone placement goes perfectly with the slightly asymmetrical nature of the entire piece. In this arena, Danielle strikes a perfect balance since there is such a fine line between a piece looking a little “off” or purposefully asymmetrical. The attention to detail is superb as in the textured bail and the upset edge of the central form. A winner all the way.
January Bits and Pieces Challenge Elements:
1. Prongs
2. Something recycled
3. Metal clay embellishments
4. Contrasting colors
5. For texture or used in the design – a tropical fruit
Juror comments – We start this new year with a single entry for the Bits and Pieces challenge and it’s from our regular contributor, Anca! The jurors all agreed that the use of the lychee fruit for texture was terrific. Compliments to Anca for such a good use of the different bronze clays. The different colors really help to define the pattern, highlight the themes of dark and light, yin and yang, and balance. The use of the yin/yang motif is always a good idea to symbolize balance and making the earrings the separate halves of the symbol is a great touch. The jurors liked the prong setting for the crystal and the use of resin in the pendant. Jurors remarked that it would have been good to have the earrings hung without a ring at the top much like the pendant has no hanging mechanism showing. And they all agreed, this is a very nice set of jewelry. Well done Anca!
December Bits and Pieces Challenge Elements:
1. Something functional
2. Something sparkly
3. Hand carving
4. Metal clay dots, balls or donuts
5. For texture or used in the design – a found object
Juror comments – Our final challenge of 2021 had three wonderful entries so the jury had another hard job picking a winner. The jury agreed that Ana’s sugar spoon was a terrific piece. They particularly loved to see metal clay used for a functional object rather than jewellery. They liked the use of the shell for the spoon bowl and noted that the transition from the bowl to the handle is well done which is not always an easy task. The textured end to the handle and the contrast of the red stone work really well. Having a stone on each side of the handle is also a lovely feature. Additionally, jurors really like the two lines towards the end of the handle. Though this is a small detail, it goes a long way to giving the eye of the viewer a rest and setting them up to sort of indulge in the details of the end of the spoon. Well done Ana, this is a lovely piece.
November Bits and Pieces Challenge Elements:
1. A 3D element
2. Embeddable element
3. Something round
4. Alcohol ink, glass paint or some other coloring medium
5. For texture or used in the design – something from the kitchen
Juror comments – The variety of the entries this month was wonderful, each entry interpreted the theme in a unique way. The jury really enjoyed looking at all of them. It was hard to choose a winner but Martha really stunned the jury with her design. They all agreed it is a wonderfully elegant, delicate and graceful piece. They loved the dimensionality and graceful curves of Martha’s piece, noting that the curve makes the piece come alive. The texture of the leaves works very well and jurors liked how they sort of echo the way the CZ’s sparkle. Even the lines on the leaves reflect and help to emphasize the curves. The icy blue of the leaves was a good choice and perhaps aquamarine stones might have also gone well with the blue leaves. The selection of the chain adds to the light, airiness of the piece and having the piece “hit” at the neckline was a great choice. A very successful piece on every level, well done Martha.
October Bits and Pieces Challenge Elements:
1. Metal clay projections
2. Primary colors
3. Movement
4. A repeating element
5. For texture or used in the design – something edible
Juror comments – Oh my, the jurors had another tough choice this month! All the pieces were terrific but they decided that Karen’s creepy clock was a worthy winner. They all agreed it was indeed very creepy! The double entendre of the hands of the clock and the creepy hand is terrific. The wonderfully carved fingers serve so well as the spiky element holding the clock face. The idea of “the hand of time” grabbing at one and how that could quickly spiral into …. who knows what – CREEPY! All the jurors loved the overall concept and the moving element is tied into the design well as the pendulum for the clock which works really well. The use of bronze as opposed to another color of metal gives an aged, more mysterious feeling to the whole piece. Major kudos for trying new techniques and that clock face! Fantastic. Well done Karen, we hope you do more pieces for this challenge in the future.
September Bits and Pieces Challenge Elements:
1. Spines
2. Something natural
3. Texture made with paste
4. Negative space
5. For texture or used in the design – fabric
We had two wonderful entries for the Bits and Pieces Challenge in September. Both were very different and both were worthy winners so the jury have decided to put them both in the top spot!
Juror comments – Joy has created a design which jurors agreed is very elegant and wearable as well as being a very successful piece in various other ways. The jurors loved the idea of the freedom of using leftover bits to let the materials take one where they will with design and creativity that Joy describes. They noted the way the spike is woven through the spirals, creating dimension and movement in what could have been a static piece. The repetition of the spiral form and the variation in the scale of that form works particularly well to create that sense of dimension and movement. They loved the way the light plays off the surface due to the texture and to darkening of the low spots with the patina. The injection of color with the stones and way they are set really completes this piece and the red is the perfect color in contrast to the fairly monochromatic silver. Well done Joy!
Juror comments – The jury agreed that Anca’s use of different metals to create the elements on this design is fabulous. They felt that using all these different base clays presented a steep learning curve especially if you aren’t used to using them as Anca’s description seems to indicate. The combination of colors injects a rather terrific element into metal clay work and the use here works quite well. They really define the shapes. Jurors liked the juxtaposition of the colors and forms and the contrast they provide to the overall design. It was felt that with so much going on in the piece, the connection to the chain might have been better hidden on the back of the piece to avoid the visual “pull” of the bail thus allowing the various elements in the piece to be the sole focus. As always, jurors very much like the attention paid to the back of the piece – something that is all too often overlooked. They loved the feeling that the dolphin curving around the sea, sky, and sun evokes as well as the seagulls flying through the clouds. And they’re also big dolphin fans so love the concept! The color of the metals and the spiky rays really made the jurors feel like they’re standing on the shore looking into the sunset. Well done Anca!
August Bits and Pieces Challenge Elements:
1. Stone(s)
2. Something cool colored
3. Embeddable eyelet(s)
4. Movement
5. For texture or used in the design – sand or grit
Juror comments – Once again, the jury were blown away by the high standard of this month’s entries and had a hard time choosing a winner. In the end, they decided that this piece by Anca stood out and just screamed ‘FIESTA’! The jurors could really see the inspiration of Frida Kahlo in the design and felt these would be the kind of earrings she would wear. They also noted that the silhouette of the white bronze metal piece almost looks like a nod to the skull forms used so often in Kahlo’s and other Mexican work.
The mixed media element really elevates this piece. Just looking at the metal clay piece, the jury noted a very nice use of the clay and a well-made metal element but then with the addition of the feathers, the artist has thrust the piece into a whole different arena. Jurors loved the contrast between the rigid metal with its fine detail and shiny finished surfaces and the very loose and airy feeling presented by the feathers. Cool colors were called for and she has met this with the blue stone and green feathers. Then she adds a pop of fuchsia and there you have it – FIESTA! Fabulous job Anca, well done!
JULY Bits and Pieces Challenge Elements:
1. Something curved
2. Bead(s)
3. A key
4. Something golden
5. For texture or used in the design – hand carving
Juror comments – Once again, this month’s submissions were all really wonderful interpretations of the theme. It was difficult for the jurors to select a single winner but they decided that Anca’s use of three colours of metal clay elevated her submission so they have chosen this as the winner this month.
There is lots of symbology in this piece and the use of the keys as symbolising happiness through love, inspiration and peace was inspired. The number 3 is very symbolic and she has included repetition of 3’s in the tags, the keys and the beads. The fact that they are all suspended from a circle seems to be symbolic as well. It could be the eternal circle of life, the ‘key’ to which is the combination of love, inspiration and peace. This piece gave the jurors a lot to think about. It is very thoughtful and balanced. Well done Anca!
JUNE Bits and Pieces Challenge Elements:
1. Something round
2. Gallery or patterned wire or sheet
3. A natural object
4. Metal clay embellishments – balls, dots, donuts, leaves, flowers
5. For texture or used in the design – fabric or lace
The jurors had such a difficult time choosing a winner this month as our three B&P regulars have all done so well! Each interpretation of the theme of Fun has taken a different route resulting in an impossible task so they’ve decided all three are joint winners this month.
Juror comments – Once again, Joy has used a Beatles song as her inspiration for a B&P piece after the April entry used ‘The Fool on the Hill’. Jurors agreed that this is a great fun design, the colours are fabulous! There’s great attention to detail in the suckers and the tentacles almost look like a bow! All the elements work very well together. Jurors love the fun colors on the tentacles, the lacy texture of the body, and the bright and cheery sunstone. As a brooch, the outside shape of the piece is uninterrupted by any form of hanging mechanism which means it make a terrific impact. You can really see Joy extending her design wings as the months go by. Well done Joy!
Juror comments – The jurors agreed that Vicki’s dynamic statement ring has fabulous movement and is really wearable. The dragon wing and gnarled branches with dangles balance each other while directing the eye across the piece. The moonstone in its lovely setting is nicely framed by the wing and branches and beautifully set with gallery bezel wire. Well done Vicki another wonderful piece!
Juror comments – Annemarie’s interpretation is inspired by fun at the beach and this is a wonderfully wearable piece for beach to barbeque! Jurors love the use of mixed media with natural shells complementing the more formal glass cab settings in gallery bezel wire. The turquoise cords and all the themed dangles show clearly it’s designed around the sea and beach. The cords and knots help to bring all the elements together. This piece would look equally at home with beach wear or evening wear. Well done Annemarie!
MAY Bits and Pieces Challenge Elements:
1. A visible bail – not a jump ring
2. Glass or gem(s)
3. Resin
4. Something curly
5. For texture or used in the design – wallpaper
Juror comments – The jury had such a hard time choosing a winner this month as all the pieces were so well designed and creatively constructed. They all agreed that this piece had a level of sophistication and elegance that just nudged it into the winning position. They liked how the “crystal” texture pattern relates to the pattern in the dichroic on one side and how the curled wire on the other side refers to the cut interior edges of the pendant. The use of negative space to differentiate the two contrasting sides is really effective and the wavy interior walls look like they would fit together perfectly. Overall, the piece is so well balanced and thought out! Well done Joy!
APRIL Bits and Pieces Challenge Elements:
1. Something plastic – can be a found object, acrylic sheet, Faux Bone™ etc
2. A floating bail
3. Bead(s)
4. Metal clay tentacles, coils or snakes
5. For texture or used in the design – punchinella
Juror comments – The jury all agreed this is a thoughtful and beautiful piece both in conception and execution. Design-wise, the piece is terrific with jurors noting that it’s not a literal interpretation of a jester but has the heart suit used as a reference. The proportion of the wings to the key establishes a lovely balance by pitting the visual weight of the wings against the intellectual importance of the key. The details are wonderful, including the repetition of the three hearts – the one behind the green stone and the positive and negative small ones at the top and bottom of the piece. The texture of the wings is a great counterpoint to the smooth vine and shank of the key. The vine with leaves and the bat wings form graceful curves. The use of negative space is also great, particularly the space formed by the repeated arcs of the wings and the dangling beads. Vicki also exhibits a very good understanding of how to use patina to heighten the details and accentuate the textures used in various places. Fantastic interpretation of the April theme, well done Vicki!
MARCH Bits and Pieces Challenge Elements:
1. A metal bead core – silver or base metal
2. Stone(s) or gem(s)
3. A touch of neon color
4. A photograph or picture
5. For texture or used in the design – bark or a twig
Juror comments – The jury loved all the elements of this piece which meet the Spring theme perfectly. Starting with a sphere – necessarily a symmetrical form – and then adding asymmetrical appliques with the flowers and the vines that wander over the surface is a lovely design decision. The contrast between the smooth background and the highly textured flowers offer a bit of a switch from the normally textured background and smooth relief we see so often. The pretty framed butterfly dangle at the bottom works well and the attention given to even this tiny element echoes all the detail in the larger piece. The yellow ribbon contributes to the Spring feel of this piece. This is a very complete statement and is beautifully executed.
FEBRUARY Bits and Pieces Challenge Elements:
Juror comments – The jurors had such a hard time deciding on this month’s winner but this piece just ticked all the boxes with its quirky design and the fragile skeleton leaf heart. They loved the story and one juror said, ‘This piece is sort of Steampunk on steroids for me’! They loved everything about it from the design to the use of two metals. It showed very good technique and an excellent choice of materials. It was nice to see a different way of hanging other than a chain with the use of the leather cord and the commercial chain used for hanging the key. All the little details combine to create a beautifully complete piece which expresses the narrative perfectly. Well done!
JANUARY Bits and Pieces Challenge Elements:
Juror comments –The jurors agreed that this piece fits the New Beginnings theme perfectly. A delightful piece. The jurors all like the branch as a bail, especially with the bird atop the branch. Design-wise, the rectangular background gives the feeling that we’re seeing a slice of a larger scene and with its slight texture, the background recedes for an illusion of great depth. Breaking the edge of the background with the leaves and branches is an excellent design decision and again, adds to the illusion of depth. The birds, flower, nest, and leaves are formed with a certain abbreviation that nicely fits the “mood” of the piece. The whimsical bird dangling a worm over a nest full of hatchlings is really delightful. The pop of colour on the birds and flower are lovely additions. Well done on your first Bits and Pieces submission!
DECEMBER Bits and Pieces Challenge Elements:
Juror comments – The jury agreed that this is a lovely piece. They really liked the fact that it’s a Christmas tree ornament that can also be taken apart and used to create two pendants. They agreed the use of the candy wrapper as a kind of “stained glass” element placed over the openings in the design was cleverly done and provided a great pop of color. One thing they noted was that the hanging pendulum element was only textured on one side and felt it would have been good if this was double sided. Overall, the piece was well constructed, innovative in its dual functionality and a lovely debut piece from Helen for the Bits and Pieces challenge.
NOVEMBER Bits and Pieces Challenge Elements:
Juror comments – This is such fun and a really delightful piece in every way! It looks complex particularly the addition of a hood on the jacket. In fact the jurors especially like the curve of the hood in the back. This design is super cute, really nicely done! The mittens hanging from the sleeves and the pops of gold on the pockets and gloves are also really lovely touches. These, together with the cuffs on the sleeves are all fabulous details and add to the success of the piece. A bit of patina could heighten the contrast of those elements and would add another level of appreciation of the work. It is really playful and evocative of childhood and walking in the rain. Very well executed. Well done Ana!
OCTOBER Bits and Pieces Challenge Elements:
Juror comments –Brett has captured the very essence of the spooky theme with this piece. The jury used phrases like ‘freaky but I like it!’, ‘fun, silly, and oddly appealing’ and ‘this is really spooky–especially the eyes and tentacles of the hair.’ Jurors loved the fact that it was a brooch and a pendant making it suitable for both men and women to wear. In fact our only male juror said, ‘I like it and I think I might even wear it!’ The gems that Brett has chosen for the eyes are really starey scary which is captured perfectly in the photograph. And the jury felt the hair had a Marge Simpson quality that gave them all a good laugh. Well done Brett and thanks to all the wonderful pieces that were submitted for our spooky Halloween themed challenge in October.
SEPTEMBER Bits and Pieces Challenge Elements:
Juror comments – Very clever design. The legend subtly links the computer chip and circuit board used in the texture and design elements. We love the stones and the connecting wires that evoke the wires on the inspiration toy computer chip. The asymmetrical placement of the donut set stones are nicely balanced. Well done!
Juror comments – Lovely setting for the polymer clay cab which looks a lot like stone. The curved design of the earrings suggests lots of movement. Simple but very effective design on the pieces and great prongs, lovely that it’s a set with two different earrings to choose from. It’s an elegant set and the colors are rich and sophisticated. Great job.
Juror comments – Everything about this piece is so well integrated. It is difficult to determine where the central focal point starts and the chain begins. The shape of the focal element matches the repetitious motifs of the chain creating wonderful harmony in the piece and the color match is extraordinary. The lovely polymer flowers fit just right and give a pop of color which lifts the whole design. Fabulous piece.
Juror comments – Kudos for doing a double sided piece with an elegant and ‘grown-up’ side and a fun and playful side allowing the wearer to choose the mood for the day. The jury love that the polymer background on the whimsical unicorn side of the piece is so well integrated. The crystal chain works so well with the design whichever side is shown. The polymer beads on the chain don’t work quite so well as they are a little out of proportion with the rest of the piece. Great use of repetition and everything is well integrated, well done!
AUGUST Bits and Pieces Challenge Elements:
Juror comments – Beautifully designed and executed piece. Love the beaded kumihimo. Love this design, the whole piece works really nicely. The only thing I might have tried is CZs in a matching pink/red color to the beads on the bracelet. The clear CZs just get a little lost. Fab piece, great work on the clasp and the integration of the texture of the silver bead with the beadwork on the rest of the bracelet. I agree about the color of the CZ’s. Very well executed.
Juror comments – Lots of great movement in this piece–not only the dangling flower that appears to be dancing but also in the design of the body of the piece. Love this design, really nicely done. Well executed and thought through. I would love to see what it would look like patinated. Pretty cool piece. Very good use of the stones and their placement is fab. I’d prefer a chain for hanging and a different background for the photo and also agree about the patina.
